How to Grow Angelicas USA

Soil & Growing Conditions

Water: consistent moisture, dislikes waterlogging; performs best in woodland or streamside settings (RHS)

Soil pH range

5.5 6.5

Span reflects genuine variation between the cited authorities, not a single agreed figure.

Growth Stages

Stage	BBCH	Notes
Sowing	0	Sow fresh seed directly where plants are to grow, on the compost surface under light (seeds need light to germinate, do not cover), at 50-55°F (10-13°C); germinates in 1-3 months. Dried seed needs 4 weeks cold stratification (RHS, NC State Extension).
Establishment	1	Dislikes root disturbance -- avoid transplanting once established; space plants 60-90cm apart (NC State Extension, RHS).
Stem and leaf growth	3	Grows to 2-3m tall with robust upright stems; performs best with consistent moisture (RHS).
Flowering and stem harvest	6	Flowers within 2-3 years; harvest young tender stems in late spring before flower stalks form (RHS).

Quick Facts

Factor	Value
Soil pH	5.5 - 6.5
Soil texture	well-drained, moist, deep soil for its tap root (RHS)
Drainage	well-drained
Lifecycle	biennial or short-lived perennial
Edible parts	stems, shoots, roots, leaves, seeds

At a Glance

Harvest & Storage

When to pick: Harvest stems young and tender in late spring before flower stalks form; young shoots, roots and leaves are also edible, and seeds can stand in for fennel (RHS, NC State Extension).

Diseases

Powdery mildew

low

RHS names this directly: powdery mildew during dry summers.

Pests

Aphids

low

Aphididae (various spp.)

RHS names this directly: aphids.

Snails

low

Gastropoda (snails, various spp.)

RHS names this directly: snails.

Slugs

low

Gastropoda (slugs, various spp.)

RHS names this directly: slugs.

Celery leaf miner (celery fly)

moderate

Euleia heraclei

RHS names this directly: celery leaf mining fly.

Angelica, an Architectural Edible Herb

Sow where it's to grow

Angelica dislikes root disturbance -- seed is best sown directly where plants are to grow rather than transplanted.

Sources

1. NC State Extension - Angelica archangelica (Angelica, Archangel, Garden Angelica...)

   Also called archangel, garden angelica, ground ash, masterwort, Norwegian angelica, wild celery. Young shoots, roots and leaves can flavour salads, soups, stews, sautes, teas and cocktails; seeds can stand in for fennel. The plant dislikes root disturbance -- sow seed directly where plants are to grow rather than transplanting. Seeds need light to germinate -- scatter on the soil surface rather than covering with compost.

These source is specific to this region. The full list of 4 sources behind this guide (NC State Extension, Plants For A Future (PFAF), Royal Horticultural Society and others) is in the references of our UK guide to angelica; they describe the plant itself, which is the same wherever it grows.