Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)
Curry leaves are the leaves of the curry tree, scientifically known as Murraya koenigii or Bergera koenigii. The tree is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. The leaves are pinnate, with 11-21 leaflets, each leaflet 2-4 cm long and 1-2 cm broad. They are dark green on top and paler underneath, and have a strong, warm curry aroma when bruised or rubbed. Curry leaves are an indispensable part of Indian cuisine and traditional medicines. They are most widely used in southern and west coast Indian cooking, usually fried along with vegetable oil, mustard seeds and chopped onions in the first stage of the preparation. They are also used to make thoran, vada, rasam, and kadhi; additionally, they are often dry-roasted (and then ground) in the preparation of various powdered spice blends (masalas), such as South Indian sambar masala, the main seasoning in the ubiquitous vegetable stew sambar.
Planting: Curry leaves prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Plant young curry leaves about one foot apart, allowing them to spread properly. Their preference for well-drained soil makes them a natural choice for a rock garden. Plant them in mid- or late spring when the soil has warmed. They’ll bloom about 12 weeks after planting from seed. When grown in zones 9 to 11, they may perform as perennials, blooming through fall and winter and into spring. The flowers can bounce back from light frosts 1.
Watering: Curry leaves require regular watering throughout the growing season (spring to fall). They need at least an inch or two of water every seven to ten days. If the rain doesn’t provide it, you should.
Fertilizing: To stay healthy during the months-long blooming marathon, curry leaves need a dose of diluted liquid fertilizer, provided once every month or so while they’re flowering. Select a balanced product (10-10-10 NPK).
Pruning: Prune curry leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and more leaves. Pinch off spent blooms to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage more blooms.
Propagation: Curry leaves can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. Trim off a healthy portion of stem that’s around 6 inches long. Opt for a green, supple stem over one that’s older and… Remove foliage from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the stem in a small container filled with moistened soilless potting mix.
Here are some step-by-step instructions for taking care of curry leaves:
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- Address: Love gardens LLC , nursery warsan 3, Dubai
- Phone: +971 567491900
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