Plant library
What can I grow now?
27 plants can be sown in March in Central India. Narrow it further by space, goal or region — or step through the months below.
A short sharp monsoon on black cotton soil, then a dry winter. Water-holding soil, water-scarce year.
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Ajwain Leafअजवाइन पत्ताPlectranthus amboinicusThick scented leaves on a succulent stem; one plant fills a windowsill pot for years.
AmaranthचौलाईAmaranthus tricolorThe monsoon green that grows itself — heat-proof, rain-proof, ready in a month.Bottle GourdलौकीLagenaria sicerariaA monsoon climber that will roof a terrace in eight weeks given a frame.BrinjalबैंगनSolanum melongenaA long-season crop that rewards a big pot and steady feeding.
Cockscombलाल मुर्गाCelosia argenteaVelvet crested heads that hold colour for weeks, in sun or half shade.CowpeaलोबियाVigna unguiculataPods, beans and green manure from one undemanding monsoon plant.
DrumstickसहजनMoringa oleiferaThe fastest useful tree there is — 3 m in a year, edible leaves and pods.Green Chilliहरी मिर्चCapsicum annuumOne plant on a sill supplies a household, and crops for two years.Green GramमूंगVigna radiataSixty days from sowing to dal, and sproutable on a kitchen shelf.Guggulगुग्गुलCommiphora wightiiA thorny desert shrub whose resin has been traded for millennia; now endangered.HennaमेहंदीLawsonia inermisThe mehndi hedge of the dry west — scented flowers and dye leaves.Indian AloeघृतकुमारीAloe veraNear-indestructible succulent for a bright sill; water only when the soil is dry through.KanerकनेरNerium oleanderFlowers through the hottest months on almost no water. Every part is poisonous.
Krishna Tulsiकृष्ण तुलसीOcimum tenuiflorum (purple)The dark-leaved tulsi, sharper in scent and a little slower to grow than the green.Lantana NativeराईमुनियाLantana camaraA relentless nectar plant — and an invasive that must be kept in a pot.LotusकमलNelumbo nuciferaThe national flower — a big tub, full sun and patience is all it takes.