Agathi Keerai, also known as vegetable hummingbird or Sesbania Grandiflora, is a highly nutritious leafy green commonly used in South Indian cuisine. It is rich in iron, calcium, and fiber, and is traditionally known to support digestion and bone health. This plant grows well in warm climates and is ideal for cultivation across India, especially during summer and early monsoon.
Sow the seeds directly in well-drained, fertile soil. Choose a location with full sunlight. Sow the seeds about half an inch deep with a spacing of 8 to 10 inches between plants. Water gently after sowing. Germination occurs in 6 to 10 days under ideal conditions.
Water the plants regularly and apply organic manure every 15 to 20 days. Agathi grows quickly and reaches harvest stage in 25 to 35 days for young leaves. Regular plucking of leaves helps promote continuous growth. The plant can grow into a small tree, so it is best suited for open soil, farm edges, or large grow bags with support.
Agathi keerai can be grown in kitchen gardens, farm borders, and terrace setups. It performs well across all regions of India with minimal care.