About This Plant
Syzygium aromaticum (Myrtaceae) is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, cultivated for its aromatic unopened flower buds — one of the world's oldest and most valued spices. Trees reach 8-15 m tall with dense pyramidal canopies of glossy leaves rich in eugenol oil. Buds are hand-harvested at the pink stage before opening, then sun-dried. Trees begin bearing at 6-8 years and remain productive for 50-100+ years, with biennial bearing tendency. Indonesia produces over 70% of the world's supply. Requires warm tropical conditions (20-32C), high humidity (60-90%), and well-drained acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Nutrient profile is strongly K-dominant (N:K ratio ~1:2.1). Major threats include Sumatra disease (Ralstonia bacterial wilt), stem borers, and die-back.
How to Grow Clove
Learn how to grow Clove from seed to harvest in 2160 days. Advanced difficulty. Complete nutrient guide, pH/EC requirements, and growing conditions for hydroponics, soil & greenhouse.
Sources cited: 29.
Nutrient Requirements by Growth Stage
Clove has a distinctive high-potassium nutrient profile with elemental N:P:K ratio approximately 1:0.4:2.1, consistently confirmed across all Indian agricultural extension sources. During vegetative canopy development, target N 125 ppm, P 45 ppm, K 250 ppm…
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Growing Environments
Clove grows as a large outdoor tree in tropical climates (USDA zones 10b-12) and can be container-grown in non-tropical regions. OUTDOOR: Requires frost-free conditions, 1500-2500 mm annual rainfall, and 0-600 m elevation…
Temperature
Clove is a tropical evergreen tree native to equatorial regions with year-round warmth. Seeds germinate at 22-30°C, with optimal emergence at 25-28°C; germination rate rarely exceeds 70% even under ideal conditions. Growth range is 20-32°C with an optimal setpoint of 27°C. Young trees (0-3 years) tolerate partial shade and slightly cooler conditions (20-25°C), while mature bearing trees require full sun and warm temperatures (25-32°C) for flower bud development. Growth ceases below 18°C, and brief exposure to 15°C causes leaf damage. Frost is lethal at any stage. Nutrient solution temperature should be maintained at 22-26°C in hydroponic systems; temperatures above 28°C increase Phytophthora root rot risk. The native Maluku Islands habitat has minimal seasonal temperature variation (24-32°C year-round).
Humidity
Clove requires consistently high humidity reflecting its equatorial maritime origin. Optimal range is 60-90% RH with a target of 75%…
Light
Young clove trees (0-3 years) are shade-tolerant and grow under 50-70% canopy shade in plantations. Mature trees (4+ years) require full sun for flower bud production…
Airflow
Good air circulation is essential to prevent the fungal diseases that thrive in clove's preferred high-humidity environment. Maintain gentle airflow of 0.3-1.0 m/s at canopy level…
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Hydroponic System Compatibility
Clove is a large evergreen tree (8-12 m at maturity); no hydroponic system is practical for mature trees. Ratings reflect seedling-to-juvenile viability (0-5 years)…
Growing Media
Clove naturally grows in deep, well-drained volcanic soils (andisols) rich in organic matter, characteristic of the Maluku Islands. Media must be well-draining to prevent Phytophthora root rot, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5), and able to support a growing tree's weight…
Container Specs
Clove trees can be container-grown for the first 3-5 years or maintained as dwarf specimens with pruning. Use minimum 60 cm deep and 50 cm wide containers (75-100 L volume) to accommodate the developing taproot…
Training & Support
Clove trees develop a naturally symmetrical pyramidal canopy and are largely self-supporting at maturity. STAKING: Young transplants (first 1-2 years) benefit from a single bamboo or wooden stake in windy locations; remove once trunk reaches 3-4 cm diameter…
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Propagation
Clove propagation is primarily by seed, though vegetative methods are possible for clonal material. SEED: Fresh fruits must be planted within 1-2 weeks of harvest — viability drops below 10% after drying…
Harvesting
Clove buds are hand-picked individually or in clusters when they reach 1.5-2 cm length and turn from green to pink-red, just before the petals open. Harvest timing is critical: buds picked too early lack essential oil (eugenol), while buds that open into flowers lose commercial value…
Planting Calendar
Clove is a tropical evergreen tree with no frost tolerance, grown in equatorial regions (20°N-20°S). NURSERY: Seeds are sown fresh immediately after fruit harvest (typically Jul-Oct)…
Common Issues
The most devastating disease worldwide is Sumatra disease (Ralstonia syzygii subsp. syzygii), a bacterial wilt transmitted by Hindola cercopid insects that has destroyed millions of Indonesian trees since the 1970s — no cure exists…
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