Spices and Condiments

Harvesting and yield

• The crops raised by seeds start fruiting after 5 years, while vegetatively propagated crops fruit after 3 years of planting.
• Flowering starts from April-May and continues up to June-July. After fertilisation, the fruits ripen within 5-6 months.
• Harvesting is done by cutting the mature panicles with the help of a long narrow knife.
• The harvesting span is between August and November.
• The economic yield period varies between 12-15 years; however, some well-managed plantations can yield profitably up to 20 years.
• During the third year, when the first harvest is done, the yield is negligible (<25 kg/ha).
• The yield gradually increases and reaches the maximum in the sixth or seventh year.
• The yield at this stage varies greatly (3 to 10 q/ha of dry cardamom), depending on the management.