Angelica - Angelica archangelica
100 Seeds.
Sow March - April or September - October.
Hardy biennial and short lived perennial (about 4 years).
Prefers deep, moist but well-drained soil and partial shade.
Height 1-2.5m (3-8ft) Spread 1m (3ft).
Keep seeds moist and maintain a temperature of 18-20o C for the first 2-4 weeks, then reduce the temperature to between -4 and +4o C for another 4-6 weeks. After this, the seed can be kept at around 12-15o C and should begin to germinate.
Rootstock varies in colour from pale yellowish-beige to reddish-brown. Large glossy aromatic leaves at the bottom, smaller pinnate at the top. Flower heads in the second year, greenish-white and sweetly scented. Plants will self-seed unless cut back in autumn.
Angelica
Also known as Root of the Holy Ghost, European and Garden Angelica.
A native of Europe, Asia and North America. This ancient and highly aromatic plant, which is praised in the folklore of northern European countries as a panacea for all ills. Its name probably comes from the feast day of the archangel Michael as it blooms on this day and who appeared in a vision to explain its protective powers against evil, or from the Greek angleos, meaning 'messenger'.