Common name:
Liquorice

Origin:
Western Asia

Description:
Liquorice is cultivated mainly in south eastern Europe and are the remaining roots of this hardy shrub. Liquorice is 30-50 times sweeter than sugar, does not harm the teeth and now is an important raw material for sweets. The plant can reach a height of one meter and can spread easily through the garden via rhizomes. 

To avoid this, you should cultivate the plant in a container. After three years, you can harvest the roots of the plant in the fall. But you must leave enough remaining roots so the plant can grow again in spring.

It is an easily kept plant with light purple flowers that likes a sunny spot.

Germination instructions:
First stratify the seeds for several weeks to months in the fridge and then soak them in lukewarm water for 24 hours. Scarification of the seeds before soaking should stimulate the germination. Sow them in sowing mix afterwards and keep the soil constantly moist. Let them germinate at room temperature. 

Sowing time:
October - April