NUTMEG

Climate and soil

Nutmeg requires a hot, humid climate without pronounced dry season, with an annual rainfall of 150 cm and more.  It grows well from sea level up to about 1300 m above sea level. Areas with clay loam, sandy loam and red laterite soils are ideal for its growth.  The soil should be rich in organic matter and well drained. The tree prefers partial shade. Sheltered valleys are the best suited. It can be grown up to about 900 m above MSL. Both dry climate and water logged conditions are not suitable for nutmeg cultivation.

Variety

IISR-Viswashree is the only known variety. Important characters are early bearing with potential yield at 25th year. Fruits in clusters (4-5). Nut dry recovery 70%, Mace dry recovery 35% yield from 8th year old tree-1000 fruits; 1.33 kg mace;9kg dry nut.

Last updated: 20-05-2008