Licorice originates from West- Asia, but this plant is grown also in the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The well-known licorice sticks are the dried roots of this plant. These roots can be harvested from the third year on in the autumn. The roots of this plant are used in herbs medicin to make tea against diseases of the throat. Licorice also contains a substance 50 times sweeter than sugar, but far less harmful for the teeth. This is why licorice is used in making all kinds of sweets and licorice candy. Licorice can also be added to herbal tea to sweeten. To much use of licorice can cause hypertension. Non hardy perennial. Height: 100 cm.
Stratification: 1 - 2 months before sowing
Pre-soak: 24 hours before sowing
Indoor sowing: February - March
Germination: 14 - 28 days
Germination temp. : 20 - 22°C
Sowing depth: 50 mm
Plant distance: 30 - 60 cm
Plant position: sunny and frost free
Licorice seeds can germinate very erratic and it can take a long time before they germinate. Stratificate the seeds about 1-2 months before sowing, to aid the germination. Place the seeds in their package in the fridge for about a month. After this month, you must let the seeds acclamatize to room temperature before sowing. Pre soak the seeds about 24 hours in tepid water to soften them before sowing. This can also help the germination.
Sow indoors from February till March. Sow the seeds in moist potting soil about 50 mm deep and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Sow at a temperature of about 20°C and place the trays with seeds in a propagator to remain an even temperature of about 20 °C. Keep moist. Transplant the seedlings, when they've their second pair of true leaves, to bigger and deeper pots. Transplant the plants often to deeper and slightly larger pots. Licorice is a slow grower in the first years of it's life. It needs protection against snails and slugs, frosts and cold weather. Licorice plants thrive in many soil types but not in clay ground. This is because of the root system.
Protect the licorice plants the first 3 years against snails and slugs, frosts and cold weather. Plant the plants after these first years on a very sunny spot with free draining soil (not clay) and some shade.
