Ornamental Herb
Vicar's Mead Angelica is a frost-hardy cultivar of Angelica sylvestris that reaches a stately 4 feet tall, producing delicate umbels of tiny flowers from summer through fall that draw pollinators to the garden like a beacon. Hardy in zones 4 through 4, this perennial thrives in full sun with moderate water and adapts to slightly acidic to neutral soils. Its tall, architectural form and extended bloom window make it a striking addition to cottage gardens, meadows, and pollinator plantings where it serves both aesthetic and ecological purposes.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-4
48in H x 24in W
Biennial
Low
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Vicar's Mead Angelica delivers season-long color from June through November, an unusually extended bloom period that keeps nectar flowing to bees and other pollinators well into autumn. At 48 inches tall, it commands attention in the garden, yet requires only moderate watering once established. The variety germinates best with light exposure and prefers cool conditions during seed dormancy, rewarding patient, attentive seed starters with reliable germination.
As a flowering perennial, Vicar's Mead Angelica serves primarily as an ornamental plant and pollinator magnet. Its tall stems and airy umbel flowers work beautifully in cut flower arrangements, while its value to native bee populations and butterflies makes it essential in ecological garden designs and wildflower meadows.
Sow seeds indoors in pots 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Keep seeds at 35 to 40°F for 2 to 3 weeks to satisfy their dormancy requirements, then move trays to warmer conditions around 60 to 70°F for germination. Seeds typically sprout in 21 to 60 days. If germination stalls after 4 weeks, chill the trays again to reset dormancy. Angelica seeds require light to germinate, so barely cover them or leave them uncovered under grow lights.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days by exposing them to increasing amounts of outdoor light and air movement. Transplant outdoors after the last spring frost when soil has warmed and plants are sturdy. Space plants 1 inch apart, though they will mature to 18 to 24 inches wide.
Direct sow in fall or earliest spring for best results. You may also winter sow into pots placed in the shade, allowing natural temperature fluctuations to break dormancy. Seeds germinate best when provided with light exposure.
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