Herbs & Spices· Syzygium aromaticum
Clove Growing Guide
Tropical evergreen tree whose dried flower buds are a major spice. Indonesia and Madagascar are top producers.
How Long Does Clove Take to Grow?
Clove typically reaches its first harvest about 7 years after planting.
FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Production: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 13 October 2026. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL Licence: CC-BY-4.0.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: volcanic loam, laterite
pH range: 5.5 - 6.5 (optimal: 6)
Drainage: good
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Growing Tips
Harvest buds when they turn pink, before opening
First harvest at 7-8 years, peak production at 15-20 years
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Clove take to grow?
Clove typically takes about 7 years from planting to first harvest. The best planting season is wet season.
What soil does Clove need?
Clove grows best in volcanic loam, laterite soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Good drainage is required.
What temperature does Clove need?
Clove grows best at 22-30°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: moderate.
What is the expected yield for Clove?
Across 11 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Clove range from 220 to 1,280 kg dried buds/hectare, with a median of 440. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.
Key Agronomy Terms
Core farming concepts, explained in plain language.
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