Native to India, the curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii) grows as alittle bush or tree which will reach anywhere from six to twenty feet tall. This low-maintenance evergreen produces fragrant white flowers, which grow into small, black fruits almost like berries. This fruit is edible, but should only be consumed carefully by removing the poisonous seed first. Foliage forms alternately on the stem and pinnate, comprised of the many leaflets. The curry tree offers a definite aromatic scent and spicy flavor, its leaves best harvested when fresh.

How to Grow A Curry Tree

Hardy in USDA Zones 9, 10, 11, and 12, the curry tree can grow in such tropical climates almost like its native region on the Indian subcontinent. When checking out an area to plant it outdoors, avoid a windy spot because this upright growing tree features a weak trunk and weak limbs.

The curry tree is frost tender. While it can survive mild freezing temperatures, it’ll need tons of attention within the winter. The tree may shed its leaves and go dormant until spring. Gardeners who live below USDA Zone 9 or in other areas with harsh winters should grow the tree during a well-drained five-gallon container with drainage holes. Plant in spring during a good potting mix and set during a sunny window. because it continues to grow larger, repot during a larger container.

Light

The curry tree thrives fully sun. Place within the absolute sunniest part of your garden for best results. With proper light and care, the tree will produce good foliage and more flowers which can yield more fruits. For the primary two years, pinch off the flowers to encourage healthy growth.

Soil

Plant in well-drained, fertile soil. The curry tree prefers soil that’s dry too. Allow the soil to dry out when it receives heavy watering or rain.

Fertilizer

Give the tree a nitrogen-rich fertilizer after a month or two. don’t fertilize within the dormant period, which comes within the winter in cooler parts of the planet.

Water

Water regularly for the primary two months. then, offer moderate watering. Avoid overwatering all year long, especially in winter. The curry tree is an overall strong plant once established in ideal sunny, tropical conditions. It could only wither and die from extreme drought, record high temperatures or infertile soil.

Common Pests

Keep an eye fixed out for mites, scale, and psyllids. If any appear on the plant, use insecticidal soap to tame the infestation and stop it from getting more severe.

Pruning

In addition to pinching off the flowers within the first two years, the curry tree requires additional look after the remainder of its life. Prune dead branches regularly and stop any dead leaves to encourage continual fresh foliage.

Harvesting

Harvesting actually boosts health. When the tree has grown larger at the height season, pluck off the fresh aromatic leaves to flavor stews and soups. Regular harvesting improves this and the future growth of the plant.

Propagation

Curry leaf plants are often grown from seeds or cuttings. Remove the seed from the Hell of the fruit and take away its hard outer shell to encourage even faster germination. (Or you’ll sow the whole fruit itself, though sowing the seeds alone has been proven to possess a better rate of germination). Sow seeds during a good quality potting soil. Keep them damp during a warm area of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If the conditions don’t leave such warm temperatures, layer the soil with polyethylene—a light yet tough resin made by polymerizing ethylene—or place it during a greenhouse.

Propagation by cuttings referred to as “suckers” is that the easiest method . One leaf with its petiole or stem is taken into account a cutting. Insert into a soilless potting medium. Take a three-inch-long a part of the stem that features a few leaves. Remove rock bottom one inch of the leaves. Place the bare stem into the medium. Mist generously. Cuttings will root in about three weeks in such a warm and moist environment.

Toxicity

While the seeds are toxic, the antibacterial and anti-fungal volatile oil inside them is employed in perfumery.

Uses in Food, Medicine, and More

The curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii) is often confused with the plant called “curry” (Helichrysum italicum, sometimes listed as H. angustifolium), which is popular in many nurseries and garden centers. While it does have a warm fragrance like curry, it tastes bitter. make certain to ask sellers if the plant is edible. Helichrysum italicum is really best served in potpourris and wreaths, but not for food.

On the opposite hand, the curry leaf tree described during this guide are often utilized in some ways . Limbolee oil, which may be utilized in scenting soap, comes from the fresh leaves. Wood from the tree is employed for fuel in Southeast Asia . Leaves are roasted and added to the Cambodian soup called maju krueng and also utilized in Java in gulai or lamb stew.

Curry leaves have the foremost flavor when fresh, so continuously growing more leaves on a tree indoors or outdoors allows for a continuing supply. they really offer a citrus-like flavor. Welcome the fresh leaves into soups, sauces and stews. increase vegetables, seafood and chutneys. almost like how you’d use a herb , steep the leaves within the food as its cooking then fish it out. an alternative choice is to dry the leaves and crush them. Store during a jar within the dark and take them back call at a few of months.

Because leaves are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, Ayurvedic medicine recommends curry leaves to regulate heart condition and treat infections and inflammation. Leaves have antimicrobial properties too. they need been proven to lower cholesterol levels in animals and may even prevent Alzheimer’s disease in humans. thanks to their iron and vitamin Bc content, curry leaves can also be wont to treat anemia. As vitamin Bc helps the body absorb iron, this process protects against the liver damage which will occur from drinking tons of alcohol or eating the fish which will then be flavored with an equivalent curry leaves.