The Carom (Trachyspermum Ammi) plant, also called Ajwain, ajowan, is an annual herb that reaches up to 2 meters in height. It has a hairy stem and alternate, lanceolate leaves. These seeds are called bishops seeds in English. The small, white flowers grow in axillary spikes. Carom is native to India and Sri Lanka but can be found in other parts of Asia as well. The seeds of the Carom plant are sun-dried and then used as a spice.
Essentials
Benefits of carom seeds
Carom seeds have long been used in traditional Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine and, mainly in Ayurvedic medicine. When ground, the seeds have a characteristic flavor that is somewhat like aniseed.
Carom seeds are often used in Indian cooking, particularly in curry dishes. They can also be used to make tea. Carom seeds are commonly available in most Indian grocery stores. The seeds have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that might help in weight loss by reducing fat accumulation.
They are also effective in treating peptic ulcers and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Carom seeds are known to improve digestion by removing toxins from the body, cure constipation, gas formation in the stomach and acidity, etc.
Soil
Carom is a tropical herb that is often used to grow in pots or other containers. Because of its small size and ability to tolerate partial sun, it is a good choice for growing indoors. The plant grows best in a well-drained potting mix with high organic content.
A good potting mix for carom should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Carom can also be grown outdoors in full sun or partial shade. Carom is not tolerant of frost and should be protected from cold weather.
Watering
To grow carom, water it regularly during the growing season and fertilize it every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil; watering the plant once a week should be sufficient. Keep the soil moist but not wet and wait for the seeds to germinate, which should take about 14 days.
Flowering
Carom is an annual herb that grows to a height of 30-60 cm. It has a strong, pungent smell and small white flowers or violet flowers. Both the leaves and the seed-like fruit of the plant are consumed by humans. The plant bears clusters of lilac flowers at its tip from summer till fall.
Fruiting
Carom grows best in a hot and humid climate. It is mainly grown for its fruits which are used as spices and also have medicinal properties. The unripe fruits are used as an appetizer, digestive and carminative while the ripe fruits are used as laxative and stomachic.
Propagation
Carom can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. To grow from seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix at a depth of 1/4 inch. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination occurs.
The seedlings will emerge within 2-3 weeks. Once they have reached 10-15 cm in height, thin them out so that they are spaced 30 cm apart. Carom plants need full sun and well-drained soil to grow well. Water them regularly during the growing season but do not overwater. Harvest the leaves just before the flowers appear. Cut them off at the base of the plant using a sharp knife or garden shears.
Rooting hormone improves the chances of plants’ success. Cuttings can be taken from new growth in spring or summer. Place the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep the soil moist until rooting occurs. Carom can also be propagated by division in spring or summer.
Pests and diseases
Pests and diseases are not a major problem for carom plants. However, the plants can be susceptible to root rot if they are grown in poorly drained soil. Additionally, carom plants may be attacked by aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs.
These pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil. Carom plants are also susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases. These diseases can be controlled by regularly applying fungicides to the leaves of the plant.
Irritation to pets
The Carom plant is relatively easy to grow, and it can be grown in most climates. However, the plant can cause irritation to pets if they eat the leaves or flowers. As a result, it is important to keep the Carom plant out of reach of animals.
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