The clove tree trunk is known for its smooth bark and either green or grayish-yellow aromatic foliage.
Its distilled oil is used in some perfumes and is added to flavor a variety of other products.
The clove tree can grow to 15 to 30 feet tall and has long leaves and dark reddish-pink flowers.
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The clove tree produces both male and female flowers on the same plant.
Clove trees are quite delicate and will grow fairly slowly.
The optimal harvesting time is when the clove buds change from a green to slightly pink color.
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Light
Clove trees will grow best infull sun to partial shade.
Young trees prefer to receive some shade.
Water
These plants require constant moisture.
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The clove tree will require the most frequent watering during the first three to four years of its life.
Temperature and Humidity
Clove trees require a humid tropical or subtropical climate.
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Fertilizer
Clove trees will grow and produce best when provided with regular fertilization.
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Well-compostedmanurecan be applied from May through June.
In the early fall months, fertilizer can be applied in shallow trenches dug around the plant.
Remove dead or damaged branches and dead leaves at any time.
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Seeds should be planted immediately after harvesting.
Don’t cover seeds with soil, they require light to germinate.
The seed germination process will take about six weeks.
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Use fresh seeds because if the seeds are dried out they are less likely to germinate.
Containers should be at least 18 inches in diameter and have a proper drainage system.
If a clove seed is already rooted, then press it gently below the soil surface.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Several diseases and pests can plague clove trees.
Clove trees can also suffer from eucalyptus canker, which happens when a fungus enters a wound.
The best step here is prevention.
They can also fall prey to the Oriental fruit fly, soft scale bugs, and nematodes.
Mature trees require 10 to 20 feet between each tree.
They should be dried in the sun until they turn brown.
By the time they grow taller than the banana trees, they will be able to tolerate full sun.
Planting them among jacaranda and mango trees as well as with legumes can also help clove trees thrive.
