Centella (gotu kola) Centella asiatica
Centella (gotu kola) (Centella asiatica) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Apiaceae family, native to Tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa and Oceania. It grows 5–15 cm (2–6 in) tall and 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Centella (gotu kola) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Centella (gotu kola) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 5–15 cm (2–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–23 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, stems |
| Native to | Tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa and Oceania |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore |
Is Centella (gotu kola) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Edible leaf in Asian cooking; may irritate skin in sensitive people and pet toxicity is not documented.
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 Centella (gotu kola)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Centella (gotu kola)
- How far apart should I plant Centella (gotu kola)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Centella (gotu kola) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Centella (gotu kola) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Centella (gotu kola)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Centella (gotu kola) flower?
- About 11–23 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks.
- Is Centella (gotu kola) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Edible leaf in Asian cooking; may irritate skin in sensitive people and pet toxicity is not documented.
- What grows well with Centella (gotu kola)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Centella (gotu kola). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Stoloniferous creeper of wet ground; dies back in frost and regrows in spring in marginal climates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Celery Apium graveolens
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum