Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Also known as: Cultivated licorice, Liquorice Root, Spanish Juice, Sweet Wood, Sweetwood, Common licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is renowned for its aromatic roots that provide the distinctive sweet taste known as licorice, often used in candies and also to flavor tobacco. The key compound behind this sweetness is glycyrrhizin, which is approximately 50 times sweeter than regular sugar (sucrose).

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Licorice

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb, Shrub

Plant Height

1.2 m

Spread

90 cm

Leaf Color

Green Gray

Flower Size

8 mm to 1.2 cm

Flower Color

White Purple Violet

Images of Licorice

Quickly Identify Licorice

Compound leaves with oblong leaflets in pairs, 2 3/4 to 6 inches (7 to 15 cm) long.

Modest-sized leguminous pods, 1/2 inch (12-13 mm) long with 3-5 round seeds.

Hairy stems reaching 3 feet (91 cm) with woody base and herbaceous texture upwards.

Upright growth habit up to 4 feet (120 cm) with small purple to whitish-blue flowers.

Distinctive extensive root system with thick, fibrous roots, crucial for identification.

Scientific Classification of Licorice

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Licorice

Species

Licorice

Planting and Growing of Licorice

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Licorice?

Glycyrrhiza glabra prefers a moderate soaking, ensuring the soil is evenly moist without waterlogging. An ideal amount is 500 milliliters per session, allowing excess water to drain out to prevent root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Licorice? ›

What should I do if my Licorice is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Licorice? ›

How to save an overwatered Licorice? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Licorice?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Glycyrrhiza glabra ideally benefits from full sun conditions, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. Adequate lighting enhances its photosynthesis, growth, and flavor profile.

What is the ideal lighting condition? ›

What solutions are available to achieve ideal lighting? ›

How does ideal lighting benefit the plant? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Licorice?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, is between 68°F to 77°F. This range provides optimal growing conditions, ensuring the plant's physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration, occur efficiently, leading to healthy growth and robust root development.

What Soil is Best for Licorice?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Glycyrrhiza glabra thrives in nutrient-rich soils that provide essential minerals for optimal growth. The abundance of nutrients ensures healthy root development and enhances plant vigor, leading to higher productivity. The plant requires soil with excellent drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Good drainage ensures the roots have access to oxygen, fostering a healthy root system and preventing fungal infections. While the plant prefers a slightly moist soil environment, it is crucial for the soil to remain well-aerated. This balance prevents the roots from suffocating and supports robust growth, contributing to the plant's resilience.

How to Fertilize Licorice?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Glycyrrhiza glabra benefits from a balanced fertilization approach. When applying fertilizer, ensure to provide approximately 100 to 150 grams of a balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK ratio, per square meter of growing area twice a year. Maintain adequate moisture to ensure nutrient absorption.

How to Prune Licorice?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Before you begin pruning, clean your tools thoroughly to prevent disease transmission. Inspect the plant carefully to determine which branches require attention. Focus on spotting dead or unhealthy-looking stems and consider the overall shape you want the plant to take. For Glycyrrhiza glabra, make angled cuts just above a leaf node to encourage new growth. Cut back taller stems to maintain the desired height and shape, ensuring light reaches the inner parts of the plant. Prune with an understanding of the plant's natural form to keep it looking its best. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Licorice plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Start by filling seed trays with a well-draining potting mix. Sow Glycyrrhiza glabra seeds on the surface and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water gently and place in a warm, bright location.

Select a healthy parent plant and, using a sharp knife, cut a section of root approximately 5-10 cm in length. Plant the root cutting horizontally in a container filled with moist potting mix, ensuring it's partially covered.

Once seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, carefully transplant them into individual pots. Ensure the potting mix is rich and well-draining to support healthy growth.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Licorice plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Recognizing when Glycyrrhiza glabra needs repotting is crucial for its health. If you notice roots poking out of drainage holes, reduced growth, or rapid drying of the soil, it's time to consider repotting. These signs typically occur as the plant outgrows its current pot, indicating the need for more space to flourish.

Selecting an appropriate pot is vital for Glycyrrhiza glabra's growth. Opt for a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A well-sized pot ensures that roots have ample space to expand, reducing the risk of root rot and encouraging healthy growth.

The choice of soil plays a significant role in the successful repotting of Glycyrrhiza glabra. A well-draining, sandy loam soil mixture is ideal. This type of soil provides the necessary drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions while retaining enough moisture and nutrients to support the plant's necessities.