Pruning a curry plant
paulgraceuk
Posts: 5
in Plants
Have a curry plant that is now mostly woody stalks. After a little reading I realise I should have been pruning it. I guess this needs a vigorous pruning, but how vigorous and when?!
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I do usually leave a couple of stems uncut at first because otherwise OH complains if he wants to use some in the cooking. I then cut the final stems back once there's enough new growth.
https://www.motherearthliving.com/gardening/the-real-curry-plant#:~:text=The%20truth%20is%2C%20the%20plant,italicum%2C%20sometimes%20listed%20as%20H.&text=More%20reputable%20plant%20sellers%20will,wreaths%2C%20but%20not%20for%20food.
I don't think it's toxic though
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
It does smell of curry and I've seen the real curry leaves at £1.20 just for a few leaves in Waitrose
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Basically, it is a shrubby plant and best planted and treated as you would a Rosemary or Thyme - sunny site and well drained. Use the tips for culinary and take cuttings every couple of years if you want to keep it going.
I've only grown it in the ground - your container compost looks a bit wet and sticky from the photo.
You may be able to rescue the plant by removing from the pot, checking the root ball, cutting back ( if possible ) to green wood and potting up again using suitable medium. You still have some healthy tips which you could use as cuttings.