Key Features & Benefits

• Grafted variety of Tej Patta (Indian bay leaf) known for faster growth and uniform quality
• Aromatic leaves widely used in Indian cooking
• Grafted plant establishes quickly and grows more predictably than seed-grown plants
• Evergreen tree with dense foliage, suitable for pots or ground planting
• Leaves have medicinal properties and are used in traditional remedies
• Low maintenance once established

Plant Care Guide

Sunlight

• Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Requires at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily
• In very hot climates, partial shade during peak afternoon is beneficial

Soil

• Well-drained loamy or sandy soil is ideal
• Soil should be rich in organic matter
• Ideal pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Watering

• Water regularly during initial growth phase
• Keep soil moist but not soggy
• Mature plants are moderately drought-tolerant
• Reduce watering during winter months

Fertilizers

• Apply organic compost or vermicompost every 30–45 days
• Use balanced NPK fertilizer (10:10:10) during growing season
• Add neem cake occasionally to improve soil health
• Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive leafy growth with reduced aroma

Re-potting Instructions

• Re-pot every 1–2 years if grown in containers
• Choose a pot of at least 14–18 inches depth
• Replace topsoil annually with fresh compost mix
• Ensure good drainage holes in the pot

Fruiting Season

• Primarily grown for leaves, not fruits
• Flowers may appear in spring, followed by small berries
• Fruit production is not the main focus in home gardening

Usage Ideas

• Used as a spice in curries, biryani, pulao, and soups
• Leaves can be dried and stored for long-term use
• Used in herbal teas and traditional medicine
• Acts as a natural air freshener when dried leaves are used indoors

Care Tips

• Regular pruning helps maintain bushy growth and encourages fresh leaves
• Harvest mature leaves for better aroma
• Protect from frost and extreme cold conditions
• Monitor for pests like scale insects and aphids; treat with neem oil spray
• Avoid waterlogging as roots are sensitive to excess moisture.