Cardamom

About the crop: This crop is perennial, which means once you plant it, the same plant can keep producing for many years. You can normally start harvesting about 365 days after planting, depending on care and variety.

Main use: Farmers mostly grow this crop for green/ dried capsules for spice, beverages and flavouring..

Pollination: This crop is mainly pollinated by insect. Keeping flowers healthy and having insects like bees in the field helps improve fruit set and yields.

Where it grows: Grows in cool, humid, shaded high rainfall zones; niche pockets exist in East African highlands with forest shade or agroforestry. It is grouped under: Spices & Condiments.

Best climate: This crop does well in warm areas where the temperature is usually between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. It prefers places that receive around 1800 to 3000 millimetres of rain in a year. It can grow from near sea level up to about 1800 metres above sea level.

Soil: The crop grows best in slightly acidic to near neutral soils, with a pH of about 5.5 to 6.5. It does well in deep, well-drained forest loam with very high organic matter; thrives under shade.. Good drainage is important, so avoid waterlogged spots.

Plant spacing: Plant in rows about 200 centimetres apart, and leave about 200 centimetres between plants in the row. This gives each plant enough space for roots and canopy to spread.

Planting depth: Dig planting holes or furrows about 5 centimetres deep so the roots sit firmly in the soil but are not buried too deep.

Seed or planting material: Use good quality seed or healthy planting material. Follow local extension advice for the exact amount per hectare.