UK compost
What compost for liquorice in the UK?
Glycyrrhiza glabra
More about liquorice in the UK
Which compost liquorice needs
For liquorice the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost. Requires deep, well-drained, fertile sandy loam to allow unrestricted taproot development (roots can reach 1 m+). Soil pH 6.0–8.0; tolerates slight alkalinity. Heavy clay soils produce stunted, forked, lower-quality roots. Dig deeply and incorporate organic matter before planting.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows liquorice perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Liquorice is straightforward: an ordinary peat-free multipurpose compost is right. For a big specimen or a pot it will live in for years, mixing in some loam-based John Innes No.2 or No.3 adds weight and holds nutrients longer. Ericaceous compost is not needed unless a plant is specifically a lime-hater.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the liquorice soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Liquorice in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for liquorice in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost. Requires deep, well-drained, fertile sandy loam to allow unrestricted taproot development (roots can reach 1 m+). Soil pH 6.0–8.0; tolerates slight alkalinity. Heavy clay soils produce stunted, forked, lower-quality roots. Dig deeply and incorporate organic matter before planting. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for liquorice?
Yes. A good peat-free multipurpose compost is exactly right for liquorice. For a large or long-term pot you can mix in some John Innes No.2 or No.3 (loam-based) for extra weight and staying power.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow liquorice perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does liquorice need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does liquorice need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Deep, fertile, sandy loam. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More liquorice care
See the full liquorice care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.