Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant that truly rewards patience. While commercial growers wait four to five years before harvesting the roots, in your garden you can sneak a small harvest after three. That said, if you can hold out a bit longer, the results are well worth the wait.

Growing from seed isn't too tricky, though germination can be a little unpredictable. Once it takes off, liquorice grows bigger each year, so give it plenty of space.  A deep container - like an old dustbin - works brilliantly. A metal one adds rustic charm and can be moved into shelter over winter.

With its feathery leaves and soft violet-blue flowers, liquorice is as attractive as it is useful. It adds height and interest to your herb garden, and you can underplant with annuals like marigolds or other companion herbs 

Ready to grow your own liquorice?
Start your journey with a few seeds, a deep container, and a little patience. Whether for its striking looks or sweet, homegrown roots, liquorice is a rewarding addition to any herb garden. Give it a go – your future self (and your tastebuds) will thank you.

🌱 Seasonal Growing Guide

SOW

• Soak seed for 48 hours in warm water before sowing
• Sow seeds on the surface of potting compost in mid to late spring or early autumn - don’t cover the seeds.
•  Keep them warm – about 20°C
• Germination can be slow and erratic - some may take several months and not all will sprout.

GROW

• Transplant seedlings to individual pots when large enough to handle.
• Grow on under glass for their first winter.
• Acclimatise and plant out the following spring or summer once frost danger has passed.
• We recommend using a large deep container (a dustbin is perfect).
• Avoid clay soils - a rich slightly sandy soil is best.
• Plants can reach 2m tall after 5 years.
• Roots can stretch over 4m in open ground, so container growing makes sense!

ENJOY

• Harvest in autumn after 3–5 years.
• The roots are brownish-yellow, long and flexible, with a yellow, juicy interior.
• They smell of anise and the flavour is sweet and slightly salty.
• Chew fresh for a natural sweet treat – the flavour intensifies as you chew.
• Harvest the thick horizontal roots, but leave the deep tap root and thinner fine side roots to regrow.
• In colder areas, replant or move under cover for winter.
• Use liquorice for sweets, teas, baking, and more – try keeping a root in a jar of sugar to flavour cakes!