Herbs to grow in Malaysian heat

A staple in local cuisine, lemongrass or serai can be found growing wild across the country. The citrusy aromatic may be readily available in supermarkets and grocers but can just as easily be grown in your home. If stalks you purchase from stores have its roots attached, stand them in a glass of water until more roots appear. They are best planted in large pots and placed in a sunny spot outdoors. They are extremely hardy crops and will adapt to most tropical weather conditions and types of soil. 

The most difficult aspect of planting basil is deciding which variation you’d like to grow. If you find yourself making homemade pesto or hearty pasta dishes, you’ll probably benefit from growing sweet or Genovese basil. If you prefer cooking Asian dishes, opt for Thai basil—a perfect addition to stir-fries.

Sweet basil is the herb’s most common form and can be grown from seed in partially shaded areas. It loves the sun but needs to be protected from extreme temperatures. Keep this plant in your kitchen or a shady spot outdoors. Thai basil is hardier than other varieties, preferring sunnier growing positions. A pot of Thai basil can be placed near windowsills or outside in non-porous pots so the soil stays moist. 

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A hardy shrub that only requires warmth and water to grow, rosemary fares well both indoors or outside. Cuttings of the plant can be propagated in water until roots form or directly in a well-draining potting mix. Rosemary can grow from seed but does best when grown in germination trays with a sterile potting medium designed for seedlings. If you don’t have a seedling tray on hand, repurpose an empty egg carton and sprinkle seeds into each section. Keep moist and cover with plastic wrap to speed up the germination process.

You either love coriander or hate it with a passion. Regardless of your disposition, this divisive herb can be easily grown at home. Cuttings from store-bought bunches can be propagated in jars on sunny windowsills until roots form. Growing coriander from seed can be slightly tricky as these seeds have low germination rates. To speed up the sprouting process, crush the seeds lightly or soak them in water for a day before planting. Coriander does not like to be transplanted or repotted so grow them directly in pots instead of seedling trays. 

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Spring onions, one of the easiest herbs to grow, offer a high yield with little to no effort. No need to order a plant online or search for bulbs. Instead, support your local grocer by purchasing spring onions from them, ensuring the roots are intact. Trim the green tops, leaving about two to three centimetres from the root, and plant the root in some potting mix. Regular watering and harvesting from the base of the plant, not the root, is all it takes!

Keep the roots in the soil so you can harvest a few rounds of spring onions until you need to plant more. If soil isn’t your thing, you can also propagate spring onion in some water, as you would any plant cutting or bouquet of flowers.

Dill can thrive in any condition and is easy to grow from seed. Despite not being a common ingredient in local cuisine, dill can brighten decadent potato salads and pairs fantastically with salmon. Plant dill seeds directly in pots or planter boxes and keep them moist until sprouts emerge. This herb prefers staying put, so avoid growing it in seedling trays and repotting. Allow your plant to get six to eight hours of sunlight a day. Dill proves an excellent addition to any garden, attracting predatory insects that deter common pests like aphids. 

If you were to ransack your pantry right now, you’d probably find a packet or bottle of ground turmeric. Used to lend dishes a distinct earthiness and vibrant yellow hue, both turmeric roots and leaves feature in South and Southeast Asian cooking. Turmeric requires a deep pot and high humidity to grow. If space is an issue, choose a pot based on height rather than width. Turmeric rhizomes, an immature turmeric root,  can be sliced into five centimetre pieces and placed flat on some soil with its buds facing upwards. Cover with potting mix and spritz with water everyday. Patience is key when growing turmeric as leaves can take a few months to appear. 

There is nothing better on a hot day than fresh lemonade garnished with even fresher mint leaves. To prevent bunches of mint from wilting in your fridge’s crisper drawer, grow the herb at home. Mint is best planted in pots as its roots may tunnel through garden beds and affect other crops. Seeds will germinate within a week and can be transplanted into pots once a few true leaves have emerged. Cuttings of store-bought mint can also be propagated in water, but it’s best to purchase small seedlings or grow from seed. Mint prefers moist soil when temperatures soar, but beware of overwatering. 

Sage requires sunlight to thrive and can even die in colder temperatures, making it perfect for our perpetually sweltering climate. It’s best to grow sage from small seedlings. Place in sunny positions and water regularly until mature. Once fully-grown, this herb is drought-tolerant so don’t worry if you forget a round of watering. Harvest the outer leaves first to maintain your plant’s shape and add sprigs into soups, browned butter pastas, and marinades. 

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