How to Grow Ajwain Plant from cutting and seeds

Ajwain is a popular perennial plant. Ajwain plant is easily available in nurseries. Its leaves are broad, pulpy and soft and the fruits are small oval, often called celery seeds. These seeds look similar to cumin or fennel seeds. There are many benefits of eating celery. Knowing its medicinal properties, every gardener wants to plant a celery plant. Ajwain is also known as celery seeds in the English language.

Due to not knowing the correct way to grow celery plants, many people are unable to grow it. Some of their plants rot even after growing due to bad care.

In this article, we will learn How to grow an ajwain plant from seed and cutting and How to take care of its plant. The method of growing celery plants has been described step by step. Along with this, the properties and benefits of eating Ajwain (celery) have also been described. By using these methods, you will see excellent growth in your Ajwain (Celery) plants.

Table of Contents

How to Grow Ajwain from Seeds

Ajwain is also known as carom seeds. Growing Ajwain plants from seeds is a very simple process. For this, we need to complete some simple steps in an organized manner :-

Prepare Soil

Planting Ajwain seeds we should use good drainage soil because good drainage soil helps plants to grow healthy. A mixture of 50% normal soil, 30% organic compost, and 20% river sand is best for growing ajwain plants. Choose suitable soil like vegetable or loamy soil for ajwain plants. This soil provides good drainage and delivers nutrients to the plants.

The suitable soil mix ratio for ajwain plants should be:

Soil: 50%
Compost: 30%
Sand: 20%

Compost plays a crucial role in plant nutrition, providing proper nutrients and improving soil quality. You can use compost mixtures like manure, coconut husk compost, vermicompost, cow dung compost, or other compost mixtures.

Planting seeds

Make small pits or furrows in the soil and sow celery seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the pits. The spacing between seeds should be 7-8 inches. Keep the seeds damp and after sowing ensure that the plant receives balanced light throughout the day.

Watering seeds

After sowing seeds water the soil gently but the pot should not be waterlogged. Ajwain seeds require consistent moisture to germinate, which usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Maintenance

Ajwain seeds should not be planted in soggy soil. We need to weed the area regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Once the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall, thin them out to ensure they are spaced about 6-8 inches apart. This will allow the plants enough room to grow.

Fertilization

Take regular care of the plant, water it regularly and fertilize it with organic fertilizer. Feed the plants with an organic fertilizer 2-3 times a month to ensure healthy growth.

Harvesting:

Ajwain plants can be harvested for their leaves once they are established. Its plant looks similar to the green coriander plant. The seeds can be harvested once the flower heads turn brown and dry.

How to grow ajwain plant from cutting

Planting ajwain in soil pits is a simple process. Follow these steps to grow your ajwain plant healthily:

Select plant for cutting: Choose a healthy ajwain plant and look for a strong, non-flowering stem. After choosing it, cut a 4-6 inch stem with a sharp scissors. Ensure the cutting has at least 2-3 pairs of leaves.
Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaves from the lower area of the cutting. Clean the roots gently. You can dip the cut end of the stem in a good rooting hormone powder that helps roots grow fast and develop plants.
Plant the Cutting: Fill a small pot with a good drainage potting mix. Use a pencil or your finger to make a hole in the soil and gently place the cutting in the hole. After that, Firm the soil around the cutting to provide stability.
Watering: Water the cutting thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the cutting and ensure that it does not damage the roots.
Location: We should place the pot in a warm, bright area with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, because it can burn the cutting. 20-25°C temperature is ideal for rooting carrom seeds.
Rooting: In about 2-3 weeks, roots will start to develop from the bottom of the cutting. You can gently tug the cutting to check for resistance, indicating that roots have formed.
Transplanting: Once the cutting has developed healthy, you can transfer its plant into a larger pot or garden. To plant multiple ajwain plants we need to provide proper spacing between them.
Care: Continue to water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Plant it in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Maintain soil’s pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. Whether grown from seeds or cuttings, the plant needs consistent moisture, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding waterlogging. Ajwain plants flourish in full sunlight, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct light daily, though they can tolerate partial shade. Maintain a warm temperature range between 60-85°F (15-30°C) and average humidity. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or organic compost. Regularly pinch off tips to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged parts to keep the plant healthy.

Important Info:-
Learn How to Grow Tomato Plants

Best Season to grow Ajwain plant

The ajwain plant grows best during the monsoon season. It can grow well in the hot and summer months. Provide proper shelter to avoid direct sunlight. Ajwain can also be grown during the wedding season but we need to provide proper care and shelter.

Pot size for ajwain plant

The right pot size for an ajwain plant mainly depends on the plant’s growth and root system. Follow these guidelines to choose the right pot size for an individual ajwain plant:

Small Plants: For small or young plants, use a pot that is 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in size.
Larger Plants: For larger and fully grown plants, use a pot that is 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) or bigger.

