Spices and Condiments (1+1)

Irrigation, interculture and pruning

Irrigation
Cinnamon is raised mostly as an unirrigated crop. However, in the initial 2-3 years, watering is done twice a week during summer months. The quantity of water depends on the soil moisture level and the growth of the plants.

Inter-culture
Inter-cultivation is confined to 2 weedings during June-July and October-November in a year. This is done by digging the soil around the bushes, once, during August-September. Mulching the soil around the plant with the weed and grasses or with spent cinnamon leaves after the distillation for oil, and then covering them with the soil is very effective in conserving soil moisture in the root zone.

Pruning/Cropping
In about 2 years, the seedlings grow upto a height of 2 m and form healthy bushes. The young trees are cut close to the ground to a height of 15 cm from the stump to encourage side shoots. This process is called coppicing. This is done until the whole tree assumes the shape of a low bush with the side shoots springing forth in profusion.