How to Grow Red Licorice
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Red Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra var. rubra
herbRed Licorice is a perennial herb grown for its sweet roots, which are used in traditional medicine and confectionery. It produces tall stems with compound leaves and small yellowish flowers in summer. The plant develops deep taproots over several years that accumulate sweetness and medicinal compounds.
When should you plant Red Licorice in your zone?
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Example Red Licorice timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Licorice
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Licorice
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Licorice dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-10; prefers warm, dry climates similar to its native Mediterranean and Asian origins
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Get my Red Licorice timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with narrow cotyledons emerge 2-3 weeks after planting. First true leaves are small and compound.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth (Year 1-2)
1-2 yearsPlant develops upright stems 2-4 feet tall with pinnate compound leaves. No flowers yet as energy focuses on establishing deep taproot.
Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Weed carefully to avoid disturbing the developing taproot. Mulch lightly to retain moisture.
Flowering
6-8 weeksSmall yellow or pale purple flowers appear in spikes from late spring to summer on established plants (year 2+). Plant may reach 3-5 feet tall.
Maintain moderate watering. Flowering indicates the plant is mature enough that roots are developing desirable compounds. Allow flowers to mature if not harvesting roots yet.
Root Development & Maturation
2-3 additional yearsTaproots thicken and develop increasing sweetness and glycyrrhizin content. Underground root system becomes complex with rhizomes.
Minimal intervention needed. Keep weeds at bay. In cool climates, mulch heavily in winter. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which favors leaves over roots.
Harvest Ready
Ongoing after year 3After 3-5 years, roots have accumulated sufficient sweetness and medicinal compounds for harvest. Plant reaches full maturity.
Harvest in fall or early spring when plant is dormant. Carefully dig to extract the entire taproot system without breaking roots.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve drainage; avoid overwatering; apply fungicide if necessary; ensure soil is well-aerated
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Ensure good air circulation; spray with sulfur or neem oil in early stages; remove affected leaves
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; apply copper fungicide if needed
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and
Remove by hand; use slug baits; create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth
Uses
Confectionery & Candy
CulinaryRed licorice root is the traditional base for licorice candy, providing natural sweetness and distinctive flavor. The root extract is used in sweets, beverages, and flavoring agents. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalLicorice root has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to soothe digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and support adrenal function. It contains compounds that may help protect the stomach lining. [source]
Respiratory Health
MedicinalTraditionally used to soothe cough and support respiratory health; licorice root expectorant properties make it popular in herbal cough syrups and teas. [source]
Herbal Tea & Tonic
HouseholdDried root pieces can be steeped to create a naturally sweet herbal tea with a pleasant licorice flavor, often used as a caffeine-free beverage or blended with other herbs. [source]
Natural Dye & Cosmetics
CraftLicorice extract is used in natural cosmetics, skincare products, and as a natural dye source for textiles and art projects. [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 roots in fall (preferred) or early spring after at least 3 years of growth when the plant is dormant. Carefully excavate around the plant and gently extract the entire taproot system. Wash roots thoroughly and dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks before storage. Roots can be used fresh or dried. Cut dried roots into pieces for tea, tincture, or confectionery use. Secondary roots and rhizomes can be replanted for new growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and is one of the oldest herbal remedies in the world, mentioned in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese medical texts.
- 🌱 The name 'licorice' comes from the Greek words 'glykys' (sweet) and 'rhiza' (root); a single plant's roots can weigh over 2 pounds when fully mature and developed.
- 🌱 Licorice root is naturally 30-50 times sweeter than table sugar due to glycyrrhizin, yet contains almost no calories, making it a prized ingredient in natural sweetening and confectionery industries worldwide.
Gardening Terms
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