Myrrhis odorata

Germination

Sow as immediately. Sow directly in autumn into a seedbed as a period of winter cold is required for germination. Keep soil moist. Thin as required, thinnings may be eaten. Transplant young plants to their final positions the following spring. Can be sown indoors at other times of year. Mix seed with damp vermiculite and place in a polythene bag. Place in a fridge or keep at -3°C-+4°C for 4-6 weeks. Remove from fridge and sow into moist well-drained seed compost at 18°C. If germination does not occur repeat cold stratification. Germination can take many months. Once germinated move to individual pots. Plant out to flowering position once danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers a fertile, moist , well-drained soil in dappled shade. Feed and water seedlings frequently.

Cultivation

When using as a culinary herb remove flower stalks as they develop to improve the quality of the leaf. If using ornamentally cut back after flowering. Will self-seed freely so remove flowers before they set seed to limit spread. Plant may be divided in spring or autumn.