In medieval churches and palaces, its sweet, spicy fragrance made it a popular “strewing” herb for freshening the air. The essential oil is often included in perfumes and sachets, and also used in aromatherapy; calamus oil is one of the ingredients in an ancient recipe for anointing oil found in the Bible. The roots make a natural insect repellent, while the blade-like foliage has also been used as for thatching English cottages. Planting instructions: (refer back to these for planting); Keep the soil very moist, even saturated; sweet flag does not tolerate drought. It grows well in shallow water, but avoid flooding seedlings or areas that have been direct seeded. Sweet flag also grows fairly well in normal soil, though its height may be slightly stunted. After two years, the plants can be divided for new plantings. Division should be done in spring to allow the plants to become established before cold weather. Sweet flag plants spread by rhizomes just below the surface, but are not invasive and can be moved without too much difficulty. Surface sow at 70 F for 1 mo, then move to 20 F for 1 mo, then back to 50 F. Plant in spring after danger of frost or in summer. Space30” apart. |