Share
Home-grown elaichi, or cardamom, is a healthier and preferable option compared to store-bought ones. The primary reason is that they are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals commonly used in commercial farming. Growing elaichi on your own is like growing the flavour at home. Freshly harvested elaichi is known to have a richer aroma and a more potent taste. These make elaichi a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Video Credit: YouTube | Twinkle Thomas Food TV
Teaming up with other savoury dishes, elaichi adds depth and complexity to a wide range of Indian meals. Both sweet and savoury recipes benefit from its peculiar mint, lemon, and camphor flavour. Elaichi is widely used in Indian teas, sweets, biryani and many more dishes. Indian cuisine relies on its adaptability to generate rich, aromatic dishes that thrill the senses.
Growing elaichi at home is all about having a fresh supply of this spice. Home-grown elaichi is packed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which are often diminished in store-bought varieties due to processing and storage. By cultivating elaichi in your kitchen garden, you can ensure that your dishes are not only flavourful but also healthier. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully grow elaichi at home, from ensuring the right climatic conditions to proper planting and care.
How to Grow Elaichi At Home
Ensure Climatic Conditions
Cardamom plants thrive in warm and humid climates. They require temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius to grow properly. Ideally, regions where the temperature stays above 23 degrees Celsius are perfect. It is crucial to grow them in favourable climatic conditions to ensure healthy growth.
Also Read: 7 Health Benefits Of Drinking Matcha Tea Every Day
Select Well-Drained Soil
Elaichi plants need well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They do well in loamy or sandy soils. Avoid clayey soils as they retain too much water, which can harm the plants. Ensure that the soil retains moisture but is not waterlogged, as excess water can damage the roots.
Propagation From Healthy Rhizomes
Propagation of cardamom plants is best done through healthy root divisions. Ensure that you obtain a healthy rhizome from a reliable source. Strong rhizomes boost the likelihood of a healthy Elaichi plant.
Planting The Rhizomes
While planting cardamom, ensure the soil is loose and well-aerated. Place the rhizome in shallow pits, which allow for proper growth. The shallow planting helps the roots expand and get enough nutrients from the soil.
Maintain Proper Spacing
When planting multiple cardamom plants, space them 2–4 feet apart. This ensures that each plant gets sufficient light and room to grow. Proper spacing is vital for the healthy development of the plants.
Provide optimal Shade And Water
Cardamom plants need partial shade for optimal growth. Ensure they receive both sunlight and shade throughout the day. Additionally, they require regular watering to maintain moisture levels in the soil. Consistent moisture is critical for their growth.
Use Nutritious Fertiliser
Fertilisers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are beneficial for cardamom plants. Feeding them with NPK fertiliser during the growing period enhances their growth. Nutrient-rich fertilisers support robust and healthy plants.
Regular Pruning
Prune the cardamom plants regularly to remove dead and yellow leaves. Regular pruning promotes the growth of healthy leaves and prevents the spread of diseases. It helps maintain the plant’s overall health and productivity.
Growing elaichi at home is a rewarding experience, providing a fresh supply of this essential spice. You can make sure you have a healthy and productive cardamom plant by following the right steps for the climate, soil, propagation, planting, spacing, shading, watering, fertilising, and trimming. Homegrown elaichi not only makes food taste better, but it's also good for you and doesn't contain any chemicals that are bad for you.
