Cardamom
A Fragrant Treasure.
Preparation and Propagation
Climatic and Soil Requirements
Altitude: Optimal at 800‒1,500 meters above sea level — typical of Kerala’s Cardamom Hills.
Requires cool, humid, tropical conditions with annual rainfall between 1500‒2500 mm. Grows best under intermittent, filtered sunlight (about 60% shade).
Prefers deep, loamy, well-drained, slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5‒6.5) rich in organic matter.
Propagation Methods
Use high-yielding, disease-free suckers or rhizomes from elite mother clumps aged 2‒3 years.
Popular Kerala varieties include Njallani Green Gold, MCC-1, and MCC-2.
Nursery-raised plants can be transplanted after 8‒10 months.
Land Preparation and Shade Regulation
Clear undergrowth while preserving topsoil. Establish 60% shade cover using native trees.
Prepare terraces on slopes and 45×45×45 cm pits spaced 2×2 m apart, filled with compost and neem cake mixture.
Cultivation and Management
Manuring and Fertilization
Apply 2‒3 kg of well-decomposed cow dung or compost per clump annually. Recommended NPK per hectare: N 75 kg, P₂O₅ 75 kg, K₂O 150 kg in three splits (May, September, January). Foliar sprays improve yield and colour.
Water Management/ Irrigation
Irrigate during Kerala’s dry months (January‒March) using drip or sprinkler systems.
Maintain consistent soil moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Weeding, Mulching, and Trashing
Weed 3‒4 times annually. Mulch with cardamom leaves, grass, or shade litter to conserve moisture.
Remove dried or diseased leaves regularly.
Pest and Disease Management
Major issues: Katte (Mosaic) disease, Capsule Borer, and Fungal Rots. Use IPM: remove infected clumps, neem sprays, pheromone traps, and Trichoderma compost to ensure low pesticide residues (MRL compliance).
Harvesting: Green Colour Retention
Timing for Quality
Harvest capsules at 75‒80% maturity when full but still green. Avoid overripe fruits.
Harvesting Technique
Manual, selective picking ensures uniform size and color.
Picking Interval
Harvest every 15‒25 days for consistent yield and quality.
Post-Harvest Processing
Initial Cleaning
Remove leaves, stalks, and immature capsules immediately after picking. Handle gently to preserve colour.
Curing / Drying
Use mechanical drying at 40‒50°C for 18‒24 hours to achieve 10‒12% moisture and retain color. Avoid sun drying, which dulls the color.
Finishing, Grading, and Sorting
Polish dried capsules and grade based on size and colour: Extra Bold: >8 mm, Bold: 7‒8 mm, Medium: 6‒7 mm, Small: <6 mm
