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How To Grow Cinnamon

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Have you ever thought about how to grow cinnamon?

Or maybe if you have, you have wondered if it would grow in a pot as a houseplant.

Few of us ever think about where cinnamon comes from, but can you imagine walking down a street lined with Cinnamon Trees?

That’s everyday life for those who live in the Islands of Malaya. Native to India, Malaya, Ceylon, China, Japan and Taiwan.

Depending on the exact species, cinnamon is as common to them as some of our native trees are to us.

 

Cinnamon Comes From A Tree

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is the source of the cinnamon we commonly buy.

This tree grows up to thirty feet tall bearing ovate-lanceolate leaves that are four to seven inches long.

However, the panicles of yellowish flowers are often longer than the leaves, and bear pointed black fruits from which oil is extracted.

The cinnamon sticks we commonly buy are made from the bark of the tree, and are rolled naturally by being sun-dried.

Cinnamomums prefer deep, well-drained, moist soil in order to perform their best.

They hate root disturbance and should be grown in one container until they are put in their permanent place.

They do make nice houseplants and are a great conversation piece.

For those not wanting to start from seed, or cuttings, it is possible to buy small cinnamon plants.

Learn How To Grow Cinnamon From Seed

I have tried to propagate Cinnamomum zeylanicum seeds myself which I acquired from B & T World Seeds.

The attempt was unsuccessful, although that is the most common form of propagation.

Later I acquired a second batch of cinnamon seeds.

I stored them in a plastic zipper bag in the refrigerator.

Once I was ready to try again, I used the paper towel germination method to successfully germinate the seeds.

Although the video shows Hyssop seed being germinated in paper towels, the method is the same for all seeds.

Learn How To Grow Cinnamon From Cuttings

Another more difficult method of propagation is by rooting cuttings.

My understanding of this process is that they must be under mist, and in a propagation bed in a greenhouse.

I also have been told that the success rate is very low with this method, but giving my previous experience with seeds, I’d try the cuttings!

If you are looking for a source of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Glasshouse Works tells me they carry them occasionally, but they sell out quickly and they will not put anyone on a waiting list due to the difficulty of propagation.

This is the only source I have been able to locate.

If you know of one, please share it with our readers in the comment section below.

I would love to hear from anyone who has grown this plant.

Everyday Ways To Use Cinnamon

Even if you can’t grow your own cinnamon, you can use store bought cinnamon in recipes and potpourris.

For potpourri, I would strongly recommend the stick cinnamon.

It is prettier and far less messy.

A cinnamon essential oil is another way to add a cinnamon scent to your home.

Tropical Fruit And Foliage Plants

 

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