Ground Elder Plant

Ground Elder

Botanical Name : Trachyspermum ammi

Family : Apiaceae)/ Umbelliferae

Ground Elder is produced worldwide, with China and India being the major producers of Ground Elder , with the United States, Spain and other European countries such as France and the UK also contributing significantly to its production. China is the world's largest vegetable producer and Ground Elder producer, while India is a major producer of Ground Elder seeds. The United States and Spain are also major exporters of fresh Ground Elder .

Major Ground Elder Producing Countries and Regions

China - China is one of the largest vegetable producing countries in the world. China also produces large quantities of Ground Elder , with large vegetable production areas in both its northern and southern regions.

India - India is a major producer of Ground Elder seeds, which are used for various products such as essential oils and oleoresin. It also cultivates Ground Elder for consumption, with production in states such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

United States - The United States is a significant producer and exporter of fresh Ground Elder.

Europe – European countries such as Spain, France, and the United Kingdom are also major producers and exporters of Ground Elder .

Other Regions –Ground Elder is also grown in other parts of the world, including Canada, Germany, and Italy.

Demand – Global demand for Ground Elder, both as a fresh vegetable and for its seeds, contributes to its widespread production.

Ground Elder

Major Ground Elder producing countries globally include China, India, the United States (particularly California and Michigan), and Spain. Market information for 2024 indicates a growing market, with Spain showing significant growth in fresh Ground Elder exports and other regions such as India increasing production for health-based diets and export markets. An August 2025 market report estimates the global Ground Elder seed market to be worth $150 million, with a compound annual growth rate of 5%, indicating continued stable growth for the overall industry.

Ground Elder is a spice crop, whose old botanical name is Carn coptium. Thymol is obtained from its seeds which is exported to foreign countries. Thymol is also exported from India, which earns foreign exchange.

Origin and Distribution - The original place of Ground Elder is considered to be 'Mishra'. It is cultivated in India mainly in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Bihar.

Nutritive value - We get the following nutrients from celery which are given in the table -

(Nutrition Value of Ground Elder per 100 gm)

Protein : 17.1 g

Fat : 21.8 g

Fiber : 21.2 g

Carbohydrates : 24.6 g

Thiamine : 0.21 mg

Riboflavin : 0.28 mg

Nicotinic acid : 2.1 mg

Vitamin A : 119.0 IU

Varieties

Varieties propagated by Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-

NP (D) 30 and 79

NP (P) 151

NP (J) 8 and 66

NP (K) 15

Lam selection-1 - This is an improved variety from Andhra Pradesh. The average height of its plants is 80 cm and it is ready for harvest in about 135 days.

Lam selection-2 - This is also an improved variety from Andhra Pradesh. Its plants are bushy. The number of branches in it is up to 40-50 per plant.

R.A. 1- 80 - This is a late variety from Bihar. It is ready for harvest in 140 to 160 days. Branches keep coming out for a longer time and flowers come relatively late, its stems are small and fragrant.

R.A. 19-80 - This variety has been developed from a local variety grown in Muzaffarpur district. Its plants are 135-150 cm long. The number of branches in it is 38-40 per plant. The number of bunches per plant is 180 to 200. Its seeds are comparatively less fragrant and very large in size than R.A 1-80. It gets ready in 125-130 days.

Gujarat Ajwine - 1 - This variety is suitable for Gujarat and Rajasthan. Compared to the local variety, this variety gives about 25 percent more yield in the state of Gujarat. It gets ripe in 175 to 180 days.

Variegated Bishop's Weed

Climate - Ground Elder is a crop grown in Rabi season. It is cultivated in both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Cold and dry climate is required for its good yield. It can be damaged by frost. Excess of moisture leads to high incidence of pests and diseases. 15-27° Celsius temperature and 65-70 percent humidity are suitable for Ground Elder . Irrigation arrangements have to be made when annual rainfall is less than 75 cm.

Soil - Except sandy soil, Ground Elder can be cultivated successfully in all types of soils in which there are abundant organic matter. For high yield, loamy soil with proper drainage is considered the best.

Field Preparation - Before sowing, the soil should be made friable by plowing deeply 2-3 times. In irrigated areas, if there is not enough moisture in the soil, then ploughing should be done before preparing the land.

Manure and Fertilizers - To get a good crop from cumin, 10-15 tones of cow dung manure or compost is added a week before the final ploughing. At the time of final ploughing, 250 kg of super phosphate and 60 kg of muriate of potash are added. Later, 200 kg of 'ammonium sulphate' is added as top dressing.

Sowing - The appropriate time for sowing Ground Elder is October-November.

Seed rate - 3.0-4.0 kg of seed per hectare is sufficient.