How to Grow Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola
Centella asiatica
herbGotu kola is a creeping, herbaceous plant native to wetlands of Asia, known for its small fan-shaped leaves and delicate thin stems. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. The plant is sometimes called "tiger grass" or "Asiatic pennywort" and is valued for both culinary and medicinal applications.
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Example Gotu Kola timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Gotu Kola
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Gotu Kola
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Gotu Kola dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-12; can be grown in cooler zones as an annual or houseplant
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Germination & Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seeds sprout and develop first small leaves. Seedlings appear delicate with emerging fan-shaped cotyledons.
Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain humidity with a humidity dome or plastic cover. Provide bright, indirect light. Remove cover once sprouted.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops runners and establishes creeping, spreading growth pattern. Fan-shaped leaves become more prominent and numerous.
Continue consistent moisture and partial shade. Pinch back runners to encourage bushier growth if desired. Fertilize bi-weekly with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Established Growth
4-6 weeksPlant forms dense mats of creeping stems with abundant fan-shaped leaves. Becomes more robust and can tolerate slight drying between waterings.
Reduce fertilizer frequency to monthly. Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Continue consistent watering; reduce slightly if plant is well-established.
Flowering
Variable, typically 2-4 weeksSmall, pale pink to purple flowers appear in clusters on thin stems. Flowering is not the primary purpose of cultivation.
Continue normal care. Remove flowers if focusing on leaf production. Pollination occurs naturally.
Harvest & Maintenance
OngoingPlant reaches harvestable maturity with abundant healthy leaves. Can be continuously harvested while maintaining plant vigor.
Harvest regularly to encourage more leaf production. Remove dead or yellowed leaves. Maintain moisture and monthly feeding. Prune back if plant becomes too sprawling.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil if infestation is severe
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, spray with insecticidal soap, isolate affected plant
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Ensure well-draining soil, avoid waterlogging, improve air circulation, repot in fresh soil if severe
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and
Remove manually, reduce excess moisture, use copper tape barriers, apply diatomaceous earth
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, use yellow sticky traps, increase humidity which they dislike
Uses
Cognitive & Memory Support
MedicinalTraditional use suggests gotu kola enhances mental clarity, focus, and memory. Modern research has investigated its potential neuroprotective properties and effects on cognitive function. [source]
Skin & Wound Healing
MedicinalGotu kola has been used traditionally to promote skin healing, reduce scarring, and improve circulation. The herb contains compounds that may stimulate collagen production. [source]
Fresh Salads & Beverages
CulinaryYoung leaves add a mild, slightly bitter herbal flavor to salads, smoothies, and Asian cuisines. Leaves can be brewed into a light tea with a refreshing taste. [source]
Circulation & Venous Health
MedicinalTraditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support healthy circulation and venous function. Contains compounds believed to strengthen blood vessels. [source]
Natural Tonic Preparation
HouseholdLeaves can be dried or fresh-pressed into juices for traditional health tonics in Asian wellness practices. Often combined with other medicinal herbs. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting leaves when plant is 4-6 weeks old and has established runners. Pinch off fresh leaf clusters from growing tips as needed. For larger harvests, cut stems above leaf nodes to encourage branching. Can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. For maximum potency, harvest in early morning after dew has dried. Best used fresh, though can be dried for tea. Remove outer older leaves first to encourage new growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Gotu kola is called 'Brahmi' or 'Brahmi plant' in Ayurvedic medicine, believed to enhance the highest state of meditation by nourishing the crown chakra.
- 🌱 The plant is adaptogenic, meaning it may help the body adapt to stress; legend says Tibetan monks consumed it to enhance meditation and longevity.
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'tiger grass,' gotu kola is not actually a grass—the nickname comes from the belief that tigers rubbed against it to heal their wounds.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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