My was given some seed of this plant a few years ago and grew it successfully in my herb garden last year. It didn't flower but died right back over winter, now it is booming ahead, bigger than ever and is producing a large swollen stem at the base. I'm thinking this is the beginning of flowering! Very exciting... If it does flower it may well die so I'll have to collect plenty of seed and raise some new ones next year.
Alexanders is a biennial, and it usually flowers in late spring, according to my information. The fruits are black and appear in its second year. That's when you'd collect the seeds. Sounds interesting - it's one herb I've never grown. Did you know you can eat it? Use in much the same ways as celery or lovage.
Here's what I have on growing it:
Propagate from seed, sown in early spring or summer. Seeds require a period of moist, cold conditions before they will germinate. Transplant in autumn. Prefers a sunny position and well-drained, moisture-retentive soil which contains some lime. Does well in coastal regions. Mulch seedlings in areas with harsh winters. The following year, feed and water the seedlings frequently. In mid-season, prune the stems to keep the plants about 60cm tall. In autumn, cover them with tall baskets to blanch the leaves and stems to make them sweet and tender. Readily self-seeds. Fairly frost tolerant, to Â15°C.
The Alexanders flower spikes are developing rapidly with the warm weather we've been having. I expect them to be open in a few days at most. I'll take some pictures and post them for those who are interested.
Daisy, my details were wrong in my profile, so I never got your email. Try again if you like.
Daisyduckworth
Jamus_SOriginal Author
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Daisyduckworth
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Daisyduckworth