Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as green cardamom or true cardamom, is an herbaceous, perennial plant in the ginger family, native to southern India. It is the most common of the species whose seeds are used as a spice called cardamom that has a sharp, strong, punchy aroma. The green seed pods of the plant are dried and the seeds inside the pod are used in Indian and other Asian cuisines, either whole or ground. Ground cardamom is an ingredient in many Indian curries and is a primary contributor to the flavor of masala chai. In Iran and India, cardamom is used to flavor coffