Cardamom Plant – 4L

Description

Cardamom – 4.5 L

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a tropical evergreen spice plant in the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family. Renowned for its aromatic seeds, cardamom adds a fragrant, sweet-spicy flavour to teas, coffees, and culinary dishes. This elegant plant also enhances gardens with lush, tropical foliage.

Plant Description:

Size & Shape: Can grow up to 2–4 m tall with upright, clumping stems forming a graceful tropical plant.

Leaves: Long, lance-shaped, bright green, and glossy, creating a dense and elegant foliage display.

Flowers: Small, delicate pale green to white flowers with purple markings; mildly fragrant and attractive to pollinators.

Fruit / Seeds: Produces small green pods containing aromatic black seeds. Pods are harvested when mature and dried for use as a spice.

PLEASE NOTE: Imported tropical plants are small in size.

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Growing Information

Position / Sunlight:

Thrives in warm, humid, tropical climates.

Prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, as direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Ideal for sheltered garden spots or as a patio container plant.

Soil:

Prefers rich, well-draining, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter.

Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) is ideal.

Watering:

Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Mulching helps retain moisture and protect roots.

Mulching:

Apply 2–5 cm of organic mulch (e.g., pine bark or compost) around the base.

Keep mulch away from the plant stem to prevent rot.

Fertilising:

Fertilise regularly with a balanced or slow-release fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and pod production.

Pruning:

Remove dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health and airflow.

Light pruning encourages bushier growth.

Pollination:

Flowers are insect-pollinated. Planting multiple cardamom plants can improve pod yield.

Pests & Diseases:

Watch for common pests like aphids or spider mites.

Use EM Control preventatively or hose down affected areas.

Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal diseases.

Harvesting:

Pods are ready to harvest when green and firm; dry in shade before storing.

Handle carefully to avoid bruising and preserve aroma.