Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Although the Myrrhis genus only has one member, Myrrhis Odorata (the only Myrrhis Odorata), it goes by many other names. It is a perennial that can withstand extreme temperatures and can grow to 90 cm (3 to 5 feet in height) from its base.
Its seeds can be used for culinary purposes. Cicely is the common name. It is closely related to Myrrhis, including Chervill and Anise. Chervil blooms in summer, and it bears small white flowers. The foliage is fern-like.
Site Preparation
This plant thrives in partial or full shade. Plant them in compost-rich, well-drained soil. Add aged compost to planting beds every spring. Myrrhis plants prefer a soil pH of 6.5.
How to Grow Cicely and Other Myrrhis Plants in the Garden
Cicely seeds should be sown outdoors in winter, three months before spring’s last frost. Place the Cicely seeds about 3mm (1/8 inch) deep in a sunny or partially-shaded area of your garden.
Anise prefers fertile soil. When sowing, mix in the manure well. You can grow them indoors first, and then outdoors two months prior to their outdoor due date. Plant them in spring or autumn.
First, freeze the seeds for one-month to ensure germination. Next, sow the seeds at a temperature between 12 and 18°C (54 to 64°F). The Anise seeds should germinate in between two and six weeks. Transplant the plant at 60 cm (2 ft) intervals.
General Care Guide
Myrrhis plants are easy to maintain as long as there is deep soil. If you plan to harvest seeds for your kitchen, let them set. Otherwise, deadhead the plants. Anise can spread uncontrollably if it is given a chance.
Watering
Water to keep the soil moist, as the plant would not thrive in dry soil.
Feeding
Add aged compost or commercial organic planting mix to planting beds ahead of planting sweet cicely.
Harvesting
Once plants reach 8 inches in height, you can pick sweet cicely leaves whenever you need them. Harvest seeds when they are dry and ripe, starting in midsummer. Place the seed heads in a paper bag so they don’t fall. Seed heads resemble little umbrellas.
Use a garden pruner to trim the leaves and seeds. After they have been a year old, dig roots with a spading knife in the fall.
