Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum)

A true collector's dream and very limited stock availability! 

Once upon a time Cinnamon was worth more than gold! In Egypt it was sought for embalming and religious practices. In medieval Europe  it was used for religious rites and as a flavouring. Later it was the most profitable spice in the Dutch East India Trading Company. 

Cinnamon, also called Ceylon cinnamon, is a bushy evergreen tree of the laurel family (Lauraceae) and the spice derived from its bark. The spice consists of the dried inner bark and has a delicately fragrant aroma and a warm sweet flavour.

Cinnamon is used as flavoring in a variety of foods, from confections to curries to beverages, and is popular in bakery goods. The essential oil distilled from its bark fragments is used in food, liqueur, perfume, and drugs.

Seed grown and well established plants. Very rarely seen in NZ about 3+ years old. 

Plant Care

• Soil: Cinnamon prefers well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. If growing in a pot or an area with poor soil, adding compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and structure.
• Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial for cinnamon, especially during its active growth period in warmer months. However, the soil should not be waterlogged. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
• Temperature: Cinnamon trees are native to a tropical climate and require warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C and 30°C. They can tolerate mild, brief drops in temperature but generally should not be exposed to frost.
• Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the tree from excessive heat, which can stress the plant.
• Fertilising: Use a balanced NPK fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. Fertilize every three to four months, depending on the tree’s growth and the soil's fertility.
• Pruning: Pruning is not generally required for cinnamon trees except to remove any dead or diseased branches. Light pruning can be done to maintain the desired shape and size, especially for trees grown for ornamental purposes.
• Mulching: Applying organic mulch around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients as it decomposes. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture-related diseases.
• Pest Control: Monitor for common pests such as aphids and spider mites. Treat with neem oil or appropriate organic insecticides if pests become a problem. Good plant care and hygiene help prevent most pest and disease issues.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Cinnamon trees are grown primarily for their bark and leaves rather than for their flowers or fruit. The tree may flower and produce small, dark purple fruits, but these are generally not the focus of cultivation.
• Potting: Cinnamon can be grown in pots if space is limited or if it needs to be moved indoors in cooler climates. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the root system and has good drainage holes.

• Feeding Regime: In addition to regular NPK fertilization, applying a layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the tree in the spring can provide a slow-release nutrient boost that supports growth throughout the season.