Moti elaichi, also known as black cardamom, is a popular spice known for its strong aroma and flavour. Its versatile nature is seen in many Indian dishes like biryani, curries and teas.
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Growing your black cardamom plant at home can be a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh, aromatic cardamom pods right from your garden or balcony. Although it takes some time and patience to cultivate, following the right steps will make the process easier. Whether you're planting it indoors or outdoors, this guide will help you nurture your very own black cardamom plant with ease.
7 Important Steps To Grow Black Cardamom
Choose The Right Spot
Moti elaichi plants prefer partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can harm the plants, so choose a location in your garden or balcony that gets indirect sunlight.
Additionally, if you’re growing it indoors, place it near a window with filtered or diffused light. Ensuring the right conditions helps the plant grow strong and healthy.
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Use Well-Drained Soil
Moti elaichi thrives in rich, well-drained soil. Mix garden soil with compost or organic matter to provide the essential nutrients to the plants. ensure the soil doesn’t hold water for too long, as the plant's roots may rot if they stay too wet. Good soil is key to healthy growth.
Watering The Plants Regularly
Black cardamom plants like to stay moist but not soaked. So water the black cardamom plants regularly, and the soil remains damp.
However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Keep the watering schedule consistent, especially during the hot summer months when the plant needs more hydration.
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Ensure Proper Drainage In Pots
If you are growing moti elaichi in pots, ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom. This helps to prevent water from accumulating in the soil, which can cause root rot. Additionally, you can also add a layer of small pebbles at the base of the pot for better water flow.
Use Organic Fertiliser
Moti elaichi plants benefit from organic fertilisers like compost or cow dung. Apply the fertiliser every month during the growing season to boost the plant's health and productivity. These fertilisers provide the nutrients that the plant needs without the harsh chemicals found in synthetic fertilisers.
Keep The Plant Warm
Black cardamom plants prefer warm temperatures. If you live in a cooler region, bring the plants indoors during the cooler months or cover them with a cloth to protect the plant from frost. A temperature range of 18 degrees to 30 degrees is ideal for growing black cardamom.
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Be Patient For Harvesting
Growing moti elaichi takes time, and patience is key to successful production. The plant can take two to three years to mature and produce cardamom pods. Once the pods appear, wait for them to ripen and turn dark brown before harvesting. Properly ripened pods have the best flavour.