Published Jun 12, 2023
Nutmeg has different varieties based on sex and yield. Hermaphrodite varieties are most desired for higher yield.
Nutmeg is propagated by seeds from high yielding trees. The seeds should be 10 grams and the mace should be 1 gram.
Nutmeg grows well in humid tropical climates with well-drained loamy soil. It prefers partial shade and moderate rainfall.
The field should be ploughed and leveled before planting. The planting distance is 8 x 8 meters or 10 x 10 meters.
Nutmeg is susceptible to pests like leaf miner, fruit borer, scale insect, etc. and diseases like leaf spot, dieback, etc. Pesticides and fungicides can be used as per need.
Nutmeg starts bearing fruits after 6-8 years of planting. The fruits are harvested when they split open. The nutmeg seed and the mace are separated and dried.