Regions: West India

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

Bolts in heat, thrives in the cool months. Sow every fortnight for a steady supply.

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

Plant a knob of market haldi in June; harvest your own in February.

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

A woody climber of the dry deccan, slow but very long-lived on a trellis.

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

Grows from a cutting in a glass of water. Keep it in its own pot — it will take over any other.

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

A clump of scented grass that mosquitoes avoid and tea drinkers cannot do without.