Growing Amla in Pots | Amla Cultivation in India

Growing Amla in Pots is a lot easier than one may think! Learn how to grow this berry and enjoy its benefits fresh at home!

What is Amla/Indian Gooseberry?

Common India Names: Amalaka, Aonla, Nelli, Nellika, Heikru, Nellikkay, Amla, Amala, Usiri, Avalo, Awalah

The scientific name of Amla is Phyllanthus emblica. It is a deciduous, subtropical tree, native to India that produces glossy, green and round berries with the same name. The Taste of Amla is sweet-sour with a pungent aftertaste.  These berries, apart from having tremendous health benefits, are a part of a variety of Indian dishes like Aachar, chutneys, and Murabba, etc.

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Amla Cultivation in India

India is undoubtedly the largest producer of amla in the World. Winters make for the Amla Season in India. The sowing of the seeds takes place in the months of June-July and you can find it everywhere, as soon as the monsoons are over. The Major amla producing states include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Chattishgarh, Assam, Bihar, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan.

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                                                   Growing Amla in Pots                                                                                           

Propagation

It is easy to propagate Amla Plant from a well-grafted tree that you can easily find in your nearby nursery as it helps in maintaining the health and quality of the plant.

Varieties

This subtropical plant is quite hardy and easy to cultivate. The popular varieties of amla include Kanchan, Chakaya, BSR1, Banarasi, NA 7, etc. and a variety called wild Himalayan amla, is better for the climates that are more temperate.

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Requirements for Growing Amla in Pots

Choosing a Container

Choose a container that is at least 10 inches deep and wide for growing your amla plant as it requires more space as it grows. Make sure to provide the plant’s roots with enough space to grow well. Choose a spot where the plant gets enough sunlight, but fewer winds. You also have to keep changing the pot once your plant outgrows the current one.

Soil

A well-draining loamy soil, rich in organic matter, is ideal for growing amla plant. The soil should neither be too waterlogged nor too sandy. These plants can do well in soils that are slightly acidic to alkaline in nature.

Temperature

 

The plants are quite hardy and can resist the moderate change in the climates. They are also sensitive to frost and they may not be able to survive extreme hot or freezing temperatures.

Watering

These plants require regular watering at the beginning, but as the plant matures you can decrease the frequency. The right time to rewater the plants is when the topsoil dries; you can check the dryness of soil by poking a finger into it.

Position

Amla plants require a plenty of sun to grow well. Position your plant in a location where it gets full sunlight and fewer winds.

Fertilizer

When growing the plant, you can go with the natural fertilizers like Aged cow manure (Gober khaad) and have organic produce of amla for yourself. Plus the trees are not heavy feeders so they can do well with natural fertilizers too.

Pruning

Prune your plants in the spring season. Remove all kinds of damaged, dead or diseased branches and also remove any entangling branches if any. Prune the plant to increase the fruiting.

Pest and Diseases

The plant can get infected with common pests, but you can get rid of these unwanted pests by simply using natural homemade pesticides like neem oil, soap spray, etc.

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Benefits of Amla

Amla is a potent and healing fruit that is full of nutrients. It has a plethora of benefits and every part of it is useful including the seeds, fruits, leaves, bark roots, and even the flowers. The fruit is an important remedy in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. The following are the important benefits of the Amla:

Eyesight

The fruit is packed with nutrients like Vitamine C and Carotene, which not only helps in improving the eyesight but also partakes in maintaining proper eye health. Regular consumption of amla can help in improving various eye conditions like intraocular tension and cataract problem etc.

Hair

Amla oil or powder can work wonders on your hair. It can condition, prevent greying and hair-fall.  It can also improve blood circulation in the scalp and toughen the hair follicles, causing better hair growth.

Skin

Amla consumption can help tremendously in beautifying the skin. It can work as an anti-aging formula and prevents fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes on the skin, providing you with spotless and smooth skin!