Cardamom, Black (Amomum subulatum), packet of 20 seeds

Family:  Ginger (Zingiberaceae)

Hardy to Zones 9 to 12, otherwise gainfully grown as a potted plant brought indoors for the winter

(Queen of Spices, Bengal Cardamom)  Rhizomatous herbaceous perennial native to the Himalayas of India and Nepal.  The fleshy rhizome produces tropical-looking sprays of lanceolate leaves.  The flowering spikes occur on the mature plant aged 2 to 3 years.  They are golden yellow or white, lipped, showy, giving way to the light green pods filled with the round, aromatic seeds that are the spice. Traditional use (Ayurveda):  An aromatic spice used in curries, chai, and diverse dishes.  Enhances flavor, regulates body temperature.  An ingredient in many ayurvedic formulations for treating ailments of skin, liver and kidneys.   The plant occurs in habitat at elevations from 2 to 5,000 feet, preferring warm, moist shade conditions, slightly acidic soils high in nitrogen and low in potassium.  The ideal temperature is 50 to 90 degrees F.  Plant seeds in warm (77 to 86 degrees F) soil for 30 days, then move to cold (40 degrees F, refrigerator temperature) for 80 days, then move to warm conditions (greenhouse temps) in the light for rapid germination.  Once seedlings reach 4 inches, pot up individually and keep in the warm, moist shade.  Space plants 12 inches apart.

20 seeds per packet, open pollinated, untreated, NO GMO’s