About Curry Plant/Immortelle
Curry Plant is native to several regions in the Mediterranean and is well-suited to warm, dry, and sunny climates. This plant is also known as immortelle, everlasting flower, or Italian strawflower and is a member of the aster botanical family. Although it is named Curry Plant, it is not related to the curry tree, Murraya koenigii, which produces the well-known spice for culinary purposes.
Curry Plant is highly prized for its bushy appearance, strong fragrance, and vibrant color that remains long after picking. For this reason, Curry Plant blooms are frequently used in dried-flower arrangements.
When to Plant Curry Plant/Immortelle Seeds
Plant Helichrysum curry seeds indoors in early spring, or directly in the ground after you’re sure all danger of frost has passed. Seeds germinate best at temperatures of 63° to 74°F.
Where to Plant Curry Plant/immortelle Seeds
Immortellle thrives in full sun and well-draining, dryish soils. Ensure the soil is fast-draining to prevent waterlogging, as this herb prefers drier conditions. Curry Plant does well in beds and borders, gravel and rock gardens, Mediterranean coastal gardens as well as city and cottage gardens.
This herbaceous shrub has woody stems and grows as tall as two feet high and three feet wide.
How to Plant Curry Plant/Immortelle Seeds
In spring, start Curry Plant indoors by sowing the small seeds on the surface of potting soil. Press the seeds firmly into the soil to ensure good contact. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide six to eight hours of full sun exposure until germination, which typically occurs within 14 to 21 days.
Once the seedlings have grown, work them up into successively larger pots to promote robust growth. Indoor seedlings will also need to go through a hardening off process, and you can read more about that here. This process helps the young plants acclimate to their environment and prepares them for the challenges of outdoor planting.
When planting your established Curry Plant outdoors, space the plants two to three feet apart. This spacing allows sufficient room for the plants to grow and spread comfortably.
For those who prefer direct outdoor sowing, scatter the seeds over the topsoil once the danger of frost has passed. Seedlings should emerge within two to three weeks after planting.
How to Care for Curry Plant/Immortelle
Water regularly for the first 45 to 60 days after planting—it is crucial not to overwater the young seedlings, as they prefer drier conditions.
Once established, Curry Plant is generally drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and other issues. However, we must provide our thirsty shrubs with water more often than usual during very hot summer days. In addition, to encourage continuous growth and bushier plants, consider cutting back portions of older stems. Pruning helps the plant maintain its shape and vitality.
Remember to monitor the growth of your Immortelle plants regularly and adjust care based on the specific conditions in your garden or landscape. With proper attention and care, you can enjoy the beauty and aromatic qualities of Immortelle in your outdoor space.
