Plant library
What can I grow now?
20 plants can be sown in March in South India. Narrow it further by space, goal or region — or step through the months below.
Two monsoons and no frost: cool-season crops go in a month later and keep going into February.
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Ajwain Leafअजवाइन पत्ताPlectranthus amboinicusThick scented leaves on a succulent stem; one plant fills a windowsill pot for years.
Arabian JasmineमोगराJasminum sambacA pot by an open window does more for a summer evening than any air freshener.BougainvilleaबोगनवेलियाBougainvillea glabraThrives on being ignored — the more you neglect it, the harder it flowers.
BrinjalबैंगनSolanum melongenaA long-season crop that rewards a big pot and steady feeding.Chinese Hibiscusगुड़हलHibiscus rosa-sinensisFlowers nearly all year in a warm city, and sunbirds find it within a week.CorianderधनियाCoriandrum sativumBolts in heat, thrives in the cool months. Sow every fortnight for a steady supply.Green Chilliहरी मिर्चCapsicum annuumOne plant on a sill supplies a household, and crops for two years.Hibiscusगुड़हलHibiscus rosa-sinensisFlowers nearly all year in a warm city, and sunbirds find it within a week.Indian AloeघृतकुमारीAloe veraNear-indestructible succulent for a bright sill; water only when the soil is dry through.JasmineमोगराJasminum sambacA pot by an open window does more for a summer evening than any air freshener.
Krishna Tulsiकृष्ण तुलसीOcimum tenuiflorum (purple)The dark-leaved tulsi, sharper in scent and a little slower to grow than the green.MintपुदीनाMentha spicataGrows from a cutting in a glass of water. Keep it in its own pot — it will…Ram Tulsiराम तुलसीOcimum basilicumSweet basil — indigenous cultivation across India long before its pizza career.Spring Onionहरा प्याज़Allium fistulosumRegrows from the root end of a shop-bought bunch — the cheapest crop there is.Sugarcaneगन्नाSaccharum officinarumA few canes in a corner give juice, gur and a green screen by October.SunflowerसूरजमुखीHelianthus annuusA fortnight of spectacle and then a head of seed the birds will take.