How Do You Grow Cinnamon? A Complete Guide to Growing Cinnamon Trees

Cinnamon is a popular spice that adds warmth and flavor to dishes and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

But did you know that you can also grow your own cinnamon tree and harvest your own cinnamon sticks?

Growing cinnamon trees may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple.

In this article, we’ll explore the steps on how do you grow cinnamon and everything you need to know about caring for your cinnamon tree.

The Basics of Growing Cinnamon

Growing cinnamon trees is a simple process that can be done with just a few basic steps.

Climate and Location

The first thing you need to consider when growing cinnamon trees is the climate and location.

Cinnamon trees thrive in tropical climates with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius.

Choosing the Right Soil

Cinnamon trees require well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients.

The soil should also have a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. You can add organic matter like compost to improve the quality of the soil.

Propagating Cinnamon

Cinnamon trees can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.

Growing from Seeds

To grow cinnamon from seeds, you need to soak them in water for 24 hours to soften the outer shell.

Then, plant the seeds in a pot with well-draining soil and keep them in a warm, humid location.

Growing from Cuttings

Growing cinnamon from cuttings is a faster method compared to growing from seeds.

Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a mature cinnamon tree and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil.

Keep the cutting in a warm and humid location until it starts to grow roots.

Caring for Your Cinnamon Tree

Cinnamon trees require regular care to ensure healthy growth and harvest.

Watering

Cinnamon trees require regular watering, especially during the growing season.

However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to let the soil dry out between watering.

Fertilizing

Cinnamon trees require regular fertilizing to ensure healthy growth.

You can use a balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season.

Pruning

Pruning is important for shaping your cinnamon tree and ensuring healthy growth.

Prune your cinnamon tree during the dormant season to remove any dead or diseased branches.

Harvesting Cinnamon

Once your cinnamon tree is mature, you can start harvesting cinnamon sticks.

Harvesting the Bark

To harvest cinnamon, you need to remove the bark from the branches of the tree. Wait until the branches are at least 2-3 years old before harvesting.

Drying and Storing

After harvesting the cinnamon bark, dry it in the sun for a few days until it curls up.

Store the cinnamon sticks in an airtight container in a cool, dry location.

FAQs:

Q: How long does it take to grow a cinnamon tree?

A: It takes about 2-3 years for cinnamon trees to mature and start producing cinnamon sticks.

Q: Can cinnamon trees be grown indoors?

A: Yes, cinnamon trees can be grown indoors in a warm and humid location.

Q: How often should I fertilize my cinnamon tree?

A: You should fertilize your cinnamon tree every two months during the growing season.