Helichrysum italicum (Curry Plant) is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the Mediterranean region in Europe. The Curry Plant’s leaves and yellow flowers are used in herbal teas, traditional medicines and as a spice to flavour stews, soups and baked goods. It produces a popular essential oil and the plant itself is cold and drought tolerant.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Although, Helichrysum italicum is known as the Curry Plant due to its strong fragrance it is also called the Italian Strawflower and Immortelle.
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Growth
Helichrysum italicum is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 60cm (24 inches) and a width of around 50cm (20 inches). Curry Plants adapt to poor soils, is drought tolerant and once established can cope with temperatures as low as -10°C / 14°F and as high as 30°C / 86°F.
Seedlings are commercially started in trays or small pots and are grown in greenhouses until after their first full winter. They can potentially flower in their first season but more often bloom during the second. If transplanting into a garden bed, wait until daytime temperatures are consistently above 15°C / 59°F.
From the second season onwards, pruning the plant back to the harder wood in late winter or early spring, encourages strong, new growth. Curry Plants leaves can be harvested from around 6-9 months but usually flowering may take as long as 15-18 months.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun or Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 50cm (20 inches)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees and Butterflies.
MATURITY:
15-18 months
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 18-22°C / 65-72°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 14000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT HELICHRYSUM ITALICUM (Curry Plant)
Helichrysum italicum is used as a spice and although it is referred to and smells like curry it is not related to the traditional curry plant, Murraya koenigii. Throughout the Mediterranean, the Curry Plants’ young shoots and leaves are used in stews of vegetables, meats and fish although they are removed prior to serving.
The leaves are of the Curry Plant are eaten in salads and have a slight flavour of curry but are primarily used to create an essential oil. As an essential oil, Helichrysum italicum is used to enhance ice creams, baked goods and beverages. The yellow flowers are also used to make a herbal tea. After a period of rain, the whole plant emits a strong aroma that resembles a curry flavour.
The Curry Plant is used for a whole range of traditional medicine applications that include fevers, inflammation, reduction of scars, infections, digestion and for treating wounds and other skin ailments.
For more information about the Curry Plant click here.
