Heirloom Vallarai Keerai Seeds – Indian Pennywort (Gotu Kola), Centella asiatica, Nutrient-Rich Herb
Grow fresh, nutrient-rich greens at home with Heirloom Vallarai Keerai, a traditional leafy herb widely used in South Indian cooking and Ayurvedic practices. Known for its small, round leaves and health-supporting properties, this open-pollinated selection produces low-growing, spreading plants ideal for continuous harvesting. Organically grown and carefully selected, these non-GMO seeds offer strong germination and reliable performance for home gardeners.
Key Features
- Heirloom, open-pollinated traditional herb variety
- Small, tender leaves with mild, slightly bitter flavor
- Low-growing, spreading plant ideal for ground cover or containers
- Suitable for warm climates and partial shade conditions
- Well-known in traditional wellness and herbal uses
Easy to grow with consistent moisture
Culinary Uses
- Vallarai keerai is widely used in South Indian cuisine and traditional herbal preparations. Its fresh leaves are valued for their mild flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Perfect for chutneys, thogayal, stir-fries, herbal drinks, and traditional preparations.
Recipes
Use fresh vallarai keerai from your garden in a variety of traditional dishes:
- Vallarai Thogayal (herbal chutney)
- Vallarai Keerai Poriyal (stir-fried greens)
- Vallarai Kootu (lentil-based curry)
- Herbal juice or detox drink
- Vallarai dosa batter mix
- Fresh leaf chutneys and spreads
Growing Instructions
- Sowing Time (USA): Spring through early fall in warm climates
- Germination: 10–20 days at 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Planting: Depth: Surface sow or lightly cover, Spacing: 6–12 inches apart
- Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; prefers humid conditions
- Harvest: 40–60 days; harvest leaves regularly to encourage spreading growth
Plant Profile
- Botanical Name: Centella asiatica
- Plant Type: Perennial herb (grown as annual in colder climates)
- Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading
- Leaf Shape: Small, round to kidney-shaped
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
International Names
- Tamil: Vallarai Keerai
- English: Indian Pennywort, Gotu Kola
- Hindi: Brahmi (commonly referred, though distinct regionally)
- Telugu: Saraswati Aku
- Malayalam: Kudangal
- Kannada: Ondelaga
- Sinhala (Sri Lanka): Gotu Kola
- Thai: Bai Bua Bok
- Indonesian: Pegagan
- Chinese: Ji Xue Cao