Alexanders

Smyrnium olusatrum

Native to:
Albania, Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Canary Is., Chad, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Madeira, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apiaceae
Genus:
Smyrnium
Species:
Smyrnium olusatrum
USDA Symbol:
SMOL

Growth Characteristics

Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow, green

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers coastal areas with mild winters

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Germination can be erratic; fresh seed germinates best in autumn. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI