Sweet Cicely Myrrhis Odorata

Sweet Cicely is a hardy perennial that grows to 90cm. All parts of this versatile, flavoursome plant can be used. Toss unripe seeds in fruit salads for a sweet, nutty taste. Add chopped leaves when stewing tart fruit such as rhubarb – you’ll need less sugar!

Sow indoors in early autumn in trays and protect over winter. Harden off and plant out in spring. Unlike most herbs, it prefers cool, moist, shady conditions. The fern-like scented leaves are amongst first to appear in spring and the last to die back in autumn. Umbels of small white flowers produce clusters of seeds with delicious flavour and scent.