Angelica Archangelica Umbelliferae

CULTIVATION A biennial, hardy herbaceous herb, it has aromatic, bright green, divided, glossy leaves with mop-headed sulphur-yellow flowers from midsummer. It reaches 1-2m (3-6ft) and prefers rich, damp soil and light shade. Propagate it by sowing seeds in late summer and early autumn, when the freshly harvested seed germinates more successfully, and transplant seedlings to 75 cm (2ft) apart. Harvest the young stems from late spring, the leaves at any time and the flowers from midsummer. To extend the life of the plant to three to four years, remove the flower stems and leave one flower head to provide seed. Angelica is a versatile garden, border and specimen herb.