Growing Cardamom & other spices

[veggiechicken]

There are 2 sorts of Cardamom - Black (Amomum subulatum) and Green (Elletaria cardamomum).

Seeds for Black - https://www.seedaholic.com/cardamon-...subulatum.html

Seeds for Green not so available in the UK - maybe buy pods from a local spice shop?

My question is - has anyone grown either of them? There's plenty of "how to" info on the web but I'd be interested in some first hand experience please.
Could be my next crazy growing challenge.

[SarrissUK]

That black cardamom looks like a right pain to grow lol Just up your street then VC - it's nuts!

[SarrissUK]

Well I should say.. I live in an old Victorian house, that receives sun only at the front of the house (two bay windows), and it can never be called a 'warm house'. For me, black cardamom ain't gonna happen. It's not 22 degrees even in the height of summer lol

[veggiechicken]

How about Star Anise? Wonder how they grow???

Scrap that - its a medium sized tree https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illicium_verum

[SarrissUK]

Oh I would LOVE a star anise tree!

[veggiechicken]

That's your challenge then and I'll grow cardamom.
Need to grow turmeric too - from a bit of root.
I have ginger, lemon grass and bay so its time to grow the rest of the spice rack.

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ack_94157.html

[Ms-T]

All round VC's for a curry night....

[burnie]

I fancy growing Saffron in the greenhouse, anyone grown these crocus?

[veggiechicken]

Sparrow is the Vine's Saffron expert - there must be a thread about it!
I have a few bulbs that Sparrow sent me and they flowered this year for the first time. I didn't collect any stamens though.

[self-contained]

I'm growing turmeric and ginger and both seem fairly happy. I really want to grow some Sichuan pepper too. I was going to try growing it from seed, but I think I will ask for a small bush for Christmas this year instead (or maybe as well...)

[Small pumpkin]

I like your thinking VC.
Never tried growing cardamom. Often considered it. I might try growing some seeds from my spice rack.
Never tried growing turmeric. But I have used fresh turmeric once. It turn my hole kitchen yellow! right pain in the butt!
I've recently learned that the best lemongrass to grow is from the fresh stuff you buy at the shops. Because any lemongrass that produces seeds ( which is the stuff I've always grown ) doesn't produce very thick usable stems ( this I can also agree with ).
Going to try that next year as well.

[self-contained]

Ah, and there was me thinking I'd just not treated my (from seed) lemongrass well enough. Smells lovely when you brush your hand through it though.

[veggiechicken]

Lemon grass growing from supermarket shoots started this year.



Ginger from supermarket roots.



Another ginger with Chilean Guava in front



Because I couldn't leave it out, a Sweet potato from the supermarket.



All in a lean-to, Freecycle GH on the east facing side of the house. Not the warmest of spots. May have to close the door at night now - if I can.

[SarrissUK]

I had a little scout for star anise advice last night, and someone is actually selling seeds on fleabay. I figure that I've probably got some seeds in my spice cupboard, in the little flower shaped seed husks, so I will have a look for them and sow them.

I will also try cardamom from seed, only because I've got a whole load in the spice cupboard.

How exciting! I'd never even considered trying growing either - VC, you are fantastic at inspiring people to try new things

[veggiechicken]

That black cardamom looks like a right pain to grow lol Just up your street then VC - it's nuts!

How exciting! I'd never even considered trying growing either - VC, you are fantastic at inspiring people to try new things

Now who's nuts??