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Cardamom (/kɑrdəməm/), sometimes cardamon or cardamum, is a spice made from the seeds of several plants in the genera Elettaria and Amomum in the family Zingiberaceae. Both genera are native to the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia.
Where to Plant Cardamom
Plant cardamom under the shade of tall trees in hot, humid, consistently moist, tropical rainforest conditions where daily temperatures infrequently dip below 72°F. Cardamom will only survive outdoors in the warmest parts of North America. If outdoor temperatures drop below 50°F, the plant will suffer significantly.
Cardamom plants can be wintered indoors in containers in a warm, humid environment, such as a steamy bathroom. The plants, however, will not flower or produce fruit when grown indoors in pots. The plant grows tall by layered leaf sheaths and flowers in two or three years. It will reach its full production after four years and continue producing for 10-15 years.
Plant cardamom plants in a partly shady spot outdoors or indoors near a sunny window without supplemental electric lights. Direct sun must be avoided.
Soil and Water
Cardamom prefers humus-rich soil that is slightly on the acidic side. The soil must remain moist for cardamom plants to thrive, so water the plant regularly. Misting cardamom plants frequently will help simulate their native rainforest-type growing conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
When growing cardamom outdoors or indoors, youll need to ensure temperatures are above 50°F. When grown indoors as a foliage plant, place the pot on a large saucer of constantly moist pebbles to increase humidity around the plant.
