Pennywort Seeds Big Leaf - Gotu Kola Rau Má Lá Bự | Heirloom Non-GMO Perennial Herb

Pennywort Seeds – Gotu Kola Rau Má

Grow the familiar Vietnamese herb Rau Má with Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola or Pennywort. This heirloom, Non-GMO perennial develops small rounded green leaves on low-growing creeping runners and thrives in warm, humid, consistently moist conditions.

Unlike many Mediterranean herbs that prefer dry soil, Pennywort performs best when moisture is maintained consistently. Its spreading habit also makes container growing especially useful for gardeners who want to manage runners and keep growing conditions evenly moist.

Product Highlights

• Pennywort / Gotu Kola / Rau Má.
• Botanical name: Centella asiatica.
• Heirloom and Non-GMO product traits.
• Perennial creeping herb in suitable warm climates.
• Prefers warm, humid conditions and consistently moist soil.
• Product guide lists approximately 60–90 days to harvest.

Plant Profile

• Common Name: Pennywort / Gotu Kola
• Vietnamese Name: Rau Má
• Botanical Name: Centella asiatica
• Family: Apiaceae
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Growth Habit: Creeping, spreading ground-cover herb
• Foliage: Rounded green leaves
• Light: Filtered light or morning sun
• Soil: Rich, moist, loamy, well-drained soil
• Preferred Soil pH: Approximately 6.0–7.0
• Plant Spacing: Approximately 6–12 inches
• Harvest Guide: Approximately 60–90 days

Germination Overview

Pennywort seed can germinate slowly and unevenly. The Mai's Family grower-supplied method uses an extended warm-water soak followed by continued germination under warmth, light, and steady moisture.

Soak seeds in warm water for approximately 10–15 days. After soaking, transfer seeds to a moist cloth or germination kit and provide controlled warmth and light. Reported sprouting may require another 1–2 weeks, but this timing is variable and is not a germination guarantee.

Keep the germination medium moist rather than submerged. Monitor daily for drying, mold, and excessive heat.

Transplanting & Care

Once sprouts appear, move them gently into moist growing mix. Surface sow or barely cover and avoid deep planting.

Space established plants approximately 6–12 inches apart. Provide filtered light or morning sun and maintain consistent moisture.

Good drainage is still important even though Pennywort prefers wet conditions. Standing stagnant water around the roots can contribute to root problems.

Container Growing

Centella asiatica naturally spreads through creeping runners. Containers make it easier to manage this growth while maintaining the steady moisture the plant prefers.

Trim runners as needed to keep the plant within the desired area.

Harvest & Culinary Use

The product guide lists approximately 60–90 days to harvest depending on establishment and growing conditions.

Clip young leaves as needed while leaving enough healthy foliage for regrowth. Wash harvested leaves before culinary use.

Young Rau Má leaves are traditionally used in Vietnamese pennywort drinks such as nước rau má and may also be used in salads and soups.

What to Expect

Germination is not necessarily uniform. Moisture, seed lot, soaking conditions, temperature, lighting, and germination setup can all affect how quickly individual seeds sprout.

The plant can spread readily once established. Container growing or routine runner trimming can help keep growth manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Pennywort take to germinate?

The current grower-supplied method recommends a 10–15 day warm-water soak followed by a moist germination setup. Reported sprouting may take another 1–2 weeks after soaking, but timing varies and is not guaranteed.

Should Pennywort seeds be planted deeply?

No. Once germinated, transfer sprouts gently and surface sow or barely cover them.

Does Pennywort like wet soil?

It prefers consistently moist conditions, but the growing medium should still provide adequate drainage.

Can Pennywort grow in a container?

Yes. Containers are particularly useful because Centella asiatica spreads through creeping runners and prefers steady moisture.

Can Pennywort survive winter outdoors?

Centella asiatica is a tropical to subtropical perennial. NC State lists perennial hardiness around USDA Zones 10a–11b. In colder regions, container growing makes it easier to protect plants from low temperatures.