Growing licorice root from seed offers a direct path to a self-sustaining supply of this ancient herbal remedy, but it demands a strategy that bypasses the plant’s notoriously slow and uneven germination. Most gardeners waste an entire season on seeds that never break dormancy because they skip a critical cold-treatment step. The right seed variety pack, combined with proper stratification, transforms a frustrating gamble into a reliable harvest of deep-rooted, sweet-flavored rhizomes.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I research seed market trends, analyze germination data from multiple growing zones, and compare the genetic purity and variety composition of bulk seed collections to pinpoint packs that deliver consistent results for home herbalists.
After evaluating five major herb seed collections for their variety counts, organic certifications, and customer-reported germination rates, the best picks for building a licorice-focused apothecary garden are clear. This guide breaks down how to choose a best licorice root seeds pack that complements your planting goals and climate conditions.
How To Choose The Best Licorice Root Seeds
Selecting the right licorice root seed pack involves more than grabbing the largest variety count. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial that demands deep, well-draining soil and a cold period to wake up. The seed’s hard outer coat is nature’s lock, and the pack’s composition determines whether you can grow a functional apothecary garden or just a random assortment of annuals.
Variety Composition and Companion Herbs
Since pure licorice root seeds are rarely sold alone, you will almost always buy a medicinal or culinary herb variety pack that includes licorice or its functional companions. Look for packs that contain herbs with overlapping growing requirements — full sun, moderate water, and deep soil. Echinacea, chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender share similar hardiness zones and make excellent neighbors in a dedicated licorice bed. Avoid packs dominated by shallow-rooted annuals if you plan to establish a long-term perennial patch.
Germination Rate and Seed Freshness
Licorice root seeds have a naturally low and erratic germination rate, often below 50% without manual scarification and stratification. A high-germination claim on the package (80% or above) is a strong signal of seed freshness and proper storage. Check the customer reviews for mentions of “cold treatment,” “sprouted after winter,” or “slow to start” — these indicate that the seeds responded well to the specific protocol licorice requires. Resealable mylar packets or sealed aluminum pouches preserve moisture and viability far better than paper envelopes.
Heirloom and Non-GMO Certification
For medicinal and culinary use, heirloom and non-GMO status matters more than for ornamental seeds. Heirloom licorice root seeds maintain the full glycyrrhizin profile and flavor complexity that modern hybrids often dilute. Look for packs explicitly labeled as “heirloom” and “non-GMO” with a trusted brand name and domestic packing location. This traceability ensures you are getting true Glycyrrhiza glabra genetics, not a generic filler species that lacks the characteristic sweetness.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survival Garden Seeds | Medicinal Kit | Apothecary & Tea Garden | 18 varieties, 24 in height | Amazon |
| Gardeners Basics | Medicinal Kit | Large Apothecary Setup | 35 varieties, 4.6 oz weight | Amazon |
| SPROUTME MEDICINAL | Medicinal Kit | Wellness & Remedy Garden | 15 varieties, 2,950+ seeds | Amazon |
| SPROUTME CULINARY | Culinary Kit | Kitchen Herb Garden | 18 varieties, 4,100+ seeds | Amazon |
| B&KM Farms | Survival Kit | Long-Term Food Storage | 30 varieties, 20,000+ seeds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Medicinal Herb Seeds for Planting | 18 Seed Variety Pack – Survival Garden Seeds
This 18-variety medicinal pack from Survival Garden Seeds is the most thoughtfully curated collection for anyone building a dedicated apothecary bed that includes licorice root companions. It contains English Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Echinacea, Peppermint, Spearmint, Common Sage, White Sage, Lemon Balm, White Yarrow, Catnip, Marigold, Oregano, Holy Basil Tulsi, Bergamot, Borage, Fennel, Fenugreek, and Lovage — all heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated. The inclusion of both annuals and perennials allows you to establish a permanent licorice patch while rotating quick-growing herbs for first-season harvests.
Customer reviews consistently report high germination rates for Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Marigolds, with one verified buyer noting 100% success in zone 7 after up-potting and hardening off. The seeds are packed in a family-owned USA small business facility, and the packaging includes drought-tolerant and low-maintenance varieties that align well with licorice’s preference for moderate watering. The expected plant height of 24 inches matches the upright habit of many medicinal herbs, making bed planning straightforward.
