The very decorative curry herb (bot. Helichrysum italicum) is also available commercially as immortelle or Italian strawflower. It comes from the Mediterranean region and is related to our strawflower. Similar to these, it can be cut well for dry bouquets.
How do I cut curry herb correctly?
When cutting curry herb, you should cut in the soft part of the shoots to encourage sprouting and branching. Avoid cutting in the woody area to prevent growth problems. Curry herb can also be propagated by sowing or cuttings.
What should I pay attention to when cutting?
Curry herb grows poorly or not at all from the woody shoots. Therefore, you should always cut slightly above the woody shoots. The herb is still soft there and can easily sprout and branch again at the interfaces. It is best to always cut entire shoots, not just the tips, so that the shrub remains in a harmonious shape.
Cut cuttings
If you would like to propagate your curry herb, you can do this by sowing, but also with the help of cuttings. In spring or early summer, cut off a few soft, non-woody shoots without flowers (buds) from your curry herb. Then put the shoots in a pot that you have filled with a mixture of potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon) and sand.
How can I store curry herb?
Freshly cut curry herb spoils very quickly. Therefore, it should be processed immediately if possible. You can store it in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp cloth for one to two days. For a longer storage period, drying, pickling or freezing is recommended. However, you should keep in mind that the aroma suffers greatly, especially when drying.
How is curry herb used?
The relatively easy-care curry herb can be used to repel insects as well as for decoration or cooking. In terms of taste, it goes well with lamb dishes or hearty stews. Even if it is not poisonous, the herb should not be eaten but should be removed from the dish before consumption.
When do you cut curry herb?
Depending on how you want to use the curry herb, the ideal time for cutting varies greatly. If you want to cook with the herb, it is best to cut it shortly before it blooms, when the aroma is particularly intense.
The yellow flowers in combination with the silvery leaves come into their own in a dry bouquet. It is best to cut the shoots when the flowers are slightly open. The aroma doesn't play a role in this case. If you would like to use the curry herb to ward off insects, then cut it before it flowers, as the essential oil content is higher.
The most important things in brief:
- woody subshrub
- not poisonous
- Pruning in the soft part of the shoot promotes branching
- drives out of the wood with difficulty or not at all
- Topiary cutting possible
- Harvest can replace special pruning
Tip
Avoid cutting your curry herb back to the solid wood, as it will then sprout only poorly or not at all.
