The botanical name of curry leaf tree
is Murraya koenigii. Actually the curry leaf plants are a component of the
Indian seasoning called curry. The curry seasoning is a collection of many
herbs and spices, whose flavor can sometimes come from curry leaf plants. The curry
leaf herb is a culinary plant whose leaves are actually used as an aromatic and
the fruit of the plant is a component of desserts in some Eastern nations.
Continue reading to learn more on how to grow curry leaves at home from stem.
Curry Leaf Herb Info
The scientific name of the curry leaf
tree is Murraya koenigii and the plant is a small bush or tree that only grows thirteen
to just under twenty feet in height. The curry leaf tree plant is tropical to
sub-tropical and it produces small, fragrant, white flowers that become small,
black, berry-like fruits. The curry leaf tree fruit is edible, but the seed is
poisonous and must be removed prior to use. The foliage is the real standout;
it’s arranged alternately on the stem and pinnate and is comprised of many
leaflets. The aromatic scent is spicy and heady and best when the leaves are
fresh.
How to Grow Curry Leaves at Home from
Stem
The curry leaf tree plants can be
grown from stem. Just use fresh curry leaves with petiole or stem and start a
plant. Make sure you treat the leaves as a cutting and then insert them into a
soilless potting medium. Take a piece of stem from the curry leaf tree that is
about three inches long and that has several leaves. Remove the bottom one inch
of leaves. Immerse the bare stem into the medium and mist thoroughly. It will
root in about 3 weeks if you keep it warm and moist. Growing curry leaves to
produce a new plant is actually the easiest method of propagation. Growing
curry leaf plant in the home garden is only advisable in areas without freezes.
The curry leaf tree is frost tender but it can be grown indoors. Plant the curry
leaf tree in a well-drained pot with a good potting mix and place it in a sunny
area. You can feed them weekly with a diluted solution of seaweed fertilizer
and also trim the leaves as needed. Watch the curry leaf tree plant for mites
and scale. You can use an insecticidal soap to combat the pests. The curry leaf
tree requires moderately moist soil. Curry leaf plant care is quite
straightforward and even suitable for a beginner.
Curry Leaf Uses
The Curry leaves really have the
strongest flavor and aroma when fresh. You can use curry leaves in soups, sauces,
and stews as you would use a bay leaf, and fish it out when the leaf has
steeped. You can also dry the curry leaves and crush them for use. You can store
the dried curry leaves in a sealed glass jar out of light and use them within a
couple of months.
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