Vitex Negundo, Nirgundi Seeds - 0.5 kg Seeds

Vitex negundo (Vitex negundo), known as nirgundi or the five-leaved chaste tree, is a fast-growing, aromatic large shrub or small tree reaching 3-6 m, with slender, greyish, four-angled branches and palmately compound leaves usually of five lance-shaped leaflets. It carries long, branched spikes of small bluish-purple to lavender flowers that attract bees and butterflies, followed by tiny rounded fruits. Native to India, it is common throughout the plains and lower hills on wasteland, riverbanks and field edges.

It is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in India, the aromatic leaves being valued in Ayurveda for joint pain, swelling and respiratory complaints, and the crushed foliage is a traditional insect repellent used to protect stored grain. It is also planted as a hardy hedge, for soil binding and erosion control on bunds and banks, and the flexible twigs are used in basketry.

• Family: Lamiaceae
• Native region: Indian subcontinent and tropical Asia
• Mature height: 3-6 m
• Growth rate: Fast

Sowing the seed: the small, hard seeds germinate slowly, so soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing to soften the coat and improve germination. Sow about 0.5-1 cm deep in well-drained sandy nursery mix in trays or polybags and keep warm and moist; germination is uneven, usually taking 14-30 days. Prick out the seedlings once sturdy and transplant when 20-30 cm tall, ideally at the onset of the monsoon.