Step-by-Step Guide to Cinnamon Farming: Cultivation Tips for Beginners

Welcome to our step-by-step guide to cinnamon farming! Cinnamon is not only a popular spice used in cooking and baking, but it also has many health benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting, this guide will walk you through the process of growing and harvesting your cinnamon. Let’s get started!

Cinnamomum verum tree to produce the highly sought-after spice known as cinnamon. This tropical tree is native to Sri Lanka and is now grown in other regions with suitable climates, such as India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Cinnamon has a distinctive sweet and spicy flavor, making it a popular ingredient in various cuisines and baked goods. Cinnamon is known for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments and promote overall wellness. When it comes to farming cinnamon, the trees require a warm, humid climate with well-drained, fertile soil. They are usually propagated from cuttings and take several years to mature before they can be harvested. The cinnamon bark is harvested by peeling off the outer bark and drying the inner layers to create the familiar cinnamon sticks or ground powder.

Cinnamon Varieties

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Also known as “true” cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is considered the best quality variety and is native to Sri Lanka. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a light color compared to other varieties.
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia): Cassia cinnamon is the most common variety found in the United States and is native to China. It has a stronger, spicier flavor than ceylon cinnamon often used in baking and cooking.
Indonesian Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii): This variety, also known as Korintje cinnamon, is grown in Indonesia. It has a strong, spicy flavor and a medium-to-dark reddish-brown color.
Vietnamese Cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi): Vietnamese cinnamon, also known as Saigon cinnamon, is grown in Vietnam and has a high oil content, giving it a bold and intense flavor.
Indian Cinnamon (Cinnamomum tamala): Indian cinnamon, also known as Malabar cinnamon, is native to the Western Ghats region of India. It has a strong, spicy flavor and is often used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine.
Chinese Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia): This variety is similar to Cassia cinnamon and is native to China. It has a stronger, more intense flavor compared to Ceylon cinnamon and is commonly used in Chinese cooking and medicine.

Ideal Climate and Soil Requirements for Cinnamon

Cinnamon trees grow in tropical climates with moderate temperatures, high humidity, and steady rainfall. For best development, they demand temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C and a minimum of 2000-3000 mm of yearly rainfall. Because cinnamon trees are susceptible to cold temperatures and frost, they should be cultivated in places where temperatures do not dip below 15 °C (59 °F) for long periods of time.

Cinnamon trees like well-drained, rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. They grow well in sandy loam or clay loam soils rich in organic materials. The soil should be well-drained to avoid waterlogging, since excess moisture may cause root rot and other illnesses.

Site Selection and Land Preparation

Cinnamon cultivation in India requires selecting a site with ideal conditions for growth. Key factors include a tropical climate with warm temperatures, high humidity, and sufficient rainfall. Cinnamon trees prefer well-drained, fertile soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH, such as sandy loam and clay loam rich in organic matter. A site with full to partial sunlight is ideal for growth. Wind protection is crucial, as cinnamon trees can be susceptible to wind damage during their early growth stages. Land preparation involves:

Clearing existing vegetation, weeds, and debris.
Ensuring proper soil drainage.
Conducting soil testing to know nutrient levels and pH. Any necessary amendments should be made before planting.

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Propagation Methods for Cinnamon Plants

Propagation from seeds is the most common method for cinnamon trees, but stem cuttings and layering can also be successful for beginners looking to propagate cinnamon plants.

Propagation from Stem Cuttings

Select healthy, young stems from a mature cinnamon tree for cutting.
Using a sharp, sterile knife, cut a 6–8-inch-long stem with at least two to three nodes.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone to promote root development.
Plant the cutting in a potting medium and keep it moist.
Place the cutting in a warm, humid environment.
Roots should develop in 4-6 weeks, and the cutting transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.

Propagation from Layering

Select a low branch from a mature cinnamon tree and scrape a small area of bark on the underside of the branch.
Apply rooting hormone to the area and cover it with moist soil or sphagnum moss.
Secure the covered area in place with a U-shaped pin or twist tie.
Keep the soil or moss consistently moist until roots develop.
Once roots have formed, cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant the new cinnamon tree into a container or the ground.

Planting Techniques and Spacing

Spacing Requirements

Cinnamon trees should be spaced at a distance of 2.4 to 3 meters between each tree in a row.
Maintain a distance of 3 to 4.5 meters between rows to allow for adequate access to maintenance activities and equipment.
Proper spacing ensures that each tree receives sufficient sunlight, air circulation, nutrients for healthy growth, and optimal bark production.

