Sweet cicely

Cicely or Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a plant belonging to the family Apiaceae, native to Central Europe; it is the sole species in the genus Myrrhis. It is a tall herbaceous perennial plant, growing to 2 m tall. The leaves are finely divided, feathery, up to 50cm (20in) long.

Location
Sweet cicely grows better in partial shade than a sunny spot. Sweet cicely spreads by scattering its seeds. Be aware that it can be extremely invasive. Find a place to plant it that it can be somewhat alone.

Soil
Make certain that the soil has been adequately turned. Add fertilizer and humus to the soil.

Sowing
Scatter the seeds as a surface planting and mix with a time released fertilizer. Sweet cicely likes the light for germination, but usually requires a few months of cold and a good frost first.

Transplanting
Transplant the sweet cicely to 2 feet apart in the spring.

Aftercare
Keep it moist throughout the growing season.

Harvesting
Harvest anytime for use. Oils are at their most concentrated when plants are budding.

Troubles
Sweet cicely is usually pest and disease free.