How To Grow Cinnamon In Your Home Garden

If you have ever handled a cinnamon stick, you have had a peek at the dried bark of a cinnamon plant. Cinnamon plants have glossy foliage and small flowers. The bark and leaves are aromatic due to oils. The inner bark of various species is used to make cinnamon spice. Cinnamon species generally have a slow to moderate growth rate and can be planted in the spring or early fall. If you have a warmer climate, plenty of light, and rich soil, it is fairly simple to grow and harvest your cinnamon. 

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1. Cinnamomum verum: This is often referred to as true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon, and it is known for its superior flavour.
2. Cinnamomum cassia: A cinnamon plan that is commonly known as Chinese cassia, it is the most common type of cinnamon sold in North America.
3. Cinnamomum loureirii: This variety is known as Saigon cinnamon or Vietnamese cinnamon. This species has a strong flavour and aroma and comes at a premium price.

Cinnamon Plant Care

Cinnamon is a tropical plant, so if you garden in a warm climate, you can grow cinnamon plants outdoors. Most gardeners start with young nursery plants rather than seeds. Here are the main care requirements.

• Choose a location that provides enough room for the mature size of the species.
• Plant where it will receive enough sunlight and not be shaded by larger trees and shrubs.
• Use a rich soil amended with compost.
• Water deeply, being careful not to let the soil completely dry out.
• Fertilise often while the plant is getting established and then on every Spring.

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How To Plant Cinnamon

While cultivating cinnamon trees, it is important to keep in mind that cinnamon trees are native to tropical regions. Cinnamon plants can only truly thrive as outdoor plants. Otherwise, they are best kept as houseplants, or kept outside only during the warmer months. With that in mind, here is how to plant cinnamon outdoors:

• Look for a sunny spot. Plan to plant your cinnamon in spring or early fall in a spot that gets full sun, at least twelve hours a day. Your cinnamon plot should be at least four feet by four feet.
• Dig a hole. Dig a one-foot by one-foot hole in the plot.
• Prepare the bed. Fill the hole with a sandy, well-draining loam or potting mix with plenty of perlite. Cinnamon favours an acidic soil pH between 4.5 and 5.5, so work sphagnum peat moss into the mix if necessary to reach the right acidity level.
• Plant transplants or seeds. If transplanting a young tree from a nursery, loosen the root ball, place the tree in the hole, and cover it with the soil. If growing from cinnamon seeds, fill the hole first and bury the seeds half an inch below the surface.
• Fertilise the bed. If transplanting, apply a slow-release fertiliser or layer of compost near the base of the plant. This is called side-dressing. You can skip this step and fertilise later if planting from seed.

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Tips To Grow Cinnamon

Since cinnamon is a tropical plant, it requires plenty of moisture and very warm temperatures to thrive.

Also Read: How To Grow Low-Maintenance Fruits In Pots At Home

Keep The Soil Moist

Every spring, apply plenty of mulch to the base of your cinnamon tree. Mulch helps retain moisture and heat. Water your cinnamon plant as needed, checking a few inches under the surface to see if the soil is dried out. If growing your cinnamon plant indoors, mist it regularly.

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Protect It From The Cold

Bring your cinnamon tree inside if the outdoor temperature drops below 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Watch For Pests And Diseases

Keep an eye out for damaged branches or leaves and prune if necessary. Inspect the leaves of your cinnamon tree from time to time for mealybug or leaf miner damage, applying organic insecticide as needed.