How to Grow Ajwain (Carom) at Home From Seeds — Easy Beginner Guide

How to Grow Ajwain (Carom) at Home From Seeds — Easy Beginner Guide

Ajwain (Carom) is one of the easiest herbs to grow at home. It needs very little care, grows quickly, and can be used fresh for cooking, digestion, and home remedies. The best part? You can grow Ajwain easily in pots, even if you live in a flat.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to grow Ajwain from seeds, the right soil mix, watering schedule, and common mistakes to avoid, especially for Indian weather.

Benefits of Growing Ajwain at Home

- Fresh, organic leaves always available

- Very fast growth (15–20 days to sprout)

- Works well in small pots

- Grows in all seasons in India

- Natural medicinal herb

What You Need (Beginner Friendly)

- Ajwain seeds

- Pot (6–8 inches minimum)

- Good soil mix

- Watering can

- Sunny spot (balcony or window)

Best Soil Mix for Growing Ajwain

Use this ideal mix for fast growth:

- 50% Garden Soil

- 30% Cocopeat

- 20% Compost (vermicompost is best)

How to Grow Ajwain From Seeds (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose a Proper Pot

- Use a wide pot instead of a deep pot

- Minimum 6–8 inches deep

- Make sure there are drainage holes

2. Fill the Pot With Soil Mix

Prepare your soil and fill the pot up to 1–2 inches below the rim.

Lightly water the soil once before sowing.

3. Sow the Seeds (The Right Way)

- Sprinkle Ajwain seeds evenly on the soil

- Do NOT bury them deep

- Press them lightly into the soil

- Cover with a very thin layer of soil

4. Water Gently

Use a spray bottle or mild watering.

Soil should remain slightly moist, not wet.

5. Keep the Pot in Partial Sunlight

For germination:

- Keep in bright indirect light

- Temperature: 20–30°C

Seeds sprout in 7–12 days.

Ajwain Plant Care After Sprouting

1. Light Requirement

- Give 4–5 hours of morning sunlight

- Avoid harsh afternoon heat

2. Watering Schedule

Ajwain needs minimal water.

Water only when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.

Overwatering is the biggest reason Ajwain dies.

3. Fertilizer

Feed every 20–25 days:

- Vermicompost

or

- Homemade compost

4. Pruning for Faster Growth

Pinch top leaves to promote thicker growth.

Pruning encourages more leaves.

Common Problems & Fixes

Yellow Leaves

Reasons:

- Overwatering

- Poor drainage

- Too much direct sunlight

Fix: Reduce water + shift to indirect light.

Slow Growth

Reasons:

- Heavy soil

- Low sunlight

- No pruning

Fix: Use light soil + give morning sun + prune regularly.

Insects on Leaves

Use:

- Neem oil spray (every 10 days)

or

- Soap water spray

Harvesting Ajwain Leaves

You can start harvesting after 35–40 days.

Cut only the top leaves.

Never remove more than 30% of the plant at once.

Conclusion

Ajwain is one of the simplest, fastest, and most rewarding herbs to grow at home. With the right soil mix, proper watering, and good sunlight, you’ll have a healthy Ajwain plant that provides fresh leaves throughout the year.