Centella asiatica is one of the interesting herbs that has been used by traditional medical practitioners as well as cooks for centuries. It is also called by some other names, including thankuni pata, gotu kola, or Indian penny wort. Locally known as Ingwer, this plant is common in Asia’s wetland areas and is used for many medical benefits that include skin, wound, and brain enhancement. Centella asiatica is rather effective as an addition to your herb garden and also makes a beautiful ground cover due to the particular form of its leaves and stems.
Video Credit: Recipedekho/ YouTube
Choosing The Right Location
The first step in planting Thankuni pata is to figure out where in your garden it will be most suitable. This plant grows best in regions that receive filtered sunshine throughout the day, as it likes partial shade to full sun. Although it can withstand direct sunshine, too much of it might cause leaf burn, which will hinder its development and yield.
The quality of the soil is another crucial factor. Wet, loamy soil that drains well but holds moisture is ideal for Thankuni pata growth. You should try to find a location that is naturally wet, like a low-lying area or next to a water source. In addition, the soil must be fertile, which can only be achieved by incorporating aged compost or well manure.
Propagation Methods
Thankuni Pata can be vegetatively propagated or by seeds. Vegetative propagation, more especially the use of cuttings or runners, is often the simplest and most effective technique for beginners.
Choosing healthy stems from an established plant is the first step in cutting propagation. Slice off a stem segment that is three to four inches long and has two to three nodes, minimum. Make sure the nodes are buried to promote root development when planting the cuttings straight into the soil that has been prepared.
Image Credit: Google Pics
In seed trays loaded with a seedstarting mix, start the seeds indoors. Till germination, which usually takes two to three weeks, gently cover the seeds with soil and make sure they stay moist all the time. The seedlings can be moved into the garden after they have a few genuine leaves.
Watering And Care
This herb prefers dependably moist soil and loves water. It needs to be watered frequently, most preferably during such time in the production. Overwatering, though, needs to be avoided. Checking the top inch of soil is a fair rule of thumb; if it feels dry, watering is needed.
For Thankuni Pata to flourish without competition for nutrients and water, constant weeding is as important as watering. By controlling the weeds and retaining water in the soil that’s around the plants, one can be able to mulch the plants in the right manner. If the soil is already rich in organic matter, fertilising may not be required; nonetheless, to promote strong development, you can apply diluted liquid fertiliser once a month during the growing season.
Image Credit: Unsplash
It's also essential to frequently check the plants for symptoms of pests or illnesses so that prompt action can be taken when necessary.
Harvesting
It is a satisfying experience to harvest Thankuni Pata since the fresh leaves can be used in cooking and herbal medicines. Once thankuni plants are mature, which usually takes two to three months, they can be harvested. Picking the leaves and stems for fresh usage or drying them for later use is an option. Spread out the leaves in a warm, dry place with plenty of airflow to help them dry. For later usage, place the dried leaves in an airtight container.
Image Credit: Freepik
Thankuni pata is a great addition to your home remedies collection and dietary variety since, when grown and harvested correctly, your plants may yield a steady supply of fresh leaves. Enjoy using this plant in your kitchen or anywhere else as you try this out and have fun as you grow it!