Sunday, May 12, 2013

Growing Owa




I was on an experimenting spree when I sprinkled some Owa or Carom seeds to grow. I wanted to grow the thick velvety leaves which we use to make bhajji. To my surprise these seeds grew to look like cilantro. I knew then that I was not growing these for any yield of great value. It was just to see what happens and what is the life cycle of this seed that is used as a spice in many Indian dishes.

The plants grew to a height of 4-5 ft and blossomed into beautiful tiny flowers. It gave some seeds to munch on but that's about it. They were very mild in taste.

Recording my experience here:

  1. In a tray filled with planting soil sprinkle Owa/ carom seeds and sprinkle water.
  2. Leave it to sprout and grow about 3-4 inches.
  3. Replant the micro plants
  4. Take a container, we used a 5 kg plastic recycled bag one. 
  5. Ensure there is a small hole in the bottom of the pot for draining excess water.
  6. Fill with planting soil upto 1 inch below the brim.
  7. Remove the entire cake of the plants and bury in the prepared pot.
  8. Sprinkle water to moisten the soil. Do this every day.
  9. Ensure enough sunlight, but not direct. You can keep it under a larger plant for some shade.
 Time to replant: Don't they look just like cilantro

The flowering starts after a month

In 2-3 weeks you will seed the seeds on the fronds
Harvest : 
You don't get too much to harvest but pluck the fronds and much on and enjoy!

For me the harvest was of a bunch of pretty flowers that decorated my table for 3 days.

6 comments:

  1. lovely and very interesting post. never knew the ova will grow up like this... Todays Post : http://nayanas-kitchen-kreations.blogspot.in/2013/05/ice-apples-and-mango-smoothie.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. A friend and I were talking about growing ova this year. I should try it out.

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    Replies
    1. Mints try it but just for fun not for the yield like I mentioned in the post.

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  3. Can' wit to grow this.They look like kothimbir and later like Badishep plants.Amazing

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    Replies
    1. Yes a lot like badishep when they grow big. It's such a surprise and so fulfilling.

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  4. Hi all. What you have grown friend is exactly correct ajwain or carom plant Tachyspermum Ammi. What you were expecting is the Oregano plant Origanum Vulgare with broad leaves which have taste similar to ajwain seeds because of chemical thymol in both. Because of this the oregano plant is mistakenly referred to even by established gardening sites in India as Ajwain Plant. Hence the confusion.

    ReplyDelete

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