Curry
Plant ( Murraya koenigii) is world famous
deciduous shrub grown for its aromatic and pungent leaves. It is native to
south India and known as “Curry Patta “ / “Sweet Neem” in India . It can grow
up to 18 feet. Its leaves are used in almost every dish prepared in Indian
household. It is so much strong that only one leaf can add smell and desired flavor
to any dish. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for its antidiabetic and
antioxidant properties for the years. Also it is assumed to beneficial for
digestive system. It bears small fragrant white flower which turns into black
berry fruit after pollination.
Propagation
Curry plant can be
grown from both seeds as well as cuttings. Remove hard shell to expose seeds or
sink them in water over night before sowing. Use freshly picked seeds as they
may germinate quicker. Seeds need at least 20° C to germinate.
Taking cuttings is
quicker way to get Curry plant. Take softwood or semi hard wood (unmatured green
twigs) and dip in some rooting hormone or honey. Insert the cuttings few inches
deep in ground or pot. Cuttings should have 2-3 leaves on it. Water the pot or
ground to keep soil mist.
Container
Use a large container
as it is a quick grower plant and will save you from frequent repotting. Container
should have adequate number of drainage hole in it to ensure good drainage of
water. In container it may take more time to establish itself, so you are advised to have patience.
Soil
Curry plant likes well
drained soil. Go for loamy soil as it drains really well. Avoid wet or soggy
soil.
Sun / Temperature
Curry plant flourishes
in full sun or direct sun light. So place your container where it gets direct
sun light for most of the day. Keep temperature above 20 -25 ° C always. If
grown in warm condition with high light intensity it will require less of
winter resting period.
Watering
Allow soil to dry
between each watering cycles. Cut down the watering in winter as it is not
growing actively that time and need little water. Too much water in that period
can promote root rot.
Fertilizer
Feed Curry plant
regularly during active growth season ( Spring / Summer ). Feed with slow
releasing granular fertilizer every 6 weeks or use diluted liquid fertilizer
once a week in growing season.
Winter dormancy
In winter, leaves start
getting yellow or fall off the plant. You need not to worry as it is going in
dormancy (negligible growth) stage. In spring it comes out of the dormancy and grows
again. Cut down the watering during this period.
Pruning
Pinch the growing tips to get bushier plant. Annual pruning
is recommended at starting of growing season so that plant forms more tasty and
fresh foliage.
- shared by Nainsi , Mumbai
- shared by Nainsi , Mumbai
Nainsi has passion of cooking home grown vegetables. The post comes from her personal experience. She believes every Indian household should try growing Curry plant as it is important part of our cuisine. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters in Business Administration.
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