How to Grow Licorice Shrub Herb
Perennial, Glycyrrhiza Glabra
Licorice, you either love it, or you hate it. If you love it, wouldn't you
like to grow your own? Sure you would! So, read on to find out how to Licorice
shrubs.
Licorice has been a favorite since ancient times. Ancient Egyptian and Chinese
cultures used it for flavoring food, and for many medicinal applications.
Licorice was even found in King Tut's tomb.
The Licorice shrub is native to Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean. You may
be surprised to discover, that Licorice is a member of the pea family.
World-wide, Licorice is one of the most popular herbs. Its popularity doesn't
extends as far in the American herb garden, as few people grow in the U.S.
it.
Licorice shrubs grow up to five feet tall. It is prized for its fibrous
roots, which contains the flavor. Licorice roots are 50 times sweeter
than sugar. Give this shrub plenty of room, as the roots can grow six feet
out from the base of the shrub. When you first plant this shrub, you need
a little patience. It takes about three years for the plant to produce roots
big enough for you to harvest some of the roots, while leaving enough roots
to allow the plant to continue to grow and produce even more roots. While
you are waiting for the shrub to get big enough to harvest, take time to
enjoy the plant's flowers. Colors include violet, bluish violet and lavender.
Did You Know? Licorice has a taste similar to Anise. But, they
are not related.
To some people licorice is considered a weed..... obviously they do not like
the flavor!
Other Names: Sweet Wood, Sweet Root
Medicinal Value of Licorice:
Since ancient times, licorice has been used medicinally around the world,
for a wide range of ailments. They include:
It is a natural laxative, relieves menstrual cramps and discomfort of menopause,
relieves pain and discomfort from ulcers, good for adrenal gland, cancer
treatments for breast and prostrate. It even lowers the effect of aging in
the brain.
Licorice is a popular flavoring:
We all know licorice flavored candy. It is also used in teas, beer making,
flavoring many foods, and it even is used as a flavoring in tobacco products.
It is also used in cosmetics.
Plant Propagation:
Licorice shrubs can be started from seeds. It is best to start seeds indoors.
They have a hard shell. Soak the seeds for 12-24 hours prior to planting.
Sow seeds just below the surface. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the
last spring frost.
Garden Tip: Use sandpaper to rough up the hard seed coat.
The plant can be propagated from cuttings. Take a four to six inch cutting
of new growth and
root the
cutting in water.
New plants can also be propagated from division of its roots. There must
be at least one growth bud on the roots.
Space plants 2 - feet apart.
How to Grow Licorice Shrubs:
The shrubs grow best in full sun to partial shade.
The plants grow best in a slightly alkaline soil. The soil should be deep
and moist. Mix compost into the soil, prior to planting. Cultivate the soil
out several feet from the planting site.
Water as needed, to keep soil moist, not wet throughout the growing season.
Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Did You Know? Licorice shrubs are "nitrogen fixing" putting nitrogen
into the soil, from their rot nodules.
Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and keep weed growth
to a minimum.
The shrubs will produce flowers. Remove them as the buds appear, to allow
the plant to concentrate on root growth.
Harvesting Licorice Roots:
Allow new shrubs to grow for three years before harvesting roots. It is important
that the root system is large enough that you can take some roots, yet not
so many that you kill the shrub. When harvesting, take horizontal roots.
Do not take the main tap root.
Harvest roots in the fall. The roots can be stored for several months.
Insects and Plant Disease:
Slugs and spider mites can be an occasional problems. Use insecticides and
slug bait, as needed.
Powdery
mildew can occur on the leaves. Apply a fungicide just before hot, humid
weather arrives in your area.
Related Topics:
Celebrate
National Licorice Day
Recipes: May we suggest:
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