Plant-to-Plant Distance

Plant cinnamon trees at a distance of 2.4 to 3 meters between individual trees within a row.
This spacing allows each tree to develop a healthy root system and canopy without competing for resources with neighboring trees.
Adequate spacing also facilitates easier access for pruning, harvesting, and pest control activities.

Number of plants Per Acre

The number of cinnamon trees planted per acre will depend on the spacing used between rows and between individual trees within a row.
For a spacing of 10 feet between rows and 8 feet between trees within a row, the number of plants per acre would be approximately 545 trees.
Adjust the planting density based on your specific site conditions, soil fertility, and management practices to optimize cinnamon tree yield and growth.

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Irrigation Practices for Optimal Growth

The growth and development of cinnamon trees require proper irrigation. The first year involves regular watering to establish a strong root system, with a frequency of 2-3 times per week, especially during dry spells. The second to fifth years involve adjusting the irrigation schedule based on the tree’s water needs and environmental factors. The mature tree should be watered deeply once every 7–10 days, moistening the soil to a depth of 18–24 inches.

After the fifth year, the tree may require less frequent but deeper watering to maintain optimal growth and bark production. The frequency should be reduced to once every 10–14 days or as needed based on rainfall and soil moisture levels. The depth of watering should continue to ensure water reaches the tree’s deep root system, promoting overall health and longevity. Irrigation methods include drip irrigation systems, mulching, and regular monitoring of soil moisture levels. These practices help ensure the optimal growth and development of cinnamon trees.

Nutrient Management and Fertilization

Cinnamon trees require essential macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, as well as secondary micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and molybdenum. These requirements may vary depending on soil fertility, tree age, environmental conditions, and management practices. Before fertilizers application, conduct a soil test to determine current nutrient levels and identify deficiencies or imbalances.

Fertilization recommendations include nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 0.5 to 1 pound per tree per year during early growth stages, phosphorus-rich fertilizers at a rate of 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per tree per year to promote root development and overall plant growth, and potassium fertilizer at a rate of 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per tree per year to enhance disease resistance, fruiting, and bark quality.

Pest and Disease Management in Cinnamon Farming

Common Pests

Cinnamon Scale (Cinnaspis zeylanicum):

Damage: Infestations of cinnamon scale lead to the formation of yellow spots on leaves, stem dieback, and stunted growth. Heavy infestations can damage the tree and reduce bark quality.
Management: To control scale insects, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Predatory insects such as lady beetles may also provide natural control. Prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts.

Mealybugs

Damage: Mealybugs feed on the sap of cinnamon trees, causing yellowing and curling of leaves, stunted growth, and honeydew secretion, which leads to sooty mold development.
Management: To control mealybug infestations, use insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil. Introduce natural predators such as lacewings and parasitic wasps as biological control agents.

Cinnamon Gall Midge (Asphondylia spp.)

Damage: The larvae of gall midges induce abnormal growths or galls in the leaves and shoots, leading to distorted foliage and reduced photosynthetic capacity.
Management: Prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts. Systemic insecticides may be used to control severe infestations, although biological control with parasitic wasps can also be effective.

Common Diseases

Cinnamon Leaf Spot (Pseudocercospora cynnamomi):

Damage: Cinnamon leaf spot causes the formation of brown or dark lesions on the leaves, ultimately leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic capacity.
Management: Use fungicides containing copper or sulfur as preventive treatments. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead irrigation to minimize leaf wetness and fungal spore dispersal.

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Cinnamon Powdery Mildew (Phyllactinia corylea):

Damage: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves, leading to reduced photosynthetic activity, premature leaf drop, and decreased bark quality.
Management: To control powdery mildew, apply fungicides containing sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate. Prune and remove affected leaves to improve air circulation.

Cinnamon Bark Canker (Phomopsis cinnamomi):

Damage: Bark canker causes discolored, sunken lesions on the bark and may lead to dieback, reduced bark yield, and overall decline in tree health.
Management: Prune and destroy affected branches. Use copper-based fungicides to protect against bark canker. Maintain proper sanitation practices to prevent disease spread.

