When to Plant Angelica in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow July to November. Right now in September you can sow.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Angelica guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Angelica

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 Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - - S S/T S/T/D S/T/D T/D -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Angelica in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Sow seed trays Sep-Nov, transplant Oct-Dec. Marginal zone. Success depends on microclimate.

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

Subtropical Growing Tips for Angelica

Recommended Varieties

  • Standard Angelica archangelica

Key Challenges

  • Summer heat and humidity
  • Difficulty completing biennial cycle
  • Crown rot in wet summers

Pro Tips

  • Plant in shadiest, coolest spot in garden
  • Heavy mulching essential
  • Grow in large pots that can be moved to shade

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.

Common Angelica Pests in Subtropical Zones

Powdery Mildew and Aphids, risk: MODERATE (score: 62/100)

Organic prevention: Avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser which produces soft growth attractive to aphids. Companion plant with chives.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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Common Questions About Angelica

When do you plant angelica in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does angelica grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Jul to Nov. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.