An attractive flowering herb. Use the aniseed flavoured young leaves in teas and salads. One of the top 50 Chinese Medicinal herbs. Growing Information Sow under glass February-March, and outdoors April-May. Likes a dryish position, and develops more flavour and scent when grown in poorish soils. Sowing Information Sow in a propagator on a windowsill or thinly in pots or trays in a greenhouse at approx. 10-15oC (50-60oF) using a good quality compost. Germination 14-21 days. Cover seeds with 6mm (1?4") sieved compost. Grow on in pots, or plant out 25cm (10") apart in containers/gardens or windowsill grow in 10cm (4") pots. Can also be sown direct outside at a depth of about 6mm (1?4"). Grows best in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Pinch shoot tips to encourage bushy plants.
