PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal winds and mild heat stress
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25°C; tolerates light frost down to -5°C for short periods
Characteristics
- Leaf: Deeply lobed, narrow bright green leaves with a distinct peppery aroma
- Flower: Small four-petaled pale yellow flowers arranged in terminal racemes
- Stem: Erect, branching green stems with fine, sparse hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Light, diluted organic feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nutrients can make leaves bitter
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels steeped in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drenching to avoid pest attraction and odorPruning
- Harvest young outer leaves regularly to encourage bushier, continuous growth
- Remove spent flower stalks promptly to redirect energy to leaf production
- Cut back plants by half in late summer to promote fresh, tender new foliage
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects from ingestion
Humans: Edible herb with no known toxic effects for humans when consumed in typical culinary quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Edible herb for salads, pesto, and garnishes; ornamental border plant in cottage gardens
