Ajwain (carom) Trachyspermum ammi
Ajwain (carom) (Trachyspermum ammi) is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family, native to Egypt to Iran and India. It grows 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Ajwain (carom) in your garden →
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Ajwain (carom) at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.2 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–13 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 150 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (thyme-flavoured spice), leaves |
| Native to | Egypt to Iran and India |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇪🇬 Egypt |
Is Ajwain (carom) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ajwain (carom)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Ajwain (carom)
- How far apart should I plant Ajwain (carom)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Ajwain (carom) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ajwain (carom) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ajwain (carom)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Ajwain (carom) flower?
- About 10–13 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks.
- Is Ajwain (carom) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Ajwain (carom)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ajwain (carom). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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