Murraya koenigii, commonly known as the Curry Leaf Plant, is widely used in Indian cooking and is one of the easier herbs to grow. If you are a keen chef, this is a plant that allows you to easily grow your own curry leaves at home.
However, before rushing out and planting one, it is worth considering the environment. Curry leaf plants can self seed and become a problem. This means you will need to pull out self-sown seedlings and try to remove all of the flower heads before they set seed.
Because of this tendency to spread, we suggest growing Murraya koenigii in a pot or container. The plant suckers easily and in some areas, especially warmer tropical to subtropical climates, it can become weedy. Even in cooler temperate climates it can sometimes ‘get away’.
Asian Herbs in the Garden
Curry leaf is one of many herbs commonly used in Asian cooking. If you enjoy growing culinary plants for use in the kitchen, you may also be interested in other Asian herbs that can be grown at home. Many of these plants thrive in warm conditions and are well suited to containers or sheltered garden positions.
Care
Curry leaf is a small evergreen tree or bush that requires very little in terms of special conditions or care. In fact, it grows so easily that it can sometimes become weedy if not managed.
If you are a regular user of the leaves you will trim the plant often, and it will rarely have the chance to set seed. If not, remember that the seeds spread easily, so removing the flower heads before they mature is recommended.
Pruning
Regular pruning is recommended for Murraya koenigii. Removing flower heads before they set seed will help prevent unwanted seedlings and keep the plant under control.
Propagation
The Curry Leaf Plant is easy to propagate.
You can grow it from:
- Cuttings
- Root cuttings
- Seed
If growing from seed, remember that the seeds are poisonous. Sow them fresh on top of a normal potting mix with a light covering of soil.
Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm position. Seeds will germinate readily under these conditions.
Curry Leaf Plant Summary Information
- Botanical Name: Murraya koenigii
- Common Name: Curry Leaf Plant
- Position: Full sun is best
- Soil: Humus rich and well drained
- Flowers: Sprays of fragrant white flowers mainly in spring, with spot flowering through the year
- Foliage: Mid green and fragrant
- Frost tolerant: No
- Fertiliser: Use a good organic fertiliser in spring