How to Grow and Care for Cinnamon- Harvest on the Table

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Cinnamomum is a genus of aromatic trees and shrubs known for producing cinnamon, a popular spice found in the inner bark of certain species such as Cinnamomum verum (True Cinnamon) and Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia). In the garden, these plants can be used as ornamental trees or aromatic trees for their attractive leaves, fragrant bark and flowers.

Here’s how to plant and care for Cinnamomum varieties in your garden:

Where to Grow Cinnamon

Cinnamomum species grow well under certain conditions:

• The light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Ideally, they should receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some protection from the strong afternoon sun in tropical areas.
• The ground: It needs well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0). The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter, hold moisture but not waterlogged.
• The weather: These plants grow well in warm, humid areas typical of USDA hardiness zones 9-12. They can be sensitive to frost, so they need a sheltered place or protection in cooler areas.

How to grow Cinnamomum

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant Cinnamomum is in spring or early summer when the danger of frost has passed, allowing the tree to establish itself during the warm weather.
• Planting Steps:
  1. Prepare the Soil: Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted compost to improve fertility and drainage.
  2. Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
  3. Place the Plant: Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole. The surface of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil.
  4. Fill Back Hole: Fill the hole with soil, pressing it lightly to remove air pockets.
  5. Water Well: Water the plant well after planting so that the soil settles around the roots.

Caring for Cinnamonmum

Watering

• Regular watering: Keep the soil moist regularly, especially during the first few years while the tree is growing. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Avoid Overwatering: Cinnamomum does not tolerate acidic soil. Make sure the planting site has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Fertilization

• Annual Feed: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth. An NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal.
• Organic options: Top dress the soil with compost or well-rotted compost in the spring to improve fertility and soil structure.

Pruning

• Small Shape Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• Control Size: Regular pruning can help control tree size and encourage tree growth.
• Harvesting Cinnamon: When growing cinnamon for spice, the inner bark is harvested by cutting the branches to promote new growth. The bark is peeled, and the inner layer is dried to form cinnamon sticks.

Covering with holes

• Mulch Around the Base: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Keep the mulch away from the trunk: Leave a small gap between the mulch and the stem to avoid rot and insect problems.

Winter Protection

• In Cool Climates: If you live in an area prone to frost, consider growing Cinnamon in a container that can be kept indoors or in a winter greenhouse.
• Frost protection: Cover young trees with frost cloth or burlap if unexpected cold weather is forecast.

Distributed Cinnamomum

Propagation can be done by seed, cuttings, or air layering:

• The seed: Plant new seeds in well-draining soil, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Germination may take several weeks. Seedlings should be planted in large pots as they grow before they are planted outside.
• Cutting: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer and soak the cut end in root hormone to stimulate root growth. Place the cuttings in a moist, well-draining place and keep them warm until the roots develop.
• Air Layering: Air layering is a reliable way to propagate Cinnamomum. Choose a healthy branch, make a small wound on it, wrap it with wet sphagnum moss, and cover it with plastic wrap. Roots should form in the wound area after a few months.

Pests and Diseases

Cinnamon is less resistant to pests and diseases, but can still be affected by:

• Scale Insects: These insects may attach to stems and leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
• Leaf Area: Fungal or bacterial leaf spots can occur in excessively wet conditions. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Root rot: Caused by waterlogged soil, root rot can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is in clean soil.

Using Cinnamon in the garden

• Ornamental Tree: The tree’s glossy, fragrant leaves and attractive bark make it an attractive addition to tropical or subtropical gardens.
• Herb and Spice Garden: When grown for cinnamon, the tree can be a unique addition to a vegetable garden.
• Planting a Container: In cooler climates, plant Cinnamomum in a large container so it can be brought indoors during the winter.
• Tropical Garden Design: Its green leaves fit well in tropical garden areas alongside other tropical plants such as bananas, gingers, and palms.

Benefits of Growing Cinnamon

• Sweet Buildings: The tree’s bark, leaves, and even roots have a pleasant aroma that can be used in cooking, perfumes or traditional medicine.
• Attracts Wildlife: Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Edible Bark: When harvested correctly, the inner bark of some species can be used to make cinnamon spices.

Popular Types of Cinnamomum

• Cinnamomum verum (True Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon): Found in Sri Lanka and southern India, this variety produces “true” cinnamon used in cooking, which has a sweeter and milder flavor than cassia cinnamon.
• Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cinnamon, Cassia): Widely used in commercial cinnamon products, this variety has a strong, bitter taste. It is hardier and easier to grow than C. verum.
• Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor Tree): Known for its sweet camphor scent, this species is often grown as an ornamental tree in warm climates.
• Cinnamomum zeylanicum: Another name for real cinnamon, widely used in the spice trade.

Abbreviation of Cinamomum

Growing Cinnamomum in the garden can provide both decorative value and practical use. This tree adapts to warm climates, and with proper care, it can grow and produce fragrant leaves and bark for many years. Proper planting, consistent watering, and minimal pruning will help Cinnamomum grow well in the garden, adding tropical beauty and potential to the home’s spice well.