Trachyspermum ammi seed Ajwain

Trachyspermum ammi, commonly known as ajwain or carom is a plant from India, Pakistan and commonly used as a spice.

The plant looks a bit like parsley but its the seeds that are harvested and often confused with lovage seed; even some dictionaries mistakenly state that carom seeds come from the lovage plant.

The fresh seeds smell like thyme but are more aromatic and more pungent. In India it is believed to be a digestive aid. This plant is a tender annual.

Plant seeds in sterile moist gritty seed compost about 1mm deep and well spaced out. Germination 1 to 2 weeks at 25c. Best sown in small pots under glass. Planting out in a sheltered hot sunny position in June.