Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
A deep-rooted leguminous perennial grown for its long taproot system. It thrives in warm climates and rich, sandy soils.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; let soil dry slightly between
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Licorice is a herbaceous perennial in the pea family with long taproots and spreading rhizomes. It has been cultivated for thousands of years.
Native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, the plant develops an extensive woody root system that takes two to three years to mature.
How to identify it
- Pinnate compound leaves with 9-17 oval leaflets, slightly sticky to the touch
- Upright, somewhat woody stems reaching 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
- Pale blue to violet pea-like flowers in upright spikes during summer
- Flat, oblong seed pods
- Long, fibrous, yellow-fleshed taproots and spreading rhizomes
Care & growing
Licorice needs warmth, sun, and patience.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry between waterings
- Soil: Deep, rich, well-drained sandy loam; dislikes heavy wet soils
- Temperature: Prefers warm temperate to subtropical climates; tolerates light frost
- Feeding: Benefits from compost; as a legume it fixes some of its own nitrogen
- Propagation: Division of rhizomes or seed; the woody root system matures after 2-3 years of growth
Habitat & origin
Native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and western Asia, licorice has been cultivated since antiquity.
It grows in deep, fertile, sandy soils in warm, sunny valleys and is commercially farmed in countries such as Spain, Italy, Turkey, Iran, and parts of Central Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognize a licorice plant?
Look for pinnate compound leaves with 9-17 oval leaflets, upright woody stems reaching 1-1.5 m, and pale blue to violet pea-like flowers in upright spikes during summer.
Where is licorice native to?
It is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and western Asia, where it grows in deep, sandy soils in warm, sunny valleys.
What growing conditions does licorice need?
Full sun, deep rich well-drained sandy loam, and moderate water. As a legume it fixes some of its own nitrogen.
How long until the roots mature?
The woody root system typically takes two to three years of growth to fully develop.
Licorice guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Licorice.
