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Angelica Archangelica: The Wild Celery
Introduction Angelica archangelica, commonly known as wild celery or garden angelica, is a biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. This fascinating plant has a rich history of culinary and medicinal uses, making it a valuable addition to gardens and herbal remedies alike.
Description Wild celery can grow up to 2 meters tall, featuring large, glossy green leaves that are divided into several leaflets. The plant produces tall, hollow stems and clusters of small, white or greenish flowers that bloom in the summer. The roots are thick and fleshy, often used in herbal preparations.
Culinary Uses Angelica archangelica has a unique flavour profile, often described as a mix of celery and anise. The young leaves and stems can be used in salads, soups, and stews, while the seeds can be used as a spice. Additionally, the roots can be candied or used to make herbal liqueurs, such as Chartreuse and Bénédictine.
Medicinal Properties Historically, wild celery has been used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, digestive, and diuretic properties. The essential oil extracted from the plant is also used in aromatherapy and natural remedies.
Growing Angelica Archangelica If you’re interested in cultivating Angelica archangelica, it thrives in moist, rich soil and prefers partial shade. It can be grown from seeds or transplants, and it’s best to sow seeds in early spring or late summer. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist.
Conclusion Angelica archangelica, or wild celery, is a versatile plant that offers both culinary delights and medicinal benefits. Whether you’re looking to enhance your dishes with its unique flavour or explore its traditional uses in herbal medicine, this remarkable plant is worth considering for your garden or herbal collection.
Approximately 20 Seeds
In stock
Sowing & Growing
To speed the process and improve germination rates, scald the the seeds by pouring hot water over them. We mean Hot! As in water that has been brought up to a boil. Let the seeds soak in a small amount of the hot water (less than 4 ounces), until the water is room temperature again. The outer seed coat should soften and a layer begin to slough off. This may not be immediately apparent, and will require a few repeat treatments. Repeat the process a few more times until a sublayer of seed has been exposed, or can easily be exposed by removing the seed coat with your fingers. Caution should be taken not to scald a seed that has no seed coat, or one that can easily be removed, or you will effectively cook and sterilize seed.
Let the seeds, with removed seed coats, sit in a final soak of room temperature water. The soak should only last a few hours.
For best results then sow immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. We sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination, as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, often waiting for natural spring germination, hence giving them a full season of growth.
| Packet Size | Approximately 20 Seeds |
|---|---|
| Hardiness & Lifecycle | Hardy Biennial/Perennial |
| Expected Height | Can grow up to 60-90cm tall |
