Believe it or not, licorice isn't just a flavor or those black stringy candies, but an actual herb that you can grow! With a very strong scent and taste, the licorice plant is easy to grow and has a multitude of uses, so keep reading to see how to grow licorice plants! Related to peas and beans, the licorice plant is a flowering perennial that grows to about 5 feet tall. The part of the plant that contains its unique licorice flavor is actually located in its extensive root system. Used extensively in many cultures for its medicinal properties as well as a natural sweetener, the licorice plant can be easily grown in your garden!
How to Grow Licorice Plants
Planting Licorice Plants:
- You can grow licorice plants from seeds or from a broken off rhizome (just as long as you make sure that the rhizome you're about to plant has a bud on it).
- If planting from seeds, start seeds indoors in the fall and transplant in the spring.
- Rhizomes can be planted directly outdoors in the spring.
- The licorice plant loves alkaline, sandy, and moist soil.
- Although a licorice plant can take quite some time to get established, once it does, it CAN take over. Plan on planting in a raised bed to avoid a licorice plant takeover.
- From seed, a licorice plant will germinate within 14-20 days.
- Keep your plants in partly sunny to fully sunny areas.
- Plant each seedling 12-36 inches apart.
Harvesting Licorice Plants:
- The roots can be harvested after about 3 years.
- Simply dig out the roots using a small shovel and use!
Now that you know how to grow licorice plants, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
Happy Planting!
