Gotu Kola or Vallarai

Gotu Kola or Vallarai keerai in Tamil (Centella asiatica), is a creeper which thrives in marsh like growing environment. Its widely used in Sri Lankan cuisine in a variety of ways. I remember my mom washing the leaves in salty water to get rid of any possible germs since the plant grew mostly in swamps! The Gotu Kola  leaves came from organic sources then. Sauteed Gotu Kola  leaves were ground with onions, chillies, grated coconut, lime juice and salt to make a delicious sambal.
Well...
I wanted to grow my own  Gotu Kola on my balcony since Gotu Kola  is somewhat expensive to buy at the Sri Lankan stores in Toronto. It is priced somewhere around $4.99 a pound. I found a garden centre in Goodwood, Ontario, which sells Gotu Kola  and other exotic plants. So, I made a trip to Goodwood, and got this plant.

A healthy Gotu Kola plant  

I knew that these plants don't root deeply, but need a large surface area to grow. After much thought, I decided to cut open the flat side of the top soil bag and planted  the Gotu Kola plant right in the top soil bag. No other soil or mulch added. I kept the soil moist all the time and misted the plant at least once every day. The plant grew fast, and spread out its creepers to make more plants. Within two weeks I had enough leaves to pick for my delightful sambal. Now I have to come up with ways to save some plants for next years crop. I wonder if the seeds sprout. 

A happy gotu kola plant in my balcony garden!