Herbs & Spices· Elettaria cardamomum

Cardamom Growing Guide

Tropical perennial of the ginger family, known as the 'Queen of Spices.' Produces highly aromatic seed capsules used in cuisine, confections, and traditional medicine.

How Long Does Cardamom Take to Grow?

Cardamom typically reaches its first harvest about 3 years after planting.

1095

Days to Harvest

295

kg dried capsules/hectare

high

Water Needs

partial shade

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

18-28°C optimal

Rainfall

1500-4000 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

none

Drought Tolerance

low

Humidity

high tolerance

Heat Tolerance

low

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: forest loam, laterite, clay loam

pH range: 5.5 - 6 (optimal: 5.8)

Drainage: good

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)moderate

Phosphorus (P)moderate

Potassium (K)high

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

rhizome division, transplanting

Planting Depth

5 cm

Plant Spacing

200 cm apart, 200 cm rows

Planting Season

monsoon

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

60 - 520 kg dried capsules/ha

Market Demand

growing

Profitability

very high

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

thrips
stem borers
root grubs

Common Diseases

capsule rot
rhizome rot
katte mosaic virus

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Cardamom requires 40-60% shade canopy; interplant with native shade trees to mimic its natural forest understorey habitat.

Harvest capsules when they are three-quarters mature (green and firm) and dry at 45-50C to retain green color and aroma.

Maintain clean ground cover around plants and remove dead panicles to reduce capsule rot and improve pollination access.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Cardamom take to grow?

Cardamom typically takes about 3 years from planting to first harvest. Seeds germinate in about 30 days. The best planting season is monsoon.

What soil does Cardamom need?

Cardamom grows best in forest loam, laterite, clay loam soil with a pH of 5.5-6. Good drainage is required.

What temperature does Cardamom need?

Cardamom grows best at 18-28°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: low.

What is the expected yield for Cardamom?

Across 8 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Cardamom range from 60 to 520 kg dried capsules/hectare, with a median of 295. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.