Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
120 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
India
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as green cardamom, is a perennial herb with slender, aromatic green stems and ovate leaves, producing small, pale green flowers and seed pods used as a spice. This species is valued for its highly aromatic seeds, which are widely used in culinary and medicinal applications, and it thrives in humid, shaded tropical environments.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into rich, well-drained soil in spring.
- Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
- Mist cuttings regularly to increase humidity.
- Transplant seedlings after they establish roots, approximately 6 weeks.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- Harvest mature seed pods in late summer for best flavor.
Pro Tip
Use warm, humid conditions and rich soil for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to frost; protect during cold snaps
- Refrain from heavy fertilization which can damage roots
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cardamom questions
What zones can Cardamom grow in?
Cardamom is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cardamom deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Cardamom, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Cardamom bloom?
Cardamom typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cardamom need full sun?
Cardamom does best in part shade.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Grow Cardamom with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
