Angelica is a tall, aromatic biennial herb with bold green leaves, reddish stems and rounded clusters of pale green flowers. Its impressive height makes it suitable for the back of herb beds, shaded borders and large home gardens.

This cool-weather herb prefers rich, consistently moist soil and full sun to partial shade. The young stems and leaves have traditionally been used for flavouring, while the flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.

Starting Angelica from Seed

For dried seed, mix it with a little damp seed compost in a sealed container and refrigerate at about 4°C for 4–6 weeks. Then sow on the surface of seed compost without covering, as light helps germination. Keep the tray moist at 10–13°C; germination may take 1–3 months. Move young seedlings into deeper pots, then harden them off and plant 12–24 inches apart while still small.

Common names: Angelica, Garden Angelica, Wild Celery