Germination steps
-
Prepare the seeds: Gently remove the pulp, then soak the seeds in room-temperature water for 24 hours.
-
Choose the right substrate: A mix of light potting soil, perlite, and coconut fiber ensures good drainage.
-
Sow gently: Place each seed about 1 cm (½ inch) deep and keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged).
-
Be patient: Place the pot in a warm spot, around 25°C (77°F). Germination usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Transplanting and caring for your young clove tree
Once several true leaves appear, it’s time to move the plant into a larger pot or, if the climate allows, directly into the ground.
-
Watering: Regular but moderate. Standing water can weaken the roots.
-
Fertilizer: A monthly application of compost or balanced liquid fertilizer will help it thrive.
-
Protection: In winter, bring it indoors or keep it in a greenhouse to protect it from the cold.
Harvesting your first cloves
Patience is essential: the clove tree begins producing its first flower buds after 5 to 8 years. Harvest them just before they open, then dry them in the sun for a few days until they turn dark brown and hard. Store them in an airtight jar, away from moisture.
The joy of homemade spices
Growing cloves at home is more than simple gardening—it’s a sensory experience. You’ll enjoy a pure, aromatic, natural spice grown by your own hands—a true pleasure of exotic gardening to savor all year long.
ADVERTISEMENT
