The Queen of Spices: Growing Cardamom from Seeds at Home

Sowing Cardamom Seeds:

Prepare the soil: Create an ideal environment for cardamom by using a rich, loamy soil with good drainage. A mix of compost, sandy soil and a touch of perlite or vermiculite is recommended. Planting depth: Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil. Spacing: Leave at least 2 feet between seeds or seedlings, keeping in mind the potential size of the mature cardamom plants. Watering: Water the seeds gently but thoroughly after planting.

Growing conditions:

Light: Cardamom plants thrive in indirect sunlight or partial shade, which mimics their natural habitat under the canopy of larger trees. Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 22°C and 32°C for optimal growth. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Cardamom plants like humidity but can develop root rot if overwatered. Fertilization: Fertilize the plants every three weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Green Cardamom Care:

Pruning: Encourage vigorous growth by cutting off weak or unhealthy shoots as the plant matures. Pest Control: Watch for pests such as aphids and mites. Control them organically with neem oil. Harvest: Harvest the cardamom pods when they turn a pale green or green-yellow color, and be sure to harvest them before they open.

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