If you like curry, then we have just the thing for you. We'll tell you how to grow, care for and harvest curry herb.
The curry herb, originally from the Mediterranean region, beguiles us with a very pleasant floral scent that immediately reminds us of the finest oriental dishes. The curry aroma of this plant even exudes a hint of sage smell. Incidentally, this smell is perceived particularly intensively in light rainy weather.
Curry herb has not only been known as a spice for many centuries, but is also used as a medicinal plant to treat coughs. On top of that, you can also use dried curry herb in small scented sachets.
Cultivation of curry herb
You can already sow the seeds of the curry herb in small pots on the window sill at the beginning of the year (around the end of January). The room temperature should then always be around 21 degrees. After the ice saints, you can then take the tender plants outdoors.
» Tip:
You can get your own seeds from the faded blossoms at any time in autumn!
The curry bush, which grows up to 100 centimeters tall, thrives particularly well in a very sunny, dry location.
» Tip:
If you like it a little smaller, you can also use smaller varieties. Speci alty shops also sell dwarf curry bushes that only grow half as big.
Proper care for curry herb
Casting:
From June to August, the curry bush develops its typical yellow flowers, which form a great contrast to the silver-green leaves. During long periods of heat, however, you should only water it moderately.
Pruning:
After flowering or after harvesting, you should always cut back your curry bush moderately.
» Tip:
In spring, a second pruning can be done before the fresh shoots.
Fertilize:
In addition, the curry herb is generally not fertilized. Only the soil around older plants should be enriched with some compost in spring.
» Tip:
If necessary, you can also add a little complete fertilizerdeploy.
Winter Protection:
Furthermore, the curry bush does not tolerate severe frost - a maximum of -10 degrees. Therefore, you either have to dig it up in winter and plant it in pots (hibernate indoors) or you protect the plant well outdoors - e.g. with jute bags, brushwood, straw, etc.
Harvest curry herb
You should always harvest curry sprigs (with flowers) fresh for use in the kitchen (as a spice).
» Tip:
Curry herb develops its best aroma immediately before flowering!
You can then harvest (cut off) the remaining curry herb that has not been used up to that point, with or without the flowers, and then bundle them up and dry them overhead in an airy place. (Link tip: How to preserve herbs - 5 options presented)
» Tip:
You can also use the dried curry herb to prepare a really delicious tea.
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