Herb 'Liquorice'

Glycyrrhiza glabra — Liquorice
Liquorice is an herbaceous perennial legume grown for its sweet, aromatic roots. The roots contain glycyrrhizin, a natural compound 30–50 times sweeter than sugar, while the familiar liquorice flavour comes from anethole, also found in fennel, anise, and star anise. Plants grow to about 1 m (3 ft) tall and should be spaced 60 cm (24") apart. Roots are typically harvested in the second or third year, with some reserved for replanting to maintain the crop. Hardy to Zone 7.

DETAILS:

QTY: 20

SITE: Sun

TYPE: Perennial (Hardy to zone 7)

DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 7-14 Days at 20°C

MATURITY: 365+ Days

SPACING: 36"

HOW TO GROW:

Planting and Soil

• When to Plant: Sow seeds indoors around the last frost date. Licorice can be slow to germinate; a light scarification of the seed coat can help. Transplant seedlings outdoors once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 10°C.

• Where to Plant: Choose a spot with full sun and excellent drainage. While it will grow in various soil types, a deep, loose soil is ideal to accommodate its extensive root system.

• Soil and Fertilizer: As a legume, licorice fixes its own nitrogen, so soil fertility is less important. You won't need to add much fertilizer. The main focus should be on drainage to prevent root rot.

Watering and Care

• Watering: Licorice is quite drought-tolerant once its deep taproot is established. Water young plants regularly to help them get started. Once mature, it will only need occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

• Pests and Diseases: Licorice is generally a tough and pest-resistant plant. The most common issue is root rot, which is easily prevented by ensuring good soil drainage.

Harvesting and Maintenance

• Harvesting: The roots are the prize. For a substantial harvest, it is best to wait for at least three years of growth. You can harvest in late summer by digging up the plant.

• Harvesting Technique: For sustainable harvesting, dig up the main plant and remove the larger roots. You can then re-plant the stems to grow a new crop. This method ensures a continuous supply without having to start from seed each time.

• Size: Licorice can grow to chest height (about 1.5 meters or 5 feet) but can be kept a bit smaller if grown in a large container. Keep in mind that a container will restrict the root system and may result in a smaller harvest.