The northeast monsoon is the best time of year to start hardy herbs in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Rain and cooler days help new plants root quickly, and by the time the dry heat returns in March they are well established. Three plants that suit our coastal climate and grow happily in pots are lemongrass, vetiver (vettiver) and pirandai. All three are tough, low-maintenance and familiar in Tamil homes. This guide covers how to plant and care for them in pots through the rainy months.
Why plant herbs during the monsoon?
Young plants lose less water on cloudy days, so they settle in with less stress. You will water much less often, and roots spread faster in warm, moist soil. The one thing to watch is drainage: in heavy rain, pots that hold water can cause root rot. Choose pots with good drainage holes and keep saucers empty during the rains.
Lemongrass (Elumichai Pul)
Lemongrass grows as a clump of tall, fragrant leaves and is one of the easiest herbs for a terrace or balcony.
- Pot: Use a wide pot of 10–12 inches. The clump spreads outward, so width matters more than depth. A 10 inch heavy duty grower pot is a good size to start.
- Light: Full sun. At least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight keeps the leaves thick and aromatic.
- Soil: Garden soil mixed with compost and some cocopeat so it stays moist but drains well.
- Water: Lemongrass likes regular moisture. In the monsoon, water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Harvest: Once the clump is established, cut outer stalks close to the base. The plant keeps producing new shoots from the centre.
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Vetiver (Vettiver)
Vetiver is a clumping grass known for its long, dense, fragrant roots, which are traditionally dried and used to make cooling khus mats and screens. It is very hardy and handles both heavy rain and dry spells once established.
- Pot: The roots grow deep, so choose a tall pot or a 12 inch grower pot rather than a shallow one.
- Light: Full sun. It becomes thin and weak in shade.
- Soil: Not fussy. A normal potting mix of red soil and compost works well.
- Water: Keep the soil moist while the plant is young. Mature plants need very little care.
- Tip: If you want to use the roots, you can lift and divide the clump after a year or so, replanting a portion to keep it going.
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Pirandai (Uruttu Pirandai)
Pirandai is a succulent climbing vine with thick, jointed stems, used in many South Indian kitchens for thuvaiyal and chutneys. Because it stores water in its stems, it is the one plant here that needs extra care in the monsoon.
- Pot: A medium 8–10 inch pot with plenty of drainage holes.
- Soil: A fast-draining mix. Add red soil and some sand or cocopeat so water never sits around the stems.
- Light: Bright sun to partial sun.
- Water: Water sparingly. During continuous rain, move the pot under a sunshade or ledge so the soil can dry between waterings. Soft, mushy stems are a sign of too much water.
- Support: Give it a small trellis, stick or railing to climb. New plants grow easily from stem cuttings with a joint or two.
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Quick monsoon checklist for potted herbs
- Check that every pot has clear drainage holes before planting.
- Empty saucers and trays after heavy rain.
- Skip watering on rainy or overcast days; feel the soil first.
- Add a handful of compost once a month to keep plants growing.
- Remove yellow or damaged leaves to improve airflow.
Build your home herb corner
Lemongrass, vetiver and pirandai make a simple, low-effort herb corner that thrives in our climate. Explore more traditional plants in our Medicinal Plants collection. Dream Nursery grows plants at our nursery in Perambai, Puducherry, and ships across India.