Position:
Plant your pretty curry leaf tree in full sun. However, if you are transplanting a tree that has not been used to full sun, opt for a site with dappled or partial sun, as it will not easily adjust to getting more than six hours of sun a day otherwise. They do well in hot, humid conditions and suffer when temperatures dip below about 18 degrees Celsius.
Size:
As far as trees go, this is a relatively small one. At maturity, it will be between 1.8 to 4.5 metres tall. In some cases, they will reach a height of up to 6 metres. It will have a spread of about 1.2 to 3.6 metres.
Soil Type:
The curry leaf tree needs well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Add sand and well-rotted manure to your soil to achieve a healthier, better-draining ground.
Mulch:
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Watering:
Water your tree once a week during autumn, winter and spring. When it begins to heat up for summer, increase your watering to ensure that the soil never becomes too dry. This might mean daily watering, depending on the weather. During the cooler months, give it less water so that the soil never becomes waterlogged, which will cause root rot.
Fertilising
Just a little liquid fertiliser once a month should be enough for your curry leaf tree to thrive. This tree is prone to a lack of iron. So, when you fertilise also add a teaspoon of iron sulphate monthly. This will yield some impressive foliage.
Or use our slow-release nitrogen-rich all plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. Its nutrients are released slowly over 8-9 months. (18.9.10 + 2mgO+Trace Elements) A complete balanced fertiliser. You cannot over fertilise as the nutrients are absorbed by the plant when required.
Pruning:
Pinch or snip dead leaves and branches off your tree every spring to keep your plant healthy and strong. If you feel your tree isn’t doing well, you may want to prune it in this way more often.
Harvesting:
Pluck fresh leaves off your tree to add to your dishes for a deliciously aromatic dish. The fresh leaves are tastier than the dry ones, so it’s best to pick them as needed. However, the more leaves you pick, the more your plant will grow.
