Easy Clove Growing: From Seed to Spice

Growing a clove plant from cloves involves a few steps, including germinating the seeds, planting them, and proper care. Here is a detailed guide.

1. Germination of Clove Seeds

Materials needed

• Clove seeds (fresh and healthy)
• Small seed pots or trays
• Well-drained potting soil
• Plastic wrap or a clear lid
• Hot water

Preparation

1. Selecting Clove Seeds:  Choose fresh, plump, unbroken cloves for planting. The fresher the cloves, the better the chances of successful germination.
2. Soaking the seeds:  Soak clove seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours. This helps soften the hard shell of the seed, making germination easier.
3. Preparing Pots/Trays:  Fill small pots or seed trays with well-draining potting soil, leaving some space at the top for seeds.
4. Planting Clove Seeds:  Plant the soaked clove seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil. Place one seed per pot or space them evenly in the tray.
5. Cover pots/trays:  Cover pots or trays with plastic wrap or a clear lid to create a greenhouse effect. This helps retain moisture and heat, making germination easier.
6. Maintain moisture and warmth: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the pots or trays in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
7. Germination Time: Clove seeds can take several weeks to germinate, so be patient. Once the shoots emerge, remove the plastic covering and filter the sunlight.

2. Planting Clove Plants

Materials needed

• Large pots with good drainage
• Rich, well-drained potting soil
• Fertilizer (balanced, slow release or organic)

Preparation

1. Transplanting:  Once the clove plants have developed a few sets of true leaves and are sturdy enough, transplant them into larger pots filled with well-draining potting soil.
2. Soil and fertilization:  Make sure the soil remains constantly moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize plants sparingly with a balanced, slow-release or organic fertilizer to support growth.

3. Caring for Clove Plants

1. Light and Temperature:  Clove plants thrive in warm, humid conditions with partial shade. Aim for temperatures between 60°F and 90°F (15°C and 32°C).
2. Watering:  Maintain constantly moist soil. Water when the top of the soil is dry, but avoid waterlogging.
3. Humidity:  Clove plants prefer higher humidity levels. You can increase humidity by misting the plants regularly or using a humidifier.
4. Pruning:  Prune the plant occasionally to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged parts.
5. Harvesting Cloves:  It can take several years for a clove plant to mature and produce cloves. Harvest the cloves when they turn pink or reddish before they fully open and dry them in a shady, well-ventilated area.

By following these steps and providing proper care, you can successfully grow clove plants from cloves. Remember, patience is key as cloves take time to mature and produce viable cloves for harvesting.