Gotu Kola Seeds

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date (or earlier if you have the space) on a heat mat or warm place (room temp is fine). I use a basic seed starting mix, such as promix HP, in flats or small pots. THE SEEDS TAKE 4-8 WEEKS TO GERMINATE, and must be kept moist the whole time. If the soil dries out the seeds may perish. Plastic wrap on top of the cell tray/pot can help keep moisture in. I find the earliest seeds start sprouting around 3-4 weeks, and then the rest pop op erratically over the next several weeks. Be patient and keep them moist, and they will come up!

Prick out seedlings and transplant to larger pots when they have their first true leaves. Move outdoors gradually after danger of frost. I grow my gotu kola in large pots so I can bring them inside for the winter to harvest leaves for a longer season, but they can also be transplanted directly in the ground. Gotu kola likes a lot of heat and moisture. If growing in a pot, use a saucer to catch water- the plants seem to like it when the pot is sitting in a bit of water. Plant in a sunny spot. I've heard that it can do very well cascading down a sunny rock wall.

Plants appreciate compost and/or a liquid organic fertilizer such as fish or seaweed emulsion throughout the growing season, especially if grown in pots.

Please reach out if you have questions about your seed starting setup.

We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, and Internationally for a flat rate of $20*. Shipping costs to the US will include the cost of a phytosanitary inspection and certificate, as well as tariffs.

Live plants, bulbs, and bulbils can only be shipped within Canada. 

Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars, and may change without notice.

Shipping in Canada 

We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-3 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally orders take longer, especially to the Eastern provinces and rural areas.

Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery.

Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.

Shipping to the US

Shipping charges to the US will also now include a government phytosanitary inspection and certificate. This will be bundled into the shipping cost. We ship via Canada Post, and any applicable duties will be calculated at checkout. So far (as of Sept 1, 2025), it's looking like there are no duties charged on seeds. 

Please expect delays for US shipping, as during busy times it can take up to 2 weeks for us to book a phytosanitary inspection.

Shipping Internationally

International customers can select tracked or untracked shipping at checkout. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. We are not able to send any live plant materials internationally. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by customs, or for any additional duties or tariffs placed on your order.

International shipping countries include: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

This list may change without notice. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page

Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option. 

Return Policy

If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.

Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.