Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name: Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Common name: Chinese liquorice
Origin: China

Chinese liquorice resembles ordinary liquorice and is also known as Gan Cao. It can reach a height of one meter, and spreads underground with rhizomes. After three years, the rhizomes can be harvested in the fall.
This species belongs to the 50 basic herbs of traditional Chinese medicine and is the most common herb found in almost any recipe. It is believed to be good for almost any organ, but especially improves the taste of medicines. 

The species is hardy and easy to care off. If you don’t want it to spread throughout the garden, you should keep the plant in a large container, pot or tub. The rhizomes can thus only spread in the pot.

Sowing description: 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
Difficulty: Challenging
Minimum temperature: -20 degrees Celsius