Spadeleaf (Centella Asiatica), also known as Gotu Kola or Edible Coinwort, is a versatile and nutritious herb renowned for its medicinal and culinary uses. Native to Asia, Gotu Kola has a long history of use in traditional medicine for promoting skin health, improving circulation, and enhancing cognitive function. This herb produces small, pink flowers and has a distinctive appearance, with round, fleshy leaves that resemble spades or coins. Growing Spadeleaf from seed is an excellent way to incorporate this powerhouse plant into your garden, offering both health benefits and a unique, attractive addition to your herb collection.

This pack contains 50 premium seeds of Centella Asiatica, perfect for gardeners looking to grow a potent and edible herb that can be used in teas, tinctures, and even as a fresh addition to salads and other dishes.

Key Features:

• 50 Premium Seeds: This pack contains 50 high-quality seeds, giving you the opportunity to grow your own Spadeleaf herb for culinary and medicinal purposes.
• Edible and Nutritious: Centella Asiatica, or Gotu Kola, is highly valued for its edible leaves, which are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. The herb is used in cooking, as well as in traditional medicine for its health-boosting properties.
• Medicinal Uses: Gotu Kola is known for its potential benefits in supporting skin health, improving circulation, reducing anxiety, and enhancing memory. It’s a popular herb in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Pink Flowers: Spadeleaf produces small, delicate pink flowers that add beauty to your garden. These flowers attract beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
• Low Maintenance: Gotu Kola is an easy-to-grow herb that thrives in various garden conditions, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
• Versatile Herb: This herb can be used in teas, tinctures, salads, and soups, offering a fresh, slightly bitter flavor. It is also a key ingredient in many traditional herbal remedies.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Gotu Kola prefers partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can help protect it from scorching sun. In cooler climates, it can tolerate full sun but may appreciate some afternoon shade.
• Soil Preferences: Centella Asiatica thrives in moist, well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding organic matter to the soil will improve its fertility and drainage.
• Planting Tips: Start seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors in the spring once the danger of frost has passed. For indoor planting, use a seed tray or pots with good drainage. Press the seeds lightly into the soil and keep them moist. Germination typically occurs in 14-21 days. To improve germination rates, you can scarify the seeds by gently rubbing them between two sheets of sandpaper before sowing.
• Watering Needs: Gotu Kola prefers consistently moist soil, so regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Ensure the soil does not dry out completely, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
• Temperature: Gotu Kola thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 29°C). It is frost-sensitive, so be sure to plant it outdoors after the last frost date in spring. In colder climates, it can be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter months.
• Fertilizing: This herb is not overly demanding when it comes to fertilization. A light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth. Over-fertilization may lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
• Pruning and Care: Pruning is generally not necessary for Gotu Kola, but trimming back any damaged or dead foliage will help keep the plant healthy. Regularly harvesting leaves for culinary or medicinal use will encourage new growth.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, Gotu Kola can be overwintered indoors as a houseplant or harvested before frost and dried for later use. If grown in the garden, mulch around the base of the plant to protect it during winter.

Benefits:

• Cognitive Function and Memory: Gotu Kola is often used in traditional medicine to support brain health and cognitive function. It is believed to enhance memory, mental clarity, and focus.
• Skin Health: Gotu Kola is commonly used in skincare, as it is believed to promote collagen production, support wound healing, and improve skin elasticity. It’s often found in topical creams for treating scars, burns, and stretch marks.
• Improved Circulation: Gotu Kola is known for its ability to improve circulation and may help reduce the appearance of varicose veins, promote blood flow, and alleviate swelling in the legs.
• Stress and Anxiety Relief: Gotu Kola has adaptogenic properties, which means it may help the body cope with stress and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
• Antioxidant-Rich: The herb is a source of antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and protect the body against oxidative stress.
• Culinary Uses: The fresh leaves of Gotu Kola have a mild, slightly bitter flavor and can be used in salads, soups, and smoothies. They are also used to make teas or tinctures, offering a refreshing, health-boosting drink.

Growing Zones:
Gotu Kola is suitable for USDA Zones 9-11, as it prefers a warm, subtropical to tropical climate. However, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the colder months in areas with harsher winters.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Garden: Gotu Kola is an excellent addition to an herb garden, providing both culinary and medicinal value. Plant it alongside other herbs such as basil, mint, and parsley for a diverse and functional garden.
• Ground Cover: Spadeleaf grows as a low-spreading herb, making it ideal for use as ground cover in shaded areas or between taller plants. Its spreading habit helps to reduce weeds and maintain soil moisture.
• Container Gardening: Gotu Kola is well-suited to container gardening, making it easy to grow on patios, balconies, or windowsills. It can be grown indoors as a houseplant in areas where outdoor growing conditions are not ideal.
• Pollinator Garden: The small pink flowers of Gotu Kola attract bees and butterflies, making it a great plant for pollinator-friendly gardens.
• Medicinal Herb Garden: As a valuable medicinal herb, Gotu Kola is perfect for planting in a healing or medicinal herb garden, where it can be harvested for use in teas, tinctures, and other natural remedies.

Conclusion:
The 50 Spadeleaf (Centella Asiatica, Gotu Kola) Herb Pink Flower Seeds are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to grow a multi-purpose herb with both culinary and medicinal uses. With its easy-growing nature, unique appearance, and numerous health benefits, Gotu Kola is a valuable addition to any herb garden. Whether you’re looking to improve skin health, enhance cognitive function, or enjoy a fresh, nutritious herb in your cooking, Spadeleaf is an excellent choice. Grow it in your garden and enjoy the many benefits this powerful herb has to offer.