Seeds of Green chiretta, kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

Green chiretta from seed

Kalmegh, the 'King of bitters', is an upright annual from India and Sri Lanka with square stems, lance-shaped leaves and small white-and-pink flowers. Every part of it is famously bitter, and it has a long history in traditional Indian and Southeast Asian practice, where it is known as nilavembu or sambiloto.

How to sow

1. Germination is slow and erratic: some seeds may sprout in two weeks, others after two months, and reports run to six months.
2. Scatter the seed over a gritty, free-draining compost without covering it, then keep the tray in a warm, bright place with the compost damp but never soggy.
3. Patience matters more than technique here.

Growing in Europe

Start the seeds indoors early, as the plant needs about 160 days to mature. Plant out after the last frost, when the seedlings have their second pair of true leaves, giving each plant roughly 60 cm and the sunniest position available. In shade or wet soil it makes more leaf and fewer flowers and seeds. In a short summer it may not finish, so a greenhouse helps if you want your own seed.

Questions