Herb Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 9 - 10
- Height: 60 inches
- Bloom Season: Early to mid summer
- Bloom Color: Yellowish white
- Environment: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well drained soil, nutrient rich
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 77 - 86F for 4 - 5 weeks, then 36F for 2 - 3 weeks
- Average Germ Time: 42 - 80 days
- Light Required: No
- Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch
- Sowing Rate: 2 - 3 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 36 - 60 inches
Black Cardamom (Amomum Subulatum) - Known as an exotic spice, Black Cardamom comes from an herbaceous perennial that is native to India and Asia. It is a culinary herb that is used in Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian cooking. Vikings are said to have taken the spice to Scandinavia where it is used in baking breads and pastries still to this day. In the Arabic culture, Cardamom is used to flavor coffees and teas. The flavor of Black Cardamom is said to be a dark, smoky flavor with a taste of camphor and mint.
The spice derived from the Cardamom plant is the dried seedpods and seeds. The small, brown-black sticky seeds are contained in pods which are collected just before maturity. The dried pods are the best way to keep the Cardamom as husked seed and ground seed loses it's flavor quickly. Always store it in an airtight container.
Black Cardamom was used in Chinese medicine as a medicinal herb. It was said to treat stomach ailments and malaria. Cardamom is rich in vitamins and minerals. The essential oil is used as an antiseptic and local anesthetic.
Amomum subulatum is a clumping evergreen plant. It flowers from late spring through mid-summer. In the wild it is found growing under the shade of trees and in areas where there is plenty of moisture.
