How to Grow Ajwain (Carom)
Trachyspermum ammi
Ajwain is a slow-growing carrot-family herb grown for its intensely flavoured seeds used in Indian cooking. Sow in spring after last frost in full sun and well-drained soil. It needs a long season of 4 months to ripen seeds. Water sparingly — it tolerates dry conditions well. Harvest the grey-green seed heads before they shatter and dry thoroughly before storing.
When to Start
Sow indoors 3 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 16°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light balanced feed at planting. Ajwain is undemanding — excess feeding reduces seed flavour.
- Ajwain seeds have a strong thyme-like flavour and are widely used in Indian cuisine for their digestive properties. The plant is a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae) with feathery foliage and flat white flower heads.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 16°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–25°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
Want your full season plan with reminders? Try Leaftide free
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 25 cm |
| Row spacing | 35 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Mature spread | 35 cm |
Thin to 25cm apart after germination. Good spacing is important for air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 16°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Ajwain (Carom)?
- Plant Ajwain (Carom) 25cm apart with 35cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Ajwain (Carom)?
- Ajwain (Carom) is ready to harvest approximately 100 days after transplanting.
- Is Ajwain (Carom) frost hardy?
- Ajwain (Carom) is classified as Half Hardy.
