5 Best Herbs to Grow in India

Herbs are plants with aromatic or fragrant properties. It can be used to flavour food, added to fragrances, and even be a part of natural medicines. Parsley, rosemary, basil, thyme, and dill are some of the most common herbs.

Herbs may be used to clear the intestines, promote digestion, restore damaged skin, heal wounds, and ease hurting muscles, among other things. They are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Top Herbs to Grow in Indian Climate

Below we have listed a few herbs that can thrive well in Indian climate

Carom (Ajwain)

Origin

Carom is said to have originated in the Middle East, mainly in Egypt and the Indian Subcontinent. Although it has also been found in Iran, Egypt, and Afghanistan. Rajasthan and Gujarat are the two primary Ajwain-producing states in India, where Rajasthan produces about 90% of India's total production.

Soil and climate requirements

These plants grow well in acidic soil as well as neutral soil, which has a good draining capability. During its growth stage, it requires a temperature of 15-27°C with a relative humidity of 60-70%, and it prefers warm weather during seed development. The crop has a moderate level of drought tolerance and a wide range of environmental adaptation since it can also be cultivated in the Kharif season.

Fertilizer Requirement

Although Ajwain is not a heavy feeder, you may give it a boost in the spring by using a soluble, slow-release fertilizer with a 10:10:10 NPK ratio once a month, the plant also benefits from the application of cow dung manure, and dilute fish emulsion.

Coriander (Dhaniya)

Origin

Coriander, or Coriandrum sativum, is an herb that originated in Italy but is now widely grown in the Netherlands, Central and Eastern Europe (Russia, Hungary, and the Netherlands), the Mediterranean (Morocco, Malta, and Egypt), North Africa, China, India, and Bangladesh. 

Soil and climate requirements.

Cultivation is best done in well-drained silt or loamy soils. The soil for rainfed agriculture should be clay in nature, with a pH of 6–8. Coriander thrives at temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer Requirement 

Fertilize only once or twice during the growing season with nitrogen-based fertilizer. Organic Manure FYM 10 t/ha is recommended and 10 kg N, 40 kg P, and 20 kg K for irrigated and rainfed crops.

Mustard (Sarson)

Origin

Yellow/white mustard is native to Southern Europe, whereas brown mustard is from China that has made its way to Northern India. The black mustard is prevalent in the Mediterranean southern region.

Soil and Climate Requirements

Mustard may be grown in sandy to heavy clay soil, however, alluvial loam is the optimum medium for mustard growth and the optimum temperature for the growth of mustard is 15°C - 25°C at time germination they need a bit high 28°C Temperature.

Fertilizer Requirement

When preparing the field, apply 15-20 tonnes of FYM or compost and also, used 60-90 kg nitrogen, 60-kilogram P2O5, and 40 kg K2O per acre. Split nitrogen treatment has been demonstrated to be beneficial for mustard crops.

Basil (Tulsi)

Origin

Tulsi is an aromatic plant in the basil family Lamiaceae that is native to the eastern globe tropics and is said to have originated in north-central India.

Soil and Climate requirements 

The plant is a medicinal herb and it can be grown on any type of soil except those that are excessively salty, alkaline, or waterlogged. A sandy loam soil with plenty of organic content is good for the cultivation of the Basi plant.

Fertilizer requirement 

Tulsi needs a balanced fertilizer once per week after plants grow at least 2-3 pairs of leaves. A balanced Casa De Amor Special Tulsi Plant Fertiliser is the ideal fertilizer for Tulsi plants and may be sprayed every few weeks.

Mint (Pudina)

Origin

Mint is said to have originated in the Mediterranean region and spread around the world in both natural and man-made ways. Japanese mint is grown extensively in Brazil, Paraguay, China, Argentina, Japan, Thailand, Angola, and India, among other countries.

Soil and Climate requirements 

Loamy Soils that are well-drained, have a high water-holding capacity, and are high in organic matter are better suited. Water stagnation with a pH of 6.5-8.0 is not tolerated by the mint crop. Mint grows best at 15–25 degrees Celsius temperature and they need 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.

Fertilizer Requirement 

To fertilize the mint, the finest commercial fertilizer is NPK in the ratio of 16:16:16 is required. This ratio formula is particularly beneficial in the development of mint plants. This fertilizer is suitable for all mint species and does not affect the production of mint oil.