How to grow and care for cardamom tree?

Cardamom is a popular spice widely used in Indian dishes. It is well-known for its amazing flavor and fantastic aroma, which make it very costly. To save yourself some money, you can easily grow cardamom trees at home. A cardamom tree requires very little care and maintenance.  

See also: How to grow and care for peanut plant?

 

Cardamom belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with a 6- to 15-foot height. This aromatic spice plant has dark green leaves; in the flowering seasons, there are white flowers. These flowers further create yellowish-green fruit pods, which are used as cardamom spice to enhance the taste of meals. 

Although it is native to the tropical regions of India, Nepal and Bhutan, it is currently grown in many other countries, such as Tanzania and Sri Lanka. So, read on to learn all about growing and caring for cardamom plants. 

 

Cardamom tree: Key facts

Scientific name	Elettaria cardamomum
Common name	Cardamom, Elaichi
Family	Zingiberaceae
Native area	India, Burma, Sri Lanka
Type of plant	Herbaceous perennial plant
Mature size	6 to 15 feet tall.
Exposure to sun	Partial shades are required
Soil type	Loamy soil
Flower	Bisexual fragrant flower
Color of flower	White
Toxicity level	Not toxic

 

Cardamom tree: Varieties

There are two different kinds of cardamom trees. One is green cardamom, which is smaller in size, and the other one is a black cardamom with a bigger size. Green cardamom has a sweet aroma, while the black cardamom has a smoky flavor. Both of these cardamom varieties are used in traditional Indian cooking. Another variety is white cardamom. It is the green cardamom bleached to slightly fade the flavor and color. Usually, this white cardamom is used for various baking purposes, batter-making processes, etc. 

 

How can you grow a cardamom tree?

Choose any cloudy day for the planting of cardamom saplings. Handpick healthy saplings to avoid any plant disease. Plant a mature sapling with growing roots and fill the place with a loamy soil base. A cardamom plant needs regular watering, in case there is not plenty of rain. Also, do not keep the plant in the direct sun. It may cause wilting of leaves. After three to four weeks of planting, add organic fertilizers, preferably high in phosphorus. It will induce flowering of the plant. 

 

When should you plant a cardamom tree?

You can start planting the tree from June to July. First, you need to mix the soil with proper organic matter. Dig the soil and put seeds for propagation of the plant. Always try to collect seedlings of 10 to 18 weeks because they can grow well. In June or July, due to the commencement of the rainy season, the plants can grow well. Generally, it takes nearly 10 to 18 months to have cardamom seedlings in tissue culture technique if you want to try so. 

 

Where should you plant a cardamom tree?

Cardamom plants can thrive in well-drained loamy soil. The soil should consist of rich organic matter. The pH of the soil should be around 4.5 and 7.0. If you are planting it in your garden, choose a place where the direct sun is absent but enough natural light is present. But the place should get enough rainwater during monsoon. If you plant the sapling in a pot, always keep the pot indoors during the winter season. 

 

When should you water cardamom plants?

Cardamom plants need regular watering, especially in the hot summer. If the plant is in your garden, it is best if the plant gets rainwater during the rainy season. Rainwater helps the tree to grow naturally. Indoor cardamom plants should get water every day twice in summer. In monsoon, you can keep the pot near any open area where rainwater is available. Proper water levels can help boost flowering and fruit growth. The soil should be also moistened. 

 

Cardamom tree: Care tips

To grow cardamom plants properly, you should follow these tips. 

• Mulch the cardamom plant base regularly. 
• Organic matter or cattle compost is mandatory for the plant. 
• You can also add NPK fertilizer.
• Do not apply any fertilizer in the heavy rainy season. Fertilizers should be added after the rainy season for better results. 
• Provide daily natural light, not the exact sunlight. 
• The temperature of 20°C to 35°C is better for cardamom tree plantation and tree growth.

 

Cardamom tree: Benefits

• Cardamom is a very good acid regulator.
• Cardamom is responsible for removing bad breath. 
• According to some studies, cardamom can reduce blood pressure. 
• Cardamom has a good level of antioxidant properties. 
• Cardamom is known for treating bronchitis. 
• Blood sugar levels can be controlled with cardamom.
• Cardamom is widely used for its good digestive properties
• Cardamom also provides anti-inflammatory properties to keep any itching or burning sensation away. 
• Cardamom helps reduce gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy. 

 

Cardamom tree: Toxicity

No, the cardamom tree is not toxic. Instead, it has a lot of health benefits. It can be used for bad breath, digestion and other health problems. So, this tree is toxin-free. However, indoor pots of cardamom should be kept away from children or pets. They can tear the leaves. It may damage the overall shape of the tree. 

 

FAQs

What is the scientific name of the cardamom tree?

The scientific name of cardamom is Elettaria cardamomum.

Which family does the cardamom tree belong to?

The cardamom tree falls under the Zingiberaceae family.

Which kind of soil is best for growing a cardamom tree?

Loamy soil is the best choice for growing cardamom trees.

What are the most common pests of cardamom trees?

Thrips are the most common pests you can experience in cardamom trees. This can cause capsule itch disease in the cardamom tree.

What is the plant type of the cardamom tree?

Cardamom trees are usually perennial and herbaceous.

Does the cardamom plant prefer sunlight?

Not at all; you should keep the cardamom plant under full shade.

What kind of fertilizer is suitable for cardamom?

Cardamom trees prefer fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com