When to Plant Angelica in Canberra, Cold / Highland Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A tall, stately biennial herb native to northern Europe, grown for its aromatic stems, leaves and seeds. Angelica prefers cool, moist conditions and struggles in hot Australian summers. Best suited to cool-temperate and cold-highland zones where it can reach 1.5-2m tall.
Planting Calendar for Cold / Highland
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | S | S/T | T |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
Want a nudge when it is Angelica sowing time in Canberra?
One email a week with what is worth planting in the Cold / Highland zone right now, Angelica included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 7.8°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✗ Outside optimal range
Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Canberra), not a live sensor.
How to Grow Angelica in Cold / Highland Australia
When to Plant
Sow seed trays Sep-Oct, transplant Oct-Nov. Direct sow in autumn.
- Soil
- Rich, moist, well-drained loam with plenty of organic matter
- pH Range
- 5.5-7.0
- Sunlight
- Part shade to full sun in cool areas; afternoon shade essential in warm zones
- Spacing
- 45cm apart, 60cm between rows
- Watering
- Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch heavily to retain soil moisture. Will wilt quickly in dry conditions.
Companion plants: Mint, Lemon Balm, Chives
Avoid planting near: Dill, Fennel
Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Angelica
Recommended Varieties
- Standard Angelica archangelica
Key Challenges
- Short growing season
- Late frosts can damage young transplants
Pro Tips
- Best Australian zone for angelica. Closest to its native climate
- Protect from late spring frosts
- Will naturalise in ideal conditions
Harvesting Angelica
When ready: Leaves can be harvested once plant is well established (30cm+). Stems best harvested in late spring of second year before flowering. Seeds harvested when brown and dry.
How to harvest: Cut outer leaves as needed. Cut stems at base for candying. Cut seed heads when browning and dry in paper bag.
Get the Full Interactive Guide
Track your garden, get real-time pest alerts, and plan around your zone's weather.
Open the planting dashboard Join Garden Buddy