Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) | seeds, 10 pcs.

FROST TOLERANT

• Latin name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
  
• Danish names: Lakrids, lakridsrod
  
• English names: Liquorice, Licorice
  

Glycyrrhiza glabra is the plant behind the familiar taste of liquorice. It originates from regions around the Mediterranean and Western Asia, where it grows in warm, sunny, and relatively dry environments. The plant has been used for thousands of years both as a flavoring and in traditional applications.

It is primarily the roots that are of interest, as they contain the naturally sweet compound glycyrrhizin, which gives it the characteristic liquorice flavor. Above ground, the plant develops a perennial, herbaceous habit with upright stems, pinnate leaves, and small, light purple flowers in clusters.

The liquorice plant spreads via a vigorous root system and can eventually form larger clumps if given good conditions.

Cultivation and requirements

Glycyrrhiza glabra thrives best in full sun and prefers:

• deep, well-drained, and slightly sandy soil
• moderate watering
• warm and sheltered conditions

A well-drained fern soil with good depth is ideal, as the plant develops long roots. During the growing season, it can be beneficial to supplement with a good, organic fertilizer to support growth.

The plant is perennial and relatively hardy and can be grown outdoors in Denmark in a sheltered and well-drained location. Above-ground parts may die back in winter, but the plant shoots again from the roots in spring.

It is an advantage to give the plant plenty of space, as it spreads underground over time.

Cultivation from seed

Seeds of Glycyrrhiza glabra have a hard seed coat and germinate best after pre-treatment. For the best results, it is recommended to:

• soak in warm water for 24 hours
• optionally perform light scarification (scratching the seed coat)
• sow in a well-drained soil mix
• keep the temperature at 20–25 °C
• keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet

Germination typically occurs within 2–4 weeks. The young plants grow steadily and gradually develop a strong root system.

Utility and collector's value

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a classic utility plant, where the roots are used for the production of liquorice and extracts. The taste is naturally sweet, which has made the plant popular in both cooking and traditional use throughout history.

In the garden, it is also an interesting perennial herb and collector's plant that combines utility with decorative growth.

For plant enthusiasts, it is a special experience to grow your own liquorice plant entirely from seed and follow the development of the root system that forms the basis for the familiar taste.

Glycyrrhiza glabra is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wants to grow a classic and useful plant from seed – an exciting species with both taste, history, and high utility value.