Ceylon Cinnamon

What you'll need:

Ceylon cinnamon seeds or young saplings (you might need to check online specialty stores for these)

A large pot or garden space (Ceylon cinnamon trees can grow tall, so make sure you have enough room)

Well-draining soil (mix sand or perlite with regular soil if it feels too heavy)

Organic compost or a general-purpose fertilizer

Mulch (like dried leaves or bark chips)

When to start:

Cinnamon prefers warm climates. If you live in a tropical or subtropical area, you can plant this any time of the year. If you're in a cooler climate, consider starting indoors during the colder months and moving outside when temperatures rise.

Choosing a location:

Ceylon cinnamon loves sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It thrives best in bright, indirect light. Indoors, place it near a sunny window where it gets plenty of light but not harsh afternoon sun.

If using seeds:

1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to help them germinate faster.
2. Fill a small pot with well-draining soil.
3. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
4. Lightly water the soil, keeping it moist but not soggy.
5. Cover the pot with plastic wrap to retain moisture and warmth.
6. Place the pot in a warm, shaded area until sprouts appear, which may take a few weeks.

If using saplings:

1. Choose a pot that’s at least 18 inches wide and deep, or find a spacious spot in your garden.
2. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the sapling.
3. Gently place the sapling in the hole and cover the roots with soil.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Extra tips:

• Space out multiple plants by at least 5 feet if planting in the ground, as cinnamon trees can spread out over time.
• Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering:

• Cinnamon likes consistent moisture, but its roots don’t like sitting in water. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Reduce watering during the rainy season or if your plant is outdoors and getting natural rainfall.

Fertilizing:

• Feed your cinnamon plant with organic compost or a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months.
• Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, but avoid letting it touch the trunk directly.

Sunlight & Temperature:

• Your cinnamon tree enjoys warmth and humidity. If growing indoors, mist the leaves occasionally to mimic a humid environment.
• Protect the plant from frost or cold drafts, especially if you’re growing it indoors during winter.

Pruning:

• Prune your cinnamon tree lightly to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• If the tree grows too tall indoors, you can trim it back to maintain a manageable size.

Problem-solving:

• Yellow leaves? You might be overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings.
• Leaves looking pale? It could mean the plant needs more nutrients – try fertilizing.

When to harvest:

Cinnamon trees take about 2-3 years to mature enough for harvesting. You’ll know it's ready when the bark starts to look papery and the stems are at least an inch thick.

How to harvest cinnamon sticks:

1. Cut a few mature stems from the tree, leaving enough on the plant to keep it healthy.
2. Let the cut stems rest for a day to allow the inner bark to loosen.
3. Using a sharp knife, gently scrape off the outer bark.
4. Peel the inner bark away in thin strips. This is your cinnamon!
5. Dry the strips in a warm, shaded area for about a week. They will curl into the familiar cinnamon stick shape as they dry.

Storing cinnamon:

• Once fully dried, store your cinnamon sticks in an airtight container to preserve their flavor.
• Ground cinnamon can also be made by grinding the sticks in a spice grinder.

Fun fact: Freshly harvested cinnamon has a sweeter, more delicate flavor compared to store-bought cinnamon.

Q: Can I grow cinnamon indoors?

A: Yes, you can! As long as you provide a sunny spot and keep the air humid, cinnamon can thrive indoors. Just remember, it might not grow as large as it would outdoors.

Q: My cinnamon plant isn't growing much. What should I do?

A: Check your watering and sunlight conditions first. Cinnamon needs consistent moisture and plenty of light. Also, ensure you're fertilizing regularly, as lack of nutrients can slow growth.

Q: How do I know if my cinnamon tree is healthy?

A: Healthy cinnamon trees have glossy green leaves and steady growth. If you notice yellowing or dropping leaves, it may be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

Q: Can cinnamon trees survive in cold weather?

A: Not really. Cinnamon is a tropical plant and doesn’t tolerate frost. If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), bring your potted cinnamon indoors.

Q: Is it safe to harvest cinnamon from a young tree?

A: Avoid harvesting from very young trees. Wait until the tree is at least 2-3 years old and the stems are thick enough to produce usable bark.