How to Grow Angelica
Angelica archangelica
Angelica is a magnificent biennial herb that thrives in cool, moist, partially shaded spots where most herbs struggle. Sow fresh seed in autumn directly where it is to grow — seed needs cold stratification and loses viability quickly. In its first year it forms a rosette of large, deeply divided leaves. In the second year it sends up thick hollow stems to 2m topped with large umbels of greenish-white flowers. Harvest young stems for candying, leaves for salads and tea, seeds for flavouring. Self-seeds freely if allowed to flower.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a balanced organic feed in early spring as growth resumes. A second light feed in midsummer supports stem development. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which produce soft growth prone to aphids.
- Magnificent architectural biennial reaching 2m or more. Thrives in partial shade and moist, rich soil — one of the few large herbs that prefers shade. All parts are edible and aromatic. Self-seeds prolifically if flower heads are left. Sow seed fresh in autumn as viability drops rapidly. Attracts beneficial insects when in flower.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 5–15°C
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- Direct sow
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 60 cm |
| Row spacing | 90 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 200 cm |
| Mature spread | 90 cm |
Large architectural herb reaching 2m+. Needs generous spacing for its broad leaves and thick hollow stems. Plant in groups of 3 for dramatic effect.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green or black insects on young shoot tips and the undersides of leaves, often accompanied by sticky honeydew and sooty mould.
- Blast off with a strong jet of water. Repeat daily for a week.
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to affected areas.
- Spray with a pyrethrin-based insecticide as a last resort.
Pest Celery Fly (Leaf Miner)
Identification: Pale blotchy mines or blisters on leaves caused by larvae tunnelling inside the leaf tissue. Affected leaves turn brown and papery.
- Remove and destroy infested leaves immediately.
- Cover young plants with fine insect mesh to prevent egg-laying.
- No approved chemical treatments are available for home use in the UK.
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in large leaves and slime trails on stems and soil surface, especially after rain or at night.
- Apply a ring of sharp grit or wool pellets around the crown.
- Use ferric phosphate slug pellets which are safe for wildlife.
- Metaldehyde pellets are effective but toxic to pets and hedgehogs — use sparingly and only as a last resort.
Disease Crown Rot Phytophthora spp. / Pythium spp.
Symptoms: Collapse of the central crown with dark, mushy tissue at the base. Leaves yellow and wilt suddenly even when soil is moist.
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants immediately. Do not replant angelica in the same spot for at least three years.
Prevention: Improve drainage before planting. Avoid overwatering and mulching directly against the crown. Plant in raised beds in heavy clay soils.
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe heraclei
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaf surfaces, particularly older leaves lower on the plant. Leaves may yellow and drop prematurely.
Treatment: Remove badly affected leaves. Improve air circulation by thinning nearby plants. A dilute baking soda spray (1 tsp per litre) offers mild suppression.
Prevention: Avoid overhead watering. Ensure adequate spacing (at least 60 cm between plants). Keep plants well-watered to reduce heat stress.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 5–15°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Angelica?
- Plant Angelica 60cm apart with 90cm between rows.
- Is Angelica frost hardy?
- Angelica is classified as Hardy.
