King of Bitters

Annual. 90 days. The king of all bitter herbs, it has been hailed as a panacea in Eastern medicine for centuries. Called Fah Talai Jone in Thailand, the plant is fairly plain in appearance. It reaches about 36 inches tall and produces small purple/pink flowers. Once steeped into a tea to treat a range of maladies from virus to diabetes and flatulence, it is now mostly taken in capsule form as the leaves are extremely bitter, and frankly taste repulsive! A fascinating herb from Southeast Asia. A super heat- and sun-loving, but cold-sensitive, plant. Interestingly, this plant is so highly revered in Thailand that the Thai government approved a pilot study of the use of Andrographis paniculata to treat early symptoms and reduce the severity of COVID-19. (NOTE: This is not an approved treatment in the U.S., and we do not advocate for its use.)

• 8-12 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 10-21 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 60-90 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: Surface Sow
  
• Plant Spacing: 24"
• Frost Hardy: No
  
• Andrographis paniculata
  

Growing Tips: Start indoors, transplant out after last spring frost. Thrives in poor, sandy soil but needs ample moisture. Tolerates alkaline soil. Individual leaves can be harvested early but plants need long season to fully mature.