Description
True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is sold as a small evergreen tree because it grows very slowly. The leaves are an ovate-oblong shape with flowers being a greenish colour, arranged in panicles. The fruit, a purple drupe, contains a single seed.
The cinnamon tree is well known for its medicinal value. When the bark is brown, and the leaves are firm, it is ready for harvest, which is normally within 2-3 years.
Position
Plant your cinnamon tree in spring or late Autumn in a sunny spot with at least 12 hours of sun.
These trees do not enjoy cold weather and perform best with temperatures above 20°C.
Planting them in containers will keep them small and more manageable. Ensure your containers are at least 50cm in diameter with a depth of also 50cm.
Size
Cinnamon trees can grow to 10 metres tall with a canopy spread of 10 metres.
Soil type
Cinnamon trees enjoy acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5, so adding Lithuanian peat moss or spagnum peat moss will aid in keeping the soil at the correct pH.
Water
Water regularly keeping the soil evenly moist, but ensure that the soil does not remain soggy.
Pruning
Cinnamon trees do not require regular pruning, but it is good to remove dead, damaged branches which could affect the tree’s growth.
Fertilising
Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months of our slow-release, All-plant Fertiliser. The roots will absorb what they need
Harvesting
Remove some of its branches and cut away the outer bark until you reach the yellow-orange inner bark, which is the new growth. Peel away strips of the inner bark until you reach the core of the branch or trunk. Set these peeled pieces on a window screen or tray in a single layer to dry. Once they dry, it will curl into the cinnamon quills we are all used to.
