Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis Odorata) - Sweet Cicely is a unique looking herb which resembles a fern in appearance and shade tolerance. This beautiful plant comes up reliably early in the year with a plume of foliage unveiling a huge beautiful set of leaves that spread 2 to 3 feet. The wonderful foliage produces white flowers young seed pods that seriously taste basically exactly like candy. The roots are massive, deep, sweet as anything, and all parts are edible.

Sweet Cicely can grow to approximately 3 feet in height when it is in full bloom; however, most of the year it is low and beautiful to the ground. It prefers well drained, shadier, cooler, more moist locations. If you try growing it in full sun it does not hold up to well.  Myrrhis Odorata goes by many other names including: garden myrrh, fern-leaved chervil, shepherd's needle and sweet-scented myrrh.

The leaves of this herb garden plant can be cooked like spinach, or add fresh leaves to salads, soups or omelets. The stalks can be used much like celery, while the roots can be boiled or eaten raw. Many people say sweet cicely roots make a flavorful wine.

Sweet Cicely Seeds

How to Grow

Myrrhis Odorata does its best when grown in sun or part shade. Plant in well-drained, moist soil. Sow Cicely seeds directly outdoors in the fall. It is possible to plant Cicely seeds in the spring, but you must first put the seeds through a period of chilling prior to planting them. They must be put under stratification(which means chilling them in the refrigerator), or they will not germinate.

• Sowing Rate: 1 - 2 seeds per plant
• Depth: 1/4 inch
• Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
• Average Germ Time: 10 - 21 days

Herb Specifications

Sweet Cicely is nectar rich and greatly valued by bees and other beneficial insects. It also dries easily and keeps its sweet aroma even once dried.

• Plant Spacing: 24 inches
• Height: 36 inches
• USDA Zones: 3 - 8
• Season: Perennial