The very decorative curry herb (bot. Helichrysum italicum) is also commercially available as immortelle or Italian helichrysum. It comes from the Mediterranean region and is related to our helichrysum. Similar to these, it can be trimmed well for drying bouquets.

Curry herb should only be cut on soft, not on woody parts

What should I consider when cutting?

Curry herb sprouts poorly or not at all from the woody shoots. You should therefore always cut something above the woody shoots. The herb is still soft there and can easily sprout and branch out again at the interfaces. It is best to always cut whole shoots, not just the tips, so the bush stays in a harmonious shape.

cut cuttings

If you would like to propagate your curry herb, you can do this by sowing, but also with the help of cuttings. In spring or early summer, cut off some still soft, non-lignified shoots without flowers (buds) from your curry herb. Then put the shoots in a pot that you have filled with a mixture of potting soil and sand.

How can I store curry herb?

Freshly cut curry herb spoils quite quickly. Therefore, it should be processed immediately if possible. You can store it in the refrigerator for a day or two, wrapped in a damp cloth. Drying, depositing or freezing is recommended for longer storage periods. However, you should keep in mind that the aroma suffers a lot, especially when it dries.

How is curry herb used?

The relatively easy-care curry herb can be used to repel insects as well as for decoration or cooking. In terms of taste, it goes well with lamb dishes or hearty stews. Although not poisonous, the herb should not be eaten and should be removed from the dish before consumption.

When is curry herb cut?

Depending on how you want to use the curry herb, the ideal time to cut it varies greatly. If you want to cook with the herb, it is best to cut it just before it blooms, when the aroma is particularly intense.

In a dried bouquet, the yellow flowers come into their own in combination with the silvery leaves. It is best to cut the shoots when the flowers are slightly open. The flavor doesn't matter in this case. If you want to use the curry herb to repel insects, then cut before flowering, as the essential oil content is higher.

The essentials in brief:

  • woody subshrub
  • not poisonous
  • Cutting back the soft part of the shoot promotes branching
  • drives out of the wood only with difficulty or not at all
  • Shape cutting possible
  • Harvesting can replace special pruning

tips

Avoid cutting your curry herb back into the solid wood, as it will then only sprout poorly or not at all.

Category:

Vegetable garden