Green Cardamom Seeds (Elettaria cardamomum)

Green Cardamom Seeds (Elettaria cardamomum)

💰 Price: Package of 5 seeds

Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), also known as true cardamom, is a perennial herb from the ginger family, native to southern India. It’s one of the most prized spices, known for its sweet, aromatic flavor used in many culinary traditions around the world. Cardamom is often used in Indian and Asian cuisines, whether whole or ground, for flavoring curries, chai, coffee, and even desserts.

Growth 🌱

Elettaria cardamomum is a tall perennial herb that grows to about 2–4 meters in height. Its long, narrow leaves are 40–60 cm long and its flowers range in color from white to violet. Cardamom produces a yellow-green pod that contains several aromatic black and brown seeds. The plant thrives in tropical climates with high humidity, making it suitable for growth in places like India, Nepal, Vietnam, and Central America.

In India, the main producers of cardamom are the states of Sikkim and Kerala, which have the ideal conditions for cultivating this spice. Green cardamom was introduced to Europe around 1300 BC and has since become one of the most widely used and loved spices in the world.

Uses 🍽️

Cardamom is a popular spice that is widely used both in cooking and beverages. Some of its key uses include:

• Indian Curries: Ground cardamom is a key ingredient in many traditional Indian curries.

• Masala Chai: It is a primary flavoring in this famous spiced tea.

• Coffee and Tea: In Iran, cardamom is added to coffee and tea, while in Turkey, it flavors black Turkish tea (known as kakakule).

Its sweet, aromatic taste adds depth to dishes, from savory curries to sweet desserts, and is an essential ingredient in spice blends.

How to Germinate Cardamom 🌱

Germinating cardamom seeds requires patience and specific preparation steps:

1. Preparation:
   Wash the seeds with lukewarm water to remove mucilage, then allow them to dry in the shade.

2. Scarification:

   • Place seeds in a glass jar and set it in a tray filled with cold tap water, with the water level reaching halfway up the jar.

   • Let it sit for a few minutes until the jar feels cool to the touch.

3. Soaking:

   • Slowly pour a 2.5% nitric acid solution over the seeds and stir for 2 minutes.

   • Drain the nitric acid, rinse the seeds with running water, and soak them in lukewarm water overnight. This process breaks the seed coat and helps germination.

4. Planting:

   • Select a site with moist soil and filtered shade.

   • After the danger of frost passes, sow the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch apart in rows 4 to 6 feet apart.

   • Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, then spread twigs and cover them with straw or grass to retain moisture.

5. Germination Time:
   Cardamom seeds typically take between 20 and 25 days to germinate, though it can take up to 40 days. Once germination occurs, remove most of the mulch but leave a thin layer for protection. Provide overhead shade to protect seedlings from intense sunlight.

Care and Maintenance 🌞

• Watering: Cardamom needs consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. Water deeply but ensure proper drainage.

• Temperature: The plant thrives in warm, humid environments, so ensure your garden is in a consistently warm zone.

• Shading: Young plants need to be shielded from direct sunlight to avoid damage to their delicate leaves.