Alexanders
Ancient biennial/perennial vegetable related to celery, this was brought to Britain by the Romans, and can still be found on ancient sites. A staple in Medieval gardens as a spring green when young, as a vegetable in soups and cooked dishes, and as a flavoring like parsley. When celery became a common commercially-grown vegetable, old perennial and biennial plants like Lovage and Alexanders were forgotten or grown only for ornament. Carol Deppe suggests a self-sowing patch in shady areas under deciduous trees, to provide easy spring greens outside the more intensive areas devoted to annual crops. I had a patch for many years under an apple tree in my yard. Flavor is unique, but related to the other umbellifer crops like parsley, celery, lovage, angelica, etc. A powerhouse attractor of beneficial insects, it makes a great addition to an insectary border, or around orchard trees.
Alexanders is salt tolerant and thrives in full sun on the coast, or in shadier spots inland. Seeds require a period of moist, cold conditions before they will germinate.
Sow directly outdoors in a seedbed in autumn or in pots where it can be kept cold and moist for 2-3 months. Germination will start as the seeds experience warmth and light. From there on, care is easy. The plants like a soil that drains well but has moisture--woodsy, humus-rich soil, or one that is well amended with compost. 10 seeds.