Curry plant / Italian strawflower / Immortelle

Plant family

Orchid family (Orchidaceae)

Cultivation Break

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Light germinator

Germination temperature

5 - 10 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

30 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

0.5 cm

Instructions

Description

Curry herb is also known as Italian strawflower and belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It tastes and smells like curry but is not part of the traditional spice mix. Also used as a medicinal herb. Forms silvery-gray, needle-shaped leaves with golden-yellow flowers from June to September.

Growing tips

Propagation is by seed (and also possible by cuttings (non-woody, without flowering) from existing plants). Germination at 18°C after 10-14 days. Regularly cut back and defoliate. Protect from cold temperatures in winter, only conditionally hardy. Harvesting is best done before flowering and by cutting off whole shoots.