How to Grow Angelica Herb Plants

Angelica herb is an aromatic herb, best known for its medicinal uses. Also, it is used in cooking and teas. Native to eastern North America, Angelica plants prefer cool, moist woodlands, streambeds, and shaded areas. Growing Angelica plants is easy. This ornamental plant is a biennial and can grow to 4 – 8 feet tall.

Angelica flowers begin to bloom in July, with small but numerous flowers. Flower colors are white, greenish-white, and yellow. The flowers give way to oblong fruit, up to 10 inches in diameter.

Move over Garlic… Angelica is believed to ward off evil spirits, ghosts, and witchcraft, too.

Try growing Angelica plants in partial shade in your backyard shade garden.

About Growing Angelica Plants in Your Herb Garden

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Medicinal Uses: The primary medicinal uses are for fever, coughs, colds, as a gargle for sore throats, flatulence, and stomach disorders. It is believed to be good for heart health. Angelica is often used in teas.

Culinary Uses: It is used in a variety of recipes and teas. Young shoots spice up salads, with a taste somewhat like celery.

Important Note: Angelica should not be taken, if you are pregnant.

Angelica Herb Plant Specifications

Days to Harvest: Harvest roots in the Fall.

Plant Height: Six to eight feet. tall.

Number of Varieties: 90.

Light Needs: Full sunlight to partial sunlight.

Ideal Soil pH : 6.0– 7.0.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 4 – 7

Ideal Growing Temperatures:

Daytime: 60 – 70° F.
Nighttime: Minimum of 50° F.

Plant Type: Biennial.

Deer Resistant? Yes.

Native To: Temperate and sub-arctic regions of the Northern hemisphere.

Botanical Name: Angelica atropurpurea

Other Names: Alexanders, Archangel, Purple-stem Angelica, American Angelica, Wild Archangel, Masterwort.

Angelica Plant Propagation

The plants are started from seed. Seeds do not store well, or for long. You can prolong viability, by storing them in the freezer.

The seeds take a long time to start. Consequently, we recommend an indoor seed start. Also, we recommend a heated germination mat, for faster, more successful germination.

Final Plant Spacing: Four to six feet apart.

Days to Germination: 25 – 30 days.

How to Grow Angelica Plants

The plants are easy to grow. They grow best in light to moderate shade. They do not like full sun. Plants do best in cooler regions.

The soil should be rich and deep. Keep soil moist all season. They do not do well in droughts.

Fertilize once a month in poorer soils.

Keep young plants well-weeded. Then, after they have grown a foot or so, apply a thick layer of mulch. This helps to retain soil moisture and gives the plant a neat and tidy appearance.

Provide a trellis or fence for the plants to climb.

Established plants should do well with little maintenance.

Gardening Tip: Start a new Angelica plant every year. As a result, you will be able to harvest leaves, stems, and roots every year.

Insect and Plant Disease Problems

Insect and disease problems are uncommon.

Also see:

Plant Problems – causes and cures

Harvest Time

The leaves, stems, and roots are all edible.

Harvest Angelical roots in the Fall of the first year of growth.

Do not harvest the leaves in the first year of growth, as it can affect the development of the roots. Begin to harvest the leaves in early spring of the second year.

Stems can also be harvested beginning in the second year.