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Sweet cicely prefers a cool, lightly shaded position with moist, well-drained soil. Sow seeds outdoors in autumn or early spring, as they benefit from a period of cold to germinate. Sow directly where plants are to grow, as sweet cicely dislikes transplanting.
Keep soil moist during germination, which can be slow and irregular. Once established, plants are hardy, long-lived, and require little maintenance.
Sow: October to November or February to March
Plant out: If started in pots, plant out carefully while young into moist soil, spacing 45-60cm apart. Avoid disturbing roots.
Harvesting time: March to June (leaves); May to June (flowers)
Check out our Grow & Cook section for more growing tips.
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Sweet cicely is prized for its natural aniseed sweetness. The fresh leaves can be used to sweeten custards and stewed fruits such as rhubarb, infused as a gentle herbal tea, and are also lovely added sparingly to salads. The delicate white flowers make a beautiful edible garnish for desserts and fruit dishes. Seeds can be used anywhere a sweet anise flavour is welcome, while the roots can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like parsnips. Traditionally, sweet cicely has also been used to make aromatic wines and cordials.
Check out our Grow & Cook section for more cooking ideas.
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Check our frequently asked questions page for answers to all those questions you might have.
If you have a specific question, feel free to reach out to us at hello@fattomato.ie