Curry leaf tree in Spain: grow the culinary plant under shelter

The curry leaf tree is the source of the aromatic leaves used in southern Indian and Sri Lankan cooking. It is a small tree in the citrus family, native from the Indian subcontinent into parts of tropical Asia. Botanists now place it as Bergera koenigii, though most nurseries and seed suppliers still label it Murraya koenigii, the older name.

Two plants, one confusing name

It is worth clearing up two common mix-ups. The curry leaf tree has nothing to do with curry powder, which is a blend of ground spices. It is also a completely different plant from the "curry plant", Helichrysum italicum, a silver-leaved Mediterranean shrub with a curry-like scent. Helichrysum is not a substitute for culinary curry leaves. Spanish garden centres sell it widely, so check the botanical name before buying.

Climate and where to grow it

The curry leaf tree is frost-tender. In a reliably frost-free coastal microclimate it may grow in the ground in a warm, sheltered position. Elsewhere it is safer in a large pot that can move into a bright porch, greenhouse or conservatory before cold nights. Chilling or a dry root ball can cause leaf drop, and recovery depends on how far the stems and roots were damaged.

Soil, water and feeding

Use a free-draining loam-based compost with added grit. Water regularly through the growing season so the pot never dries out fully, and much less in winter when growth stops. It is a hungry plant in a container and responds to a balanced liquid feed every couple of weeks from spring to late summer, ideally one formulated for citrus.

Pruning and harvest

Pinch out the growing tips of a young plant to force branching, otherwise it grows tall and sparse. Harvest whole sprigs of leaves regularly, which doubles as pruning and keeps the plant bushy and productive. Mature plants throw up suckers from the base; these can be detached with roots in spring to make new plants, or removed to keep a single stem.

In the kitchen

The leaves are used fresh, fried briefly in oil at the start of a dish to release their scent. Dried leaves lose most of their aroma and are a poor substitute, which is the main reason to grow your own. Surplus fresh leaves freeze reasonably well on the stalk.

Pests under cover

A plant brought indoors for winter is prone to scale insects, mealybug and red spider mite in dry heated air. Inspect the leaf undersides and stems regularly, wipe off small infestations and maintain airflow. Put the plant back outside once nights are reliably warm.

Sources and review

This guide was reviewed in September 2026 using the Kew Plants of the World Online records for Bergera koenigii and Murraya koenigii, plus horticultural guidance on growing this frost-tender citrus relative in a container.