Sweet cicely
Myrrhis odorata
Also known asGarden myrrh · British myrrh · Sweet chervil · Cicely · Myrrh
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–8 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.2 |
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
A shade-tolerant perennial herb for cool, moist conditions. Container (15 L) or media bed. EC 1.0-2.0 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.5. Temperature: 10–22°C (cool-climate plant; struggles in heat above 28°C). Low to moderate light (DLI 8-16 mol/m2/day; one of the few herbs that thrives in shade). Propagation from seed requires cold stratification (4-6 weeks at 2–5°C in moist sand or peat); alternatively, buy established plants. From transplant to first harvest: immediate for established plants. Harvest leaves throughout the growing season. The young, green seeds have a powerful anise flavor and are worth eating directly or adding to salads. For fruit desserts: chop sweet cicely leaves and add to stewed fruit (rhubarb, gooseberry, plum) to reduce the need for added sugar. The natural sweetness is genuine and useful. The plant dies back in winter and reemerges in spring. Long-lived (10+ years from a single planting).