Everything You Need to Know About Growing Cardamom
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a perennial herb in the ginger family that is native to India and Sri Lanka. This herb has glossy textured foliage and is under the genus Elettaria, which is considered as rhizomatous evergreens.
Cardamom is harvested from wild or cultivated plants in tropical regions. It grows to a height of about 4 meters and has large, green, leathery leaves. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers that grow in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a small, green capsule that contains several black seeds.
Cardamom has a strong, pungent flavor that is both sweet and spicy. It’s a key ingredient in many Indian curries and masalas, and gives chai tea its unique taste. Cardamom is also used in Middle Eastern cuisine to flavor coffee, tea, and liqueurs, as well as to a variety of sweet dishes, such as desserts, cakes, and puddings.
The health benefits of cardamom include its ability to aid in digestion, relieve nausea, and improve blood circulation. It is also known to boost the immune system, improve respiratory health, and increase urination. Cardamom is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
To harvest cardamom, the capsules are picked by hand when they are ripe. The seeds are then removed and the capsules are dried in the sun. Once dried, the capsules can be ground into a powder or used whole.
What You Need to Know about Cardamom Plant Care
If you’re thinking of planting cardamom, you need to provide similar conditions to those found in its native range. Cardamom grows best in humid, tropical climates with ample rainfall and rich, well-drained soils. It’s a perennial plant so it will come back year after year, but it can be slow to establish.
Light
Cardamom prefers full sun, but it will tolerate some light shade. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil
Cardamom grows best in rich, well-drained soils. The ideal soil is loose and sandy with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Cardamom will also grow in clay soils, but the plant may be more susceptible to diseases.
Water
Cardamom needs consistent moisture to thrive. The plant should be watered on a regular basis, especially during the hot, dry months of summer. Cardamom is tolerant of occasional flooding.
Fertilizer
Cardamom benefits from regular applications of fertilizer. The best time to fertilize is during the active growth period from spring to summer. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Pruning
Cardamom does not require pruning, but you can trim the plant back to control its size. If you live in a cold climate, you should prune the plant back in late fall to prevent damage from the cold winter weather.
Humidity and Temperature
Cardamom is a tropical plant that thrives in humid, warm environments. If you live in a cold climate, you can grow cardamom indoors as long as you provide the plant with enough humidity and warmth. The ideal temperature for cardamom is between 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 68 degrees, the plant may go into dormancy.
Propagation
Cardamom plants can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes. They can also be grown from seed, but this is a slower process.
Harvesting
Cardamom is typically harvested in the fall. The plant will produce seed pods that can be harvested and used fresh or dried. To dry the pods, place them in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. Once the pods are dry, they can be stored in an airtight container.
Pests and Diseases
Cardamom is a tropical plant and does best in warm, humid conditions. It is susceptible to fungal diseases if the soil is too wet or the plant is under stress. It is also susceptible to pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add some zing to your cooking, then cardamom is the spice for you! It’s relatively easy to grow, so there’s no excuse not to give it a try. Just make sure to keep an eye on the different factors of growing cardamom, and you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful crop of these aromatic pods.
Looking to grow cardamom in your edible garden? Blossom & Broom can help! Our edible garden tips blog covers everything you need to know about growing this delicious spice, from planting to harvesting. We’ll even share some recipes for using your fresh-picked cardamom in the kitchen. Let us help you successfully grow this aromatic herb! So check us out today and get growing!
