Nutmeg, Jaifal, Jaiphal - Plant

Planting and care

Nutmeg trees should be planted in rich, organic soil with a medium texture and low salinity. The pH level should be 6-7, although they will tolerate ranges from 5.5-7.5. A soil test will aid in determining if the site is appropriate or if you need to amend it to correct a lack of nutrients.

Caring for Nutmeg

• Nutmeg trees should be planted in rich, organic soil with a medium texture and low salinity.
• The pH level should be 6-7, although they will tolerate ranges from 5.5-7.5.
• A soil test will aid in determining if the site is appropriate or if you need to amend it to correct a lack of nutrients.
• Mix in organic matter like bark chips, rotted manure or leaves to buck up the nutrition level and aid in aeration and water retention.
• Be sure to dig your hole at least four feet deep, as nutmegs do not like shallow roots.
• Nutmegs need well-draining soil, but they also like it humid and damp, so keep the tree moist.
• Drying out will stress the nutmeg.
• Mulching around the tree can aid in water retention, but don’t pack it against the trunk or you may be inviting unwanted insects and opening the tree to diseases

Typical uses of Nutmeg

Special features: Female flowers are larger, borne in racemes in leaf axils. Capsules are spherical, up to 3.2 cm across, hairless, with one spherical seed, pale brown with laciniate aril. Kanara Nutmeg is endemic to the Western Ghats.

Culinary use: Leaves

Ornamental use: The plant is used for ornamental purpose.

References

http://www.flowersofindia.net/risearch/search.php?query=Nutmeg+&stpos=0&stype=AND