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The seeds of two distinct species in the Zingiberaceae family genera Elettaria and Amomum are used to make cardamom. The tiny, thin pods of seeds are used to make the spice. The pods are trapezoidal in shape and have an exterior covering that resembles paper. Allow this article to talk about colour before you go too far. Elettaria cardamomum, sometimes referred to as green cardamom, is the subject of this guide.
It's possible that you've also heard of white cardamom, which is typically used to describe a bleached variant of the green variety, and black cardamom, which is derived from Amomum subulatum or Lanxangia tsaoko (previously known as Amomum tsao-ko).
Regrowing annually from huge subterranean rhizomes, the clumping plant has stiff, tall stems with leaves up to two feet long. This spice, which originated in the steep woods of southwest India, has been used for at least 4,000 years and has become a mainstay in Indian cuisine where it is known as elaichi. It is used to flavour a variety of dishes like Biryani, Kheer, Shrikhand, Pulao, Lassi, and more. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks all enjoyed the spice.
Cardamom Planting Guide
Here's how you can grow green cardamom at home:
Proper Planting Site
Plant cardamom in a rain garden where it will not mind damp soil, or in an edible garden with other herbs, greens, or veggies that can withstand shade. Rich, somewhat acidic humus soil is what the plants prefer. You can grow this herbaceous perennial in a container as well.
Efficient Spacing And Depth
If you're planting outside, space your seeds 1/2 to 1 inch apart and 1/8 inch deep in a spot that receives some shade. As an alternative, you may bring the plant inside for the winter by growing cardamom seeds in a container. For young plants, stakes are only necessary if significant rain or flooding is predicted, which might wash the plants away.
Important Factors To Grow And Care For Your Plants
The following are some crucial factors that you need to know to grow and care for your cardamom:
Adequate Light
Cardamom likes partial to full shade. Steer clear of planting in the direct light. Think of growing in tropical environments similar to its natural jungles, behind towering trees.
Quality Soil
Fertile potting compost with a loam foundation is ideal for cardamom growth. If growing in an area with high humidity and strong, unfiltered light, amend the soil with granulated bark or leaf mould. Because it requires tropical weather to provide the maximum quantity of fruit, cardamom grows incredibly well in glass. It favours acidic conditions (5.1-5.5 to 6.1-6.5) in the garden.
Sufficient Watering
Sprinkle cardamom leaves often with rainwater; do not overwater. The ideal growing environments for cardamom are those with consistent year-round temperatures, high soil moisture content, and enough natural light.
Suitable Temperature
Plant cardamom in an area where daily temperatures never drop below 22 degrees Celsius, as flowers and fruits can only thrive in tropical climates. The most significant reduction in plant development occurs when temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius.
Grow cardamom in a hot, humid bathroom or a heated indoor greenhouse in semi-tropical or temperate areas. Although it's unusual to cultivate fruit or flowers indoors, cardamom makes a beautiful houseplant. Place the plant on a bed of regularly wet stones. Compared to its outdoor counterpart, the houseplant will only reach a height of 2 to 4 feet.
Organic Fertiliser
During the growth season, fertilise the plant twice a month with an organic fertiliser strong in phosphorus. Never apply before a period of intense rain. Add compost as a supplement once a year.
Pollination
Cardamom plants are typically pollinated by bees and other flying insects. In areas with limited bee populations, manual pollination is required. However, as flowers are only open for a few days, timing is very important. Pollen grains are transferred from the male anther to the female stigma by farmers using a little instrument or brush. Flowers that wilt and swollen ovaries are indicators that fertilisation was successful.
