What Is Required to Grow Nutmeg?

by Audrey Lynn
    The red outer covering of the seed is used to make mace, while the inner part makes nutmeg.


    Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is an evergreen, multi-stemmed tropical tree 30 to 60 feet tall. It has narrow, oval leaves and yellow flowers that may be male or female. The fruit is 2 inches long, with an outer husk that splits open when the fruit is ripe. The red outer part of the seed is used to produce mace and the inner kernel is ground to make nutmeg. Nutmeg hails from the Indonesian Islands, once called the Spice Islands. Nutmeg grows successfully in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11.

    Soil Requirements

    Nutmeg trees prefer soil that is rich in organic matter, with a medium to heavy texture and low salinity. In preparing a planting site, taking a soil test will show if the site lacks any nutrients and measure the pH level. Nutmeg grows best with a pH level of 6 to 7, although it will tolerate soil acidity ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Amending the soil to correct deficiencies and mixing in organic matter, such as bark chips, well-rotted manure or leaves, help provide the nutrients the tree will need for best growth. Nutmegs do not do well in shallow soils. Their roots need good soil down to at least 4 feet.

    Heat and Sun

    As a tropical tree, nutmegs like plenty of heat, but are happiest if they grow in bright areas with light shade when they are young. Plant the trees where they can escape the brunt of the blazing afternoon sun. Nutmegs are accustomed to high temperatures, but may be killed if temperatures drop to zero while the plant is actively growing. The plant does not do well when buffeted by wind, so choose a site that offers some protection if high winds or intermittent gusty conditions are normal in your area.


    Tropical areas are not only hot, but also humid and wet. Although nutmegs need well-drained soil for best growth, the soil needs to retain moisture, so supplemental watering may be needed. Except during rainy seasons, nutmeg trees require enough supplemental water to keep the soil and the roots moist. The tree can survive brief dry periods, but in its native land, it generally does not experience dry seasons. Take your cue from the tree itself; if the ground around the nutmeg is dry and the foliage appears to be wilting or stressed, provide supplemental water. Mulching around the tree helps keep the roots moist, but do not stack mulch against the trunk, as this invites insects and diseases.


    Nutmeg trees begin bearing fruits sometime between the ages of 5 and 8. The trees produce useful fruit for between 30 and 70 years, depending on the overall vigor of the tree. Once the tree begins producing fruit, you can expect the husks to begin splitting, signaling that the fruit is ripe, in as little as 150 days after flowering to as late as 180 days. A single tree can produce up to 1,000 fruits annually.

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