Elettaria

( el - let - TAR - ee - ah )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering plants is native to India and Sri Lanka, and are cultivated and have naturalized in many areas around the world. The best known species in the genus produces the spice known as Cardamom, which is used to flavor many Asian and Indian dishes. These plants, due to their tropical nature, are best grown in very sheltered areas of the landscape in temperate zones, or indoors. Grow these plants in shaded or woodland landscapes as ornamentals, or as members of sensory gardens for their fragrant flowers. They are also commonly included in container and edible gardens.

Elettaria Species and Varietals

The genus Elettaria is a member of the plant family Zingiberaceae, and includes two species. The genus used to include more species, which were transferred in 2018 to the genus Sulettaria. These tropical plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10a-13b. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Elettaria cardamomum (True Cardamom, Green Cardamom, Small Cardamom, Malabar Cardamom, Elaichi, Elaichi Cardamom, True Elaichi)
This perennial plant species is native to India, and is an important crop cultivated in tropical regions of the world. The plant itself is quite aromatic, and reaches up to between 7 and 13 feet tall when mature and in bloom. Leaves are green, and flowers are white to lilac or pale violet. The green seed pods are dried, and the seeds are used either whole or ground to flavor dishes from various Indian and Asian cuisines.

Caring for Elettaria

Elettaria plants can be grown outdoors in areas that do not drop much below 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Grow these perennial plants in partial shade. Ideally, they should be receiving about 4-6 hours of sun each day, but do not do well in direct sunlight, which can scorch foliage. In warm, dry climates, they prefer to receive afternoon shade during the warmest hours of the day. Ensure that soil is well-draining, moderately fertile, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulching material to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Keep mulch away from the plant stems, as this can encourage an environment for root rot issues to take hold. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Each year in springtime, apply a 2-inch layer of organic compost around the planting area to improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient load. This one feeding will be sufficient to carry the plants through their active growing and blooming seasons. Pruning is not necessary for these plants, though any damaged, diseased, or otherwise unsightly foliage can be trimmed off at any time during the growing season in order to clean up the look of the plant. Do not remove more than 1/3 of the foliage off of the plant at any one time. Make sure to leave spent flowering heads on plants if they will be harvested for their edible seeds.

Harvesting Elettaria
Elettaria cardamomum, or True Cardamom, produces edible seeds that are typically ground and used as a spice. They are harvested 2-3 years after planting between July and February. The seed pods are harvested while they are still green and plump, before they split open and spill their seeds. They twist off of their stems easily, but can also be snipped off. Each seed pod contains between 15 and 20 aromatic black to reddish-brown seeds that are commonly used to flavor Asian, Middle Eastern, and Scandanavian dishes and drinks. Store seeds (whole or ground) in airtight containers in a dark, cool, dry area away from sunlight or heat sources.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Elettaria plants are best propagated via division. These plants will also re-seed freely in the landscape, providing seedlings that can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere. To propagate your Elettaria by division of existing plants, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Elettaria by Division
To propagate via division, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw (optional), extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. To propagate your Elettaria by division, follow the instructions below:

In early fall or early springtime, identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the bulbs. Once you've gotten your clump out of the ground, run water over it or simply shake it to remove excess dirt. Then, lay it out on its side.
Separate the clump into multiple pieces, each with a healthy root system and adequate above-ground growth.
Prepare the planting area, whether it is a container or bed in the garden, and then plant the divisions. Afterwards, resume regular care.

Problems and Pests

Elettaria plants are typically pest and disease free. For more information on common garden problems, including how to correct them, consult the following links.

Pests & Pest Management

Plant Issues