Species nutmeg
Yellow-orange fruits, with green leaves and petiole, brown stems and yellow midrib.

nutmeg

Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg, scientifically known as Myristica fragrans, is a small evergreen tree that is native to Indonesia. It is highly valued for its aromatic seed kernels and fragrant oil. The outer covering of the fruit is dried and used as ground nutmeg, while the inner seed is dried and ground to produce mace, a spice with a sharper flavor. Nutmeg is considered a warming spice and is used in savory and sweet dishes, as well as to make liqueurs and herbal teas. Its addition adds a sweet, spicy, and warm flavor to many dishes.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division

Hardiness Zone:

11 - 12

Flowers:

Creamy white to pale yellow Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

yellow,brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Nutmeg plants should be watered once a week. When watering your nutmeg plant, you should use lukewarm water and thoroughly saturate the soil. The soil should be moist but not overly wet to prevent root rot. When the top half inch of the soil is dry, it is time to water your nutmeg plant again.

sunlight

Nutmeg plants require moderate sunlight of at least 6 to 8 hours per day. When the plant is young, it is best to provide the sunlight gradually. Start by giving the nutmeg plant 3 to 5 hours of sun per day, and gradually increase to the desired amount. Nutmeg plants should never be exposed to direct sunlight for more than 8 hours at a time as this could cause the leaves to burn. For optimal growth, keep the plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.

pruning

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) should be pruned twice a year to maintain a desired shape and size. Early spring is the best time for the first round of pruning as it helps to stimulate growth. Prune back any dead branches and stem shoots that are no longer growing. The second pruning should take place after flowering, which occurs in the late spring and early summer. This post-flowering pruning should be moderate and selective; only remove about 1-third of the overall growth and prune lightly at the tips. This will help control the shape and size of the nutmeg tree without stunting it.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of nutmeg typically begins in July and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Nutmeg typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of nutmeg typically begins in July and continues through October.

Hardiness Map