How to Grow Gotu Kola in the UK

Gotu Kola occupies an unusual position in the world of herbs. It is one of the most important plants in Ayurvedic practice — used for thousands of years across India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, valued by traditional practitioners across cultures with no shared history, and increasingly sought out by Western herbalists. And yet in the UK, it is almost entirely unknown as a garden plant. You will not find it in a garden centre. You will rarely find it in a specialist nursery. The serious herb grower who wants to grow Gotu Kola from an established plant has very few options.

We grow it here. Have done for years. And the customers who find us and get it established in their gardens tend to become its most devoted advocates.

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a low-growing, creeping perennial herb native to the wetlands and tropical regions of Asia, Africa and parts of Australia. In its native habitat it grows in moist, shaded conditions — along riverbanks, in rice paddies, at the edges of ponds — forming a spreading mat of distinctive rounded, slightly scalloped leaves on slender stems. The leaves are the part used in herbal practice, harvested fresh or dried.

Its herbal history spans at least three thousand years. In Ayurveda it is classified as a medhya rasayana — a herb traditionally associated with cognitive support and longevity. In traditional Chinese medicine it appears as Ji Xue Cao. In Sri Lanka it is eaten as a fresh vegetable. It has been valued across more distinct herbal traditions than almost any other plant.

Growing Gotu Kola in the UK

Understanding Its Needs

Gotu Kola is a subtropical plant, which means growing it in the UK requires understanding its preferences and working with them rather than against them. It is not frost-hardy and must be brought indoors or protected during winter. In the right conditions — warm, humid, consistently moist — it grows with surprising vigour and produces abundant harvestable leaf.

Soil and Position

Gotu Kola thrives in moist to wet, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Unlike most herbs, it actively prefers consistently moist conditions — it grows naturally in waterlogged ground and will not perform well in the dry, well-drained conditions suited to Mediterranean herbs. A position in partial to full shade suits it well in UK conditions; strong direct sunlight, particularly in summer, can scorch the leaves.

In the UK it grows best in a pot that can be brought inside during colder months. A large, moisture-retentive container kept in a warm, bright indoor position (a heated greenhouse, a south-facing conservatory, or a warm windowsill) will produce year-round growth in most UK homes.

Outdoor Growing (May to September)

During the warmer months (late May through to September in most parts of the UK), Gotu Kola can be grown outdoors in a sheltered, partially shaded position. Keep the soil consistently moist — standing a pot in a shallow tray of water works well. Bring indoors before the first frosts, typically in October.

Indoor Growing (October to April)

Indoors, Gotu Kola needs warmth (minimum 10°C, ideally 15-20°C), reasonable light, and consistent moisture. A heated greenhouse is ideal. A warm, well-lit windowsill or a spot under grow lights also works well. Water frequently — the compost should never dry out — and mist the leaves occasionally in centrally heated homes to maintain humidity.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks during the growing season. Gotu Kola is a productive plant and benefits from regular feeding to maintain vigorous leaf growth.

Harvesting Gotu Kola

Harvest individual leaves and stems as needed once the plant is established and growing well. Pick the young, bright green growth — it is more aromatic and has a better flavour than older leaves. Never harvest more than a third of the plant at one time. Regular light harvesting actually encourages the plant to produce more growth.

Fresh Gotu Kola leaves can be eaten directly — they have a mild, slightly bitter, green flavour — added to salads, blended into smoothies, or used to make a simple fresh tea. For dried preparations, spread harvested leaves in a single layer at low temperature away from direct light.

Gotu Kola in Herbal Tradition

The depth and breadth of Gotu Kola's herbal history is remarkable. In Ayurvedic practice it is traditionally associated with cognitive support, longevity and nervous system wellbeing — it appears in texts that are over two thousand years old. In traditional Sri Lankan cuisine it is eaten fresh as a daily food. It is one of the herbs that prompted the modern Western interest in adaptogenic and longevity herbs.

As with all herbs, we recommend consulting a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional before use, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.

More in the Rare Herbs Series

Read our full guide: Hard to Find Herb Plants in the UK: A Grower's Guide, or explore:

• How to Grow Elecampane: Complete UK Guide
• How to Grow Wood Betony in the UK
• How to Grow Gypsywort in the UK
• How to Grow Marsh Skullcap in the UK
• Where to Buy Rare Herb Plants in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Gotu Kola survive a UK winter outdoors?

No — Gotu Kola is not frost-hardy and must be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 5°C. In mild UK winters it may survive in a sheltered, frost-free position outdoors, but this is unreliable. Treat it as a tender perennial and bring indoors in October.

Can I grow Gotu Kola indoors year-round?

Yes — with warmth, reasonable light and consistent moisture it grows well as a houseplant. A heated greenhouse or warm conservatory gives the best results; a warm windowsill works adequately.

Is Gotu Kola the same as Brahmi?

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) are different plants, though both are used in Ayurvedic practice and sometimes confused. Both are sometimes sold under the name "Brahmi" in the UK, which causes considerable confusion. The plants are distinct in appearance, habit and traditional use.

The information in this article is intended for general interest and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any plant or herb for health purposes, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.