Asafetida Plant Care
Ferula gummosa Boiss.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking feathery leaves and towering height, this plant originating from the Mediterranean region is a must-have for plant collectors. Its unique appearance and ability to thrive in dry, hot climates make it a desirable addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Asafetida?
Water Asafetida every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Asafetida Native To?
What Is the Asafetida?
Asafetida (Ferula gummosa) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Ferula genus. Asafetida is native to Iran and Turkmenistan. Asafetida is also known as Devil's Dung, Stink Asafoetida.
Asafetida displays a tall, upright herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Asafetida produces large umbels of tiny yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Asafetida?
Ferula gummosa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Asafetida Need?
Asafetida thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Asafetida Prefer?
Ferula gummosa grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Asafetida prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Asafetida?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Asafetida to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Asafetida?
Feed Asafetida every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Asafetida?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Asafetida?
Asafetida can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Asafetida Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Asafetida, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Asafetida?
Asafetida is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Asafetida Need?
Asafetida grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Asafetida is native to Iran and Turkmenistan.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Asafetida is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ferula genus — compare its care with other Ferula species on PlantoScan.
Ferula is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Asafetida thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ferula gummosa Boiss., family Apiaceae (first published in Diagn. Pl. Orient. , ser. 2, 2: 92 (1856)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Asafetida, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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