Root Rot (Phytophthora spp.):

Damage: Root rot can lead to root decay, wilting, and overall decline in tree health. Saturated soils and poor drainage often exacerbate it.
Management: Improve soil drainage and avoid over-watering. Utilize fungicide drenches containing phosphonates to manage root rot in the early stages.

Weed Control Strategies

Effective weed management strategies include mulching, hand weeding, and mechanical cultivation to suppress weed growth. Judicious use of herbicides approved for cinnamon crops can also control weeds. Additionally, maintaining proper spacing between trees, intercropping with cover crops, and practicing good sanitation measures can help minimize weed infestation.

Pruning and Training Cinnamon Trees

The best time to prune cinnamon trees is during the dormant season, mostly in late winter or early spring, before the start of new growth. This allows the tree to allocate energy efficiently for new shoots and bark production.

Harvesting Techniques and Timing

The ideal time for harvesting cinnamon is when the inner bark is fully developed and contains maximum essential oils, typically after the monsoon season. Harvesting should be done in the early morning to ensure optimal bark moisture content. Using sharp tools, strips of bark are carefully peeled from branches, starting from the base to the tip. The harvested bark is then processed by drying and curling into cinnamon quills.

Average Yield of Cinnamon

Typically, mature cinnamon trees can yield around 500–1000 kg of dried bark per hectare per year.

Processing and Drying Cinnamon Bark

After harvesting, cinnamon bark is processed by removing the outer bark and retaining the inner bark, which is the valuable cinnamon layer. The inner bark strips are then sun-dried or dehydrated in ovens to reduce moisture content and ensure preservation. Care must be taken to avoid overheating during drying to maintain the quality and flavor of the cinnamon.

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Once sufficiently dried, the bark is curled into quills before being sorted, graded, and packed for distribution. Proper packaging is essential to maintaining the quality and freshness of cinnamon. Cinnamon bark or powder should be stored in airtight containers and vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture absorption and maintain flavor.

Marketing and Selling Your Cinnamon Produce

Cinnamon can be marketed through local markets, online platforms, or direct sales to customers. The price of cinnamon can vary based on quality, type, and market demand. Directly engaging with consumers and highlighting the quality and benefits of your cinnamon product can help create a competitive advantage. Exploring export opportunities and partnerships with retailers can increase market reach and profitability.

Successful cinnamon farming requires careful attention to pruning, harvesting, processing, and marketing practices. By following proper cultivation, maintenance, and commercialization techniques, farmers can maximize yields, quality, and profitability in cinnamon production.

11 COMMENTS

Kalyankumar Manna October 17, 2020 At 5:42 am

Very usefull

Jason Stock June 28, 2021 At 7:53 am

I would like to cultivate Cinnamon in the USA. Growing zone 10A. But I’m having difficulty finding quality plants. Where can I find Navashree?

- Darshana April 29, 2023 At 11:04 pm
  
  Please email me for more details about Cinnamon cultivation
  
Kalyan reddy January 13, 2022 At 8:33 pm

Useful information

Kalyan reddy January 13, 2022 At 8:35 pm

Useful information for me

Vinay Shivaswamy May 19, 2022 At 1:42 pm

Good information, you can include some photos of plantation, matured plants, disease which we need to take care of

I WANT TO START CINNAMOM FARMING IN ANDHRAPRADESH GUNTUR DIST SATULURU November 11, 2022 At 1:22 pm

I WANT TO START MY CINNAMOM CULTIVATION IN MY OWN FARMS SO THAT TELL ME WHETHER COTTON SOIL IS SUITABLE FOR CINNAMOM FARMING

Ash January 3, 2023 At 1:52 pm

Is cinnamon grown in India of the Ceylon, Chinese or Indonesian varieties? This makes a big difference on the coumarin content, which has a negative impact on health.

olipa Francis August 21, 2023 At 12:29 pm

i am very much interested in farming cinnamon, where can i get the seedling

Sachin.P.M September 28, 2023 At 3:20 pm

Very useful information for beginners. I always like the way agrifarming is putting forth the information from plants introduction to marketing of the economic part. Its a boon that we have got such a nice and crisp information. I have my interest to grow. Navashree is a good cinnamomum variety. The skills required for barking is most important in its harvesting process.

Thank you Agrifarming.

T s natesh October 2, 2023 At 7:08 pm

I am interested to cultivate cinnamon please let me know about availability of navashree seedlings and also amount return/h