Make sure the pot is deep enough. The roots need enough space to grow well. While choosing the best pot for ajwain plants, keep the following points in mind:

Drainage: The pot should have good drainage to allow excess water to escape. Make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Size: Choose a medium or large pot for the ajwain plant so the roots have enough space to grow fully.
Material: Terracotta, plastic, or metal pots can be suitable. Terracotta keeps the soil warm, while plastic and metal pots are cheaper and easily available.
Depth: The depth of the pot is important too. Choose a pot with enough depth for the roots to grow properly.

Ajwain (Celery) Plant Diseases

Ajwain plants can get different diseases and pests. Common fungal diseases are leaf spot, which make small brown or black spots on the leaves. Fungal diseases create a white powder on leaves, stems, and flowers. Bacterial mist can cause dark spots on leaves, wilting, and even plant death. Pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites can also harm ajwain plants. Whiteflies suck sap and make leaves yellow and drop. Spider mites create webbing and make leaves speckled and discoloured.

To prevent and treat these issues, water the plant properly by avoiding overwatering and keeping the leaves dry. Ensure good air circulation to reduce humidity. Regularly check the plant for pests or diseases. Use natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap for pests. Keep the area around the plant clean to reduce risks. By doing these things, you can keep your ajwain plant healthy and strong.

These common diseases can affect ajwain plants:

Powdery Mildew: This disease shows up as a white coating on the upper and lower parts of the leaves, causing them to dry up and wither quickly.
Damping Off: This disease affects young seedlings, causing them to rot at the base and eventually die.
Root Rot: This disease occurs due to overwatering and soggy soil, affecting the plant roots and leading to plant death.
Specific Crop Pests: Various pests like aphids, thrips, and others can affect ajwain plants and hinder their growth.

To control these diseases-

To control diseases in ajwain plants, follow these steps:

Plant Health: Start with healthy seeds or seedlings to reduce disease risks.
Proper Spacing: Plant with adequate spacing for good air circulation, which prevents fungal diseases.
Watering: Avoid overwatering; water at the base early in the day to let foliage dry by evening.
Soil Drainage: Ensure well-draining soil using a mix of soil, compost, and sand.
Crop Rotation: Rotate with different crops each season to prevent disease buildup in the soil.
Sanitation: Remove and destroy infected plant material promptly to prevent disease spread.
Natural Remedies: Use neem oil or garlic spray as natural fungicides.
Pest Management: Control aphids and thrips using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Monitoring: Regularly inspect plants for signs of diseases or pests for early detection and action.

If you face any specific issues with your ajwain plants, seek advice from a local agriculture science centre or the agriculture department.

Uses of Ajwain in foods

Carom seeds, known as ajwain, are a staple in Indian cooking, adding a unique flavour and aroma to many dishes. Here are some popular recipes that use ajwain:

Ajwain Paratha- This is an Indian flatbread made by mixing Ajwain seeds into the dough. It’s often served with curry or yogurt.
Ajwain Puri- These are deep-fried Indian breads that are seasoned with Ajwain seeds. They’re usually enjoyed with potato curry or chutney.
Ajwain Chutney- A spicy and tangy chutney made with Ajwain seeds, green chillies, garlic, and tamarind. It’s great as a side with snacks or main dishes.
Ajwain Rice- Plain rice cooked with Ajwain seeds, cumin seeds, and ghee. It’s typically served with lentils or curry.
Ajwain Paneer- Paneer marinated with ajwain seeds, yogurt, and spices, then grilled or cooked on a tawa. Ajwain Paneer is a delicious and flavorful dish.
Ajwain Potato Curry- This curry features potatoes, tomatoes, and ajwain seeds in a spicy sauce. It pairs well with rice or bread.
Ajwain Laddoo- Sweet balls made from roasted ajwain seeds, jaggery, and ghee. These are popular during festivals in some parts of India.
Ajwain Pakora- Fritters made from gram flour, ajwain seeds, and spices. They’re perfect as snacks or appetizers.
Ajwain Khakhra- Thin, crispy flatbreads made from wheat flour, ajwain seeds, and spices. They’re usually eaten with chutney or yogurt.
Ajwain Tea: A soothing herbal tea made by boiling ajwain seeds in water. It’s known to help with digestion and relieve gas and bloating.

In conclusion, growing ajwain plants is a rewarding and straightforward process that can be easily done with step-by-step care and attention. You can ensure healthy growth and a beautiful garden by providing well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and consistent watering. Regularly check for pests and diseases. Use natural remedies and ensure proper spacing. This will help your plants thrive. Whether growing ajwain for cooking or health, follow these guidelines. They will help you grow healthy ajwain plants and improve your garden and well-being.

If you have any questions, please write them in the comment box.

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