Great Angelica
Planting Instructions
🌿 Overview of Angelica atropurpurea
Common Names: Purple-Stemmed Angelica, Great Angelica
Native Range: Eastern and central North America
Habit: Tall, biennial or short-lived perennial herb
Height: 4–8 feet
Ecological value: Attracts pollinators; native to wetland habitats
Uses: Historically used in herbal medicine and ceremonial practices
🌱 Sowing Options
1️⃣ Direct Sowing Outdoors
Best Time to Sow:
Fall (ideal): Seeds benefit from natural cold stratification.
Spring: Requires pre-treatment with cold stratification (see below).
Site Selection:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
(Best growth with morning sun and some afternoon shade in hotter regions)
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained loamy soil; tolerates clay if moisture is consistent.
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (5.5–7.0)
Prefers wet meadows, stream banks, low areas, or rain gardens.
Soil Preparation:
Loosen soil to at least 8–10 inches.
Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve water retention.
Ensure site stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Planting Depth:
Sow seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep (2–6 mm).
Cover lightly with soil and gently press.
Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting.
Keep soil evenly moist until germination and during seedling establishment.
Stratification:
Yes – cold stratification is required.
Seeds require 60–90 days of moist cold treatment for good germination.
Fall sowing provides natural stratification.
For spring sowing, refrigerate seeds in moist sand/peat or paper towel in a plastic bag.
Scarification:
Not needed.
2️⃣ Starting Seeds Indoors (for Spring Transplanting)
When to Start:
Begin cold stratification 60–90 days before sowing indoors.
After stratification, start seeds 6–8 weeks before last frost date.
Growing Setup:
Use deep pots or cell trays (to accommodate early taproot growth).
Sow seeds 1/8–1/4 inch deep in moist seed-starting mix.
Provide bright light (sunny window or grow light) and keep soil moist.
Watering Indoors:
Mist surface or bottom-water to keep soil evenly moist.
Transplanting Outdoors:
Harden off for 7–10 days.
Transplant after last frost into a consistently moist, partly shaded location.
Water well after transplanting and during dry spells.
🔧 Maintenance Tips
Moisture is key – do not let soil dry out, especially in first year.
Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Generally does not need fertilizer if soil is rich.
May die back after flowering if biennial.
Allow some seedheads to mature for self-seeding or collection.
Tall plants may need staking in windy areas.
🚫 Invasiveness
Not considered invasive.
Angelica atropurpurea reproduces by seed but does not spread aggressively.
Not rhizomatous, and unlikely to crowd out other native plants.
