No matter where in the world you’re located, growing your own garden can be a fun and exciting project that will lead to the perfect and personalised outdoor space for your home. But before getting started and throwing some seeds into soil, it’s important to do your research and understand what’s possible and what’s not so likely. In case you’re new to gardening, climate can have a significant impact on what can be grown. Some plants, flowers and crops simply aren’t suitable for certain places as they need different conditions to grow.
To get you started on the right path, here are some ideas of what you can grow in India’s climate!
Lotus Flowers
The lotus flower is the national flower of India. It is an aquatic plant that grows in shallow waters, featuring green leaves and bright, beautifully scented flowers on top. In Indian culture, the flower signifies wealth, knowledge, fertility, divinity and enlightenment. With such meaning and history, it’s no wonder the flower is loved all across the nation.
Roses
Roses are used worldwide to beautify gardens and India is no exception. Indian roses, in particular, include the white, pink, maroon, red, yellow and orange varieties and feature thorny stems, leaves and budeyes. Although found throughout most of India, they are grown in abundance in the Mahim Nature Park and the Valley Of Flowers.
Marigolds
Marigolds hold great religious meaning in India and are used in offerings to Gods and Goddesses during religious holidays and festivals. They are also used for creating garlands and decorating the home during celebrations. Another benefit of marigolds are their antiseptic and healing properties.
Jasmine
Jasmine is a semi-vining shrub that flowers all year round. Throughout India, it is known for its relation to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The plant produces strongly scented flowers that can fragrance an entire garden, and can be found all around the country of India.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea, otherwise known as the ‘paper flower’ grows naturally in India’s tropical forests, as well as being grown in several of the country’s national parks. It works well in gardens due to its climbing nature – adding plenty of colour and making a strong statement.
Orchids
Orchids are a prominent flower in much of India and can frequently be spotted in national parks such as Namdapha, Simlipal and Singhalila. It is said that orchids represent beauty, strength, luxury and wisdom, and they are often used in today’s Indian weddings.
Hibiscus
India’s warm climate is perfect for the hibiscus flower, which is why they are so popular across the country. Although its origin is debatable, there are many who believe the flower actually originated in India. The plant grows large, brightly coloured flowers that will make a vivid statement in any garden.
Tulsi
Tulsi (basil) is a herb often used in India. Not only is this down to its taste and versatility when cooking, but also its status as ‘Holy Basil’ in Hinduism. It is India’s most sacred herbs and has been used for healing both the body and the mind for over five thousand years, as well as having several health benefits when consumed.
Coriander
Coriander, or dhania, is another herb frequently grown in India. Like tulsi, it is enjoyed as a cooking ingredient as well as used for its therapeutic properties. It has been said to be able to lower your cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well as boosting your immune system and encouraging good sleep!
Mint
Mint is frequently used in Indian cooking and is also known as pudina in most Indian languages. Many people choose to grow their own mint as it’s easy and trouble free to grow in your own garden.
Banana Plants
Banana plants – or plantains – are native to India and of course, are enjoyed for their edible fruit. It is said that the banana plant dates back to the beginning of human civilisation!
Traditionally, plantains are sacred and culturally significant in India.
Indian Long Pepper
The Indian Long Pepper is grown throughout the country for its fruit. In most cases, this is dried out after picking and is used to make spices and seasonings.
Although similar to black pepper, long pepper’s overall flavour is spicier. Aside from its produce, the plant will also add some attractive leafy greenery to your garden.
Ferns
Ferns are a great way to add more greenery to your garden as opposed to floral colours and luckily, the Indian climate is perfect for them.
In fact, there are ferns in India that can grow as large as coconut trees! Although ferns can be large and may resemble trees in some cases, they are actually not a tree – just a large leafy plant.
As well as adding green, ferns will also add some cool shade to your garden.
Ajwain Plants
Ajwain plants originated in India and are easy to grow as they do not require much sunlight or water. It is known for being a lucky plant and is also used for healing stomach ailments. Humans can consume both its leaves and its fruits.
South Indian Uvaria
The South Indian Uvaria is a shrub with vivid green leaves that grows small, brownish red flowers. As well as these unique blooms, another thing that stands out about this plant is that its leaves smell like cinnamon when crushed!
Any of these will be ideal for growing your own garden in India, as they’re all suited to the conditions of your garden. Use them to get creative and put together your own combinations for a garden that’s straight our of your imagination. While the list above is a comprehensive introduction, those with an interest in gardening are encouraged to do their own research and learn more about the types of plants that can be grown in their local climate.
Have you grown your own garden at home in India? What did you plant in it? Tell us about it in the comments – especially if there are any we’ve missed from the list!