The only drawback is that the pack lacks pure licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) seeds, so you will need to source those separately if your primary goal is licorice cultivation. However, as a companion garden kit that supports the same soil pH, sun exposure, and watering schedule, it is an excellent foundation. The borage and fenugreek also serve as dynamic accumulators, improving soil structure for deep-rooted perennials.
What works
- High germination rate for Echinacea, Chamomile, and Lemon Balm based on multiple verified reviews
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance varieties reduce watering demands for licorice companion beds
What doesn’t
- Does not contain licorice root seeds; requires a separate purchase for pure Glycyrrhiza glabra
- White Sage can be slow to germinate in cooler zones without supplemental heat
2. 35 Medicinal Herb Seeds Variety Pack – Gardeners Basics
Gardeners Basics delivers the largest single pack in this review with 35 medicinal herb seed varieties, making it the most comprehensive option for herbalists who want to build a sprawling apothecary garden with room for licorice root and its allies. The kit includes basil, thyme, lavender, echinacea, chamomile, sage, oregano, rosemary, lemon balm, cilantro, and many more — all heirloom and non-GMO, grown and packed in the USA. The brown kraft-style packaging is simple but functional, and the inclusion of low-maintenance, pollinator-attracting, and pet-friendly varieties broadens its appeal for family gardens.
Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with multiple verified buyers praising the “incredible success” and “excellent variety” — one noted that the pack is “so much cheaper than buying them individually.” The seeds are suitable for indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse growing, which is critical for licorice stratification protocols that may require starting indoors under controlled cold conditions. The expected year-round blooming period also means you can stagger plantings for continuous harvest.
The main caution is that the pack’s sheer variety can be overwhelming if you lack a clear planting plan. Some reviewers reported that specific seeds with high germination claims on the package did not perform as expected — one mentioned that “tomato seeds did pretty well but some other seeds didn’t germinate at all.” For licorice-focused gardeners, this pack is best used as a supplementary source of companion herbs rather than a primary licorice seed source.
What works
- 35 varieties offer the broadest selection for building a diverse apothecary garden
- Low maintenance and pet-friendly tags make it safe for household gardens with children or animals
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent germination reported for some varieties, particularly tomato and a few medicinal herbs
- No dedicated licorice root seeds included; requires separate sourcing for pure Glycyrrhiza glabra
3. Medicinal Herb Seeds Variety Pack – SPROUTME SEEDS (15 Varieties)
SPROUTME SEEDS offers a focused 15-variety medicinal herb pack that hits the sweet spot between variety and manageability for gardeners who want to grow licorice root alongside a curated set of healing plants. The kit includes Calendula, Echinacea, Lemon Balm, Lovage, Hyssop, Chamomile, Lavender, Anise, Fennel, Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Marjoram, Borage, and Lemon Mint — all heirloom, non-GMO, and individually packed in resealable plastic envelopes with QR codes for planting instructions. The 2,950+ seed count is generous without being overwhelming.
Verified buyers report strong germination results: one reviewer planted Echinacea on March 22 and saw “strong sprouts under grow light” within four days, while another specifically purchased the pack for lovage and confirmed “all have sprouted well.” The resealable packaging is a standout feature for long-term storage, especially if you plan to stratify licorice seeds over winter and need to keep them dry and airtight. The included plant tags also help organize a multi-variety bed.
The trade-off is that with only 15 varieties, this pack may not cover all the companion herbs you want for a large apothecary setup. It also lacks direct licorice root seeds. But for a targeted medicine garden focused on licorice plus a handful of well-matched perennials, this pack is a space-efficient and cost-effective choice. The compact item weight (9.07 g) reflects the sealed envelope format, which is ideal for small-scale planting.
What works
- Resealable plastic packaging with QR codes preserves seed freshness and provides easy growing instructions
- High germination rate reported for Echinacea, Lovage, and Lemon Balm in verified reviews
What doesn’t
- Limited to 15 varieties; may not include all desired companion herbs for a large licorice garden
- No licorice root seeds in the mix; separate purchase required
4. Culinary Herb Seeds Variety Pack – SPROUTME SEEDS (18 Varieties)
SPROUTME SEEDS also offers an 18-variety culinary herb pack that leans heavily toward kitchen herbs — Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Chives, Chervil, Marjoram, Summer Savory, Fennel, Chicory, Calendula, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Mint, and Echinacea. With over 4,100 seeds, it is the highest seed-count pack in this review, making it ideal for gardeners who want to integrate licorice root into a culinary-medicinal hybrid garden. The heirloom, non-GMO seeds are individually packed in resealable zip-lock envelopes with QR codes for planting instructions.
