Rocalba Liquorice

Information

Alchimia Grow Shop presents Rocalba Liquorice seeds, an aromatic plant with an intense flavour that can be grown in the garden or in large pots.

Rocalba liquorice, typical shrubby plant from marshy areas

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to North Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe and the temperate and tropical Asian regions, although it is now cultivated in many other countries.

It is a plant that grows in humid areas near rivers or ravines. It can reach up to 1.5-2m high developing a thick central stem from which thinner stalks with rounded leaves emerge. It produces woody and stoloniferous roots that sprout to generate new plants.

The ideal time for germination is in late winter in a greenhouse or in spring. The seeds can germinate in a seedbed or in open ground, with a planting frame of 100cm x 60cm. It should be provided with a good supply of worm humus. It requires indirect light and a temperature of between 15º-30ºC. In about 20 days the first seedlings will emerge.

Rocalba liquorice, simple to cultivate and with an intense aroma

It requires Mediterranean-like climate, it does not tolerate frost or extreme heat since it must be cultivated in full sunlight in order to express its full potential. It benefits from a loose, sandy and well-drained soil where the roots can develop easily, as well as a soil rich in nutrients and with good moisture retention.

Since it is a plant characteristic of water zones, it must be ensured that the substrate is kept moist but without becoming waterlogged. It must be watered constantly but moderately, recreating a riverbed environment. It is advisable to use an automatic irrigation system to facilitate this task.

The plant is ready to harvest after about 36 months from planting, by which time the roots have fully developed. In autumn, when the plant has dried out, one should dig up to 1.5m deep in order to unearth the roots. Using a well sharpened knife one cuts the thicker roots without damaging the smaller ones or the plant structure, so that the shrub can replenish itself and sprout again in spring.

Rocalba Liquorice info:

• Sachet: 0.2g of seeds
• Perfect for open ground or large pot cultivation
• Germination: spring in seedbed
• Planting frame: 100cm x 60cm
• Up to 1.5-2.0m
• Requires a temperate climate
• Cannot withstand frost or extreme heat
• Requires lots of light, direct sunlight or semi shade
• Likes moist, spongy and organic matter rich soil
• Harvest: thicker roots 36 months after sowing