How to grow Curry Leaf in Australia

Grow curry leaf in full sun in warm, free-draining soil, or a pot you can shelter from frost as it is cold sensitive. Water steadily through the warm months and ease off when growth slows in cool weather.

At a glance

Difficulty: Beginner
Sun: Full sun
Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 4 days
Spacing: 200 cm
Time to harvest: 365 days (about 1 year)
Time to germinate: 21 days
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5
Frost tolerance: Frost tender

When to sow by region

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	September to March
Northern Rivers NSW	September to March
Sydney & Coastal NSW	October to January	Plant Oct to Jan in a warm sheltered spot. Grows well on the coast; in the west it drops leaves in winter and young trees need frost cover.
Melbourne & Victoria	Not suited	Frost-sensitive; Melbourne winter kills plants. Unsuitable unless greenhouse or heated shelter.
Adelaide & SA	October and November	Plant Oct to Nov once nights are warm. Best in a large pot against a warm wall; it drops leaves in winter cold and must be kept from frost.
Perth & WA	September to November	Plant Sep to Nov in a warm sheltered spot or a large pot. Leaves thin out in winter and return with the warmth.
Tasmania	Not suited	Unsuitable. Tropical tree killed by frost. Not viable outdoors in Tasmania.
Canberra & ACT	Not suited	Curry Leaf unsuitable for Canberra: tropical tree; cannot tolerate frost. Use other herbs for curry flavor.
North Queensland	September to March	Wet season Sep to Mar. Curry leaf is tropical shrub; thrives in monsoonal heat and humidity.
Darwin & Top End	September to March	Wet season Sep to Mar. Curry leaf is tropical shrub; thrives in monsoonal heat and humidity.

Harvest and storage

Harvest tip

Pick sprigs of the glossy aromatic leaves once the plant is established. Snip whole stems and the bush responds with bushier new growth.

Storage

Fridge in a sealed bag for 1 week. Freeze fresh leaves or dry for months.