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How to Grow Sweet Cicely

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Sweet Cicely

Myrrhis odorata

herb

Sweet cicely is a delicate, fern-like perennial herb native to Europe with feathery foliage and tiny white flowers that smell of anise. It produces distinctive elongated seeds that are also aromatic and sweet. The entire plant has a subtle licorice-like flavor and aroma.

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Example Sweet Cicely timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Sweet Cicely

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Sweet Cicely

    Around Aug 15

    ≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sweet Cicely dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight, 3-4 hours of indirect sun daily
💧
Water: Consistently moist but not waterlogged; prefers moderate moisture throughout the growing season
📏
Spacing: 18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 120-150 days from seed to harvest-ready
🌱
Planting depth: Seeds: 1/4 inch deep; Transplants: at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moisture-retentive loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost leaf mold organic matter

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-8, preferring cooler climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Seed Stratification & Germination

4-8 weeks

Seeds are small and require cold stratification; germination is slow and erratic, taking 3-6 weeks

Sow seeds in fall for spring germination or cold-stratify indoors for 4 weeks; keep soil cool and moist

2

Seedling

4-6 weeks

Tiny, delicate seedlings emerge with simple oval leaves; very fragile and slow-growing initially

Provide dappled light, keep consistently moist, protect from direct sun and wind; do not overwater

3

Vegetative Growth

2-4 months

Plant develops characteristic feathery, fern-like foliage with increasing branching; reaches 2-3 feet tall

Water regularly, apply mulch to retain moisture, avoid full sun which can scorch leaves; thin competing seedlings

4

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Delicate white or pale pink flowers appear in flat-topped clusters (umbels) in late spring; highly fragrant

Maintain consistent moisture; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms or leave for seed production

5

Seed Production & Maturation

4-8 weeks

Flowers develop into distinctive long, ridged green seeds that darken as they mature; seeds are aromatic and edible

Allow seeds to fully mature on the plant; harvest when brown and dry; self-seeds readily if left unharvested

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Parsley chervil sorrel mint woodruff shade-loving perennials

Avoid planting near:

Full-sun herbs like basil drought-tolerant plants intensely competitive plants

Common Pests

  • and

    Handpick, use copper tape barriers, encourage ground beetles; avoid excessive mulch that provides shelter

  • Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur spray if needed

  • Spray with water jet, apply neem oil, introduce ladybugs

Uses

🍳

Anise-flavored herb for sweets and beverages

Culinary

Sweet cicely leaves add a subtle licorice flavor to desserts, teas, and beverages without the intensity of anise or fennel. The sweet seeds are also edible and used as a natural sweetener in cooking. [source]

🍳

Culinary sweetener substitute

Culinary

Both leaves and seeds contain natural sweetness, allowing reduction of sugar in recipes while adding aromatic flavor. Commonly used in fruit dishes, preserves, and herbal infusions. [source]

💊

Digestive and carminative aid

Medicinal

Traditionally used in herbal medicine to soothe digestion, reduce bloating, and ease flatulence due to its carminative properties. Often prepared as a tea. [source]

🏠

Fragrant addition to dried arrangements

Household

The dried seeds and seed heads are aromatic and attractive, making them popular in dried flower arrangements and potpourri. [source]

💊

Women's health and lactation support

Medicinal

Historically used to support milk production in nursing mothers and to ease digestive complaints in children due to its gentle, sweet nature. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest leaves anytime during the growing season for fresh use; best flavor before flowering. Pinch tips to encourage bushiness. Harvest green or mature seeds in summer/early fall when they darken; they dry quickly and store well. The root can be harvested in fall of the second year.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Sweet cicely is one of the few herbs that can reduce the need for added sugar due to its natural sweetness, making it valuable in modern low-sugar cooking.
  • 🌱 The plant self-seeds prolifically and can become naturalized in woodland gardens; it was historically used to flavor liqueurs and cordials in medieval Europe.
  • 🌱 All parts of the plant are aromatic and edible—leaves, flowers, seeds, and even the roots—making it one of the most versatile herbs for culinary use.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Germination Mulch Partial Shade Perennial
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