Growing Angelica

Angelica archangelica : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                    P P

(Best months for growing Angelica in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 45 cm apart
  • Harvest in approximately 18 months. Angelica archangelica has slightly dull leaves, not shiny..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Any herbs that like damp, shady areas - mint, lemon balm
  • Angelica leaves

Angelica is a biennial herb-growing the first year and flowering the second. Angelica likes moist, rich soil that is slightly acid, growing best in semi-shade. It can be grown from seeds, but they must be sown within a few weeks otherwise they lose their viability. Angelica will self seed if seed heads are left on the plant. Young plants will die back in winter and will need mulching in frost-prone areas. Then they will grow again in spring and produce flowers.

NOTE: Angelica pachycarpa sold as an ornamental garden plant is not edible. It can be distinguished from Angelica archangelica as it has bright shiny leaves.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Angelica

The stems can be candied and used to decorate cakes and pastries.

Pick the stems in the second year.

Your comments and tips

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19 Nov 19, Green Ankles (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Angelica is a very small plant and requires a lot of water however, my plant, Angelica, has stopped growing please give recommendations on how I can successfully grow angelica to an average size. Thank you.
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19 Nov 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Edible Angelica usually grows to about a metre high and spreads a bit. Make sure that you have the edible variety, not the one with shiny leaves. Regular watering should keep it growing through the Summer/ Autumn, then it will die down in Winter. Read the information here www.gardenate.com/plant/Angelica
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13 Dec 10, Scott (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Been told SHINY leaves can be candied and eaten...anyone else with knowledge about this?
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17 Dec 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Definitely do not eat the shiny leaf variety -
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