Goals: food

The same trick as turmeric, in slightly more shade and slightly less time.

A curcuma that smells of raw mango — the pickle rhizome of the east.

A slight winter annual of dry western fields, grown for the husk of its seed.

Fine blue-white flowers over ferny leaves, then the black seed of the spice box.

Feathery winter foliage, then umbels that hoverflies and small wasps work all day.

A winter annual of the north-west, grown for the thyme-scented seed.

Thick scented leaves on a succulent stem; one plant fills a windowsill pot for years.

Peppery leaves in five weeks, and yellow flowers for the bees if you let a few stalks run on.

The monsoon green that grows itself — heat-proof, rain-proof and ready in a month.

Summer staple for a sunny terrace; pick every second day or the pods turn woody.