How to Grow Licorice: Complete Cultivation Guide for Healthy Root Yield

Swarnalata Sinha

3 hours ago

How to Grow Licorice

Licorice is a valuable medicinal and commercial herb known for its naturally sweet roots and wide use in herbal medicine, confectionery, and pharmaceutical industries. Growing licorice can be rewarding for farmers and gardeners who want to cultivate a high-value medicinal crop.

This guide explains everything you need to know about growing licorice successfully, from climate and soil requirements to harvesting and post-harvest care.

What is Licorice?

Licorice is a perennial herb grown mainly for its roots. The roots contain glycyrrhizin, a natural compound responsible for licorice’s sweet flavor and medicinal properties. The plant typically grows 1–1.5 meters tall and produces purple to pale blue flowers.

Climate Requirements for Licorice Cultivation

Licorice grows best in:

Temperate and subtropical climates
Moderate rainfall areas
Regions with warm summers and mild winters

Ideal temperature range: 15°C to 30°C

Licorice plants require a long growing season because roots develop slowly. Frost-prone areas should avoid winter planting.

Soil Requirements

Soil plays a crucial role in root development.

Best Soil Type:

Deep sandy loam soil
Well-drained soil with good aeration

Soil pH: 6.0 – 8.0

Avoid heavy clay soils because they restrict root expansion and reduce yield.

Before planting, incorporate:

Well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM)
Compost or organic matter

This improves soil structure and microbial activity.

Also Read: How to Grow Cubeb Pepper: Complete Cultivation Guide for Farmers and Gardeners

Propagation Methods

Licorice is mainly propagated through root cuttings rather than seeds.

Root Cutting Method (Most Recommended)

Select healthy mother plants
Cut roots into 10–15 cm pieces
Ensure each piece has at least one bud
Plant horizontally 5–7 cm deep in soil

Seed Propagation (Less Common)

Seeds require pre-soaking and scarification for better germination.

Land Preparation

Plough land 2–3 times for fine tilth
Remove weeds and stones
Prepare raised beds or ridges for proper drainage
Add organic manure during last ploughing

Planting Time

Best planting season:

Spring (February – March) in mild regions
Early monsoon in warmer regions

Spacing:

Row to row: 60–90 cm
Plant to plant: 30–45 cm

Proper spacing ensures good root development and airflow.

Irrigation Management

Licorice requires moderate irrigation.

Critical Stages:

After planting
Early vegetative growth
Root development stage

Avoid waterlogging as it causes root rot.

Typical irrigation interval:

Summer: Every 7–10 days
Winter: Every 15–20 days

Nutrient Management

Licorice responds well to organic nutrition.

Recommended Fertilizer Application:

FYM or compost: 10–15 tons per hectare
Nitrogen: 40–60 kg/ha
Phosphorus: 40–50 kg/ha
Potassium: 30–40 kg/ha

Micronutrients like zinc and iron help improve root quality and plant vigor.

Weed Management

Weeds compete with licorice plants for nutrients and moisture.

Control methods:

Manual weeding (2–3 times during early growth)
Mulching using straw or organic residue
Intercropping with compatible crops

Pest and Disease Management

Licorice is relatively hardy but can face some problems.

Common Pests

Aphids
Root borers

Control:

Neem oil spray
Biological pest control

Common Diseases

Root rot
Leaf spot

Control:

Avoid waterlogging
Maintain proper spacing
Use disease-free planting material

Growth Duration

Licorice is a long-duration crop.

Crop maturity: 18–24 months

Roots become thicker and sweeter with longer growth.

Also Read: How to Grow Nigella Seeds – Complete Cultivation Guide

Harvesting

Licorice roots are ready when:

Plants start drying naturally
Leaves turn yellow

Harvesting steps:

Irrigate lightly before harvest
Dig carefully to avoid root damage
Wash roots to remove soil

Post-Harvest Processing

After harvesting:

Cut roots into small pieces
Dry under shade or controlled drying unit
Store in dry, cool place

Proper drying maintains sweetness and medicinal quality.

Yield Expectation

Average root yield:

2–4 tons per hectare (dry roots)

Yield depends on:

Soil fertility
Irrigation management
Crop duration

Benefits of Growing Licorice

High demand in pharmaceutical industry
Used in herbal medicine and Ayurveda
Long shelf life product
Suitable for medicinal crop diversification
Good export potential

Intercropping Possibilities

Licorice can be intercropped with:

Medicinal herbs
Short-duration vegetables
Legume crops

This improves land productivity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting in poorly drained soil
Over-irrigation
Using weak root cuttings
Harvesting too early
Ignoring weed control

FAQs

How long does licorice take to grow?

Licorice usually takes 18–24 months to reach full root maturity.

Can licorice grow in pots?

It is possible but not recommended because roots need deep soil for proper development.

Is licorice profitable?

Yes, licorice has good market demand, especially in herbal and pharmaceutical sectors.

Does licorice need heavy fertilizer?

No. It grows well with organic manure and balanced nutrients.

Also Read: How to Grow Caraway: Complete Cultivation Guide for Beginners and Farmers

Final Opinion

Licorice is an excellent medicinal crop for farmers looking to diversify into herbal cultivation. Although it requires patience due to its long growing duration, the crop offers strong market demand and good economic returns. With proper soil preparation, irrigation management, and organic nutrition, farmers can successfully grow licorice and achieve high-quality root yield.

Also Read: About How to Grow Licorice on https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Glycyrrhiza_glabra.html Site