Customer reviews highlight the “great assortment” and “excellent starter set for a backyard culinary garden.” One verified buyer reported that “nearly all seeds germinated quickly” and produced “sturdy sprouts, healthy plants, and flavorful harvest.” The year-round planting period and suitability for both indoor and outdoor growing make this pack flexible for stratification experiments — you can start seeds indoors under controlled cold conditions before transplanting.
The downside is that the culinary focus means some medicinal standbys like Echinacea and Lavender are included, but the core herbs are kitchen-oriented. If your primary interest is licorice root for medicinal tea rather than cooking, the medicinal pack from the same brand (review 3) may be a better fit. Also, like the other SPROUTME packs, it does not contain pure licorice root seeds.
What works
- Highest seed count (4,100+) in the review for maximum planting coverage
- Resealable zip-lock packaging maintains seed viability for stratification and long-term storage
What doesn’t
- Culinary-focused composition may not align with medicinal apothecary goals
- No licorice root seeds; must be sourced separately
5. B&KM Farms 20,000+ Survival Seed Kit – 30 Varieties
B&KM Farms markets this 30-variety survival seed kit as a 5+ year supply with over 20,000 seeds, packed in a weather-proof plastic bucket with mylar seed packets. While the primary focus is vegetable and fruit seeds (not medicinal herbs), the sheer scale and storage quality make it a compelling option for gardeners who want to build a long-term food-security garden that could include licorice root as a supplementary crop. The kit includes garden seed markers, a growers guide, and access to over 100 pages of online resources.
Verified buyers consistently praise the packaging — one noted that “the seeds come in a pack that’s resealable” and that “the first set is coming up nicely.” Another reviewer emphasized that seeds have a sell-by date of end 2028, making them viable for up to 10 years from that date, which is ideal for emergency storage. The reported germination rate of 80% or higher and the “90% germinated” feedback from a verified buyer are strong indicators of seed quality.
The major limitation for licorice root enthusiasts is that this kit is vegetable-focused, with no explicit medicinal herbs included. It works best as a foundational food garden that you can supplement with a dedicated licorice root seed packet. The bucket storage also takes up significant space compared to the resealable envelope packs, which may be a consideration for small-scale gardeners.
What works
- Weather-proof bucket and mylar packets ensure long-term seed viability for 10+ years
- High germination rate (80%+) confirmed by multiple verified buyer reviews
What doesn’t
- Vegetable and fruit focused; lacks medicinal herbs and licorice root seeds
- Bulky bucket storage is less practical for small garden setups
Hardware & Specs Guide
Stratification Requirements
Licorice root seeds have a hard outer seed coat that requires cold stratification to break dormancy. Place seeds in a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for 3-4 weeks at 35-40°F before sowing. Without this step, germination rates can drop below 20%. Some gardeners also recommend scarification — lightly nicking the seed coat with a file — to improve water absorption before stratification.
Seed Viability and Storage
Herb seed viability decreases by roughly 10% per year under ideal storage conditions (cool, dark, dry). Mylar packets or resealable plastic envelopes with desiccant packs maintain viability longer than paper envelopes. Licorice root seeds can remain viable for 3-5 years when stored properly, but fresher seeds (packed within the last 12 months) significantly outperform older stock in germination trials.
FAQ
Do any of these seed packs contain actual licorice root seeds?
Which pack has the highest germination rate for slow-starting herbs like licorice?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners looking to build a licorice-compatible apothecary garden, the best licorice root seeds companion pack is the Survival Garden Seeds 18 Medicinal Herb Variety Pack because it offers the highest verified germination rates, drought-tolerant perennials, and heirloom genetics that align perfectly with licorice’s growing needs. If you want a larger variety count for a sprawling garden, grab the Gardeners Basics 35 Medicinal Herb Seeds Pack. And for long-term food security storage that can anchor a survival garden, nothing beats the B&KM Farms 20,000+ Seed Kit.