Elettaria cardamomum ( Green Cardamom ) is an aromatic plant that is native to southern India. Cardamom is one of the world’s most popular spices and currently the third most expensive. Popular in curries and when added to teas and coffees, the plant is now grown worldwide in tropical regions. Green Cardamom has also been used to treat sore throats, depression, skin conditions and bad breath.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Growing cardamom can be challenging from seed. Our instructions are suited for the home gardener and removes some of the non-organic substances. This does result in lower germination rates but also keeps the instructions much easier to follow. In cold or temperate conditions, the main challenge will be keeping them warm enough during germination and winter.
Growth
Elettaria cardamomum is a perennial plant that reaches heights of up to 4 metres (13 feet). Cardamom enjoys warm, humid and moist conditions that in Australia would suit climates north of Brisbane. Serious damage can occur to plants of any age below 10°C / 50°F.
Cardamom leaves are alternate in two ranks, linear-lanceolate and can grow to 60 cm (24 inches). After three full growing seasons white flowers appear in spring with a splash of pink. The main purpose of growing Cardamom is for their fruiting pods. Roughly 2 cm long each pod contains up to 20 seeds each.
FAMILY:
Zingiberaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub-Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
15 to 35°C / 59 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, mixed with sand is ideal.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 4 metres (12 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (7 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees
MATURITY:
3 years
GERMINATION RATES:
45-60%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 2 days and then 3-12 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 4-5
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM (Green Cardamom)
Cardamom is currently the world’s third most expensive spice by weight behind Saffron and Vanilla.
Cardamom was first imported into Europe around 1300 BC.
