Regions: north

Upright, architectural and forgiving of dark corners. Releases oxygen at night, which makes it a favourite for bedrooms.

The split leaves only appear as the plant matures — give it a moss pole to climb and it will get there…

The most satisfying pot crop there is. Stake it early, feed every fortnight, and pinch side shoots so the plant puts its…

Sow thickly in a wide shallow tray and snip with scissors. Rub the seed between your palms before sowing to improve germination.

Ready in about 30 days and regrows after cutting. Harvest outer leaves and the plant keeps producing for weeks.

One plant in a 10-inch pot supplies a kitchen. Water at the base, not on the leaves, to avoid fungal spotting.

Spreads aggressively, so give it its own pot. A store-bought sprig will root in a glass of water in under a week.

Slow to start, then generous for decades. Feed with curd whey or diluted buttermilk once a month for glossy leaves.

A pest guard as much as a flower — plant it at the edge of vegetable beds. Deadhead often and it flowers…

Flowers on new growth, so prune hard after the monsoon. Loves a monthly dose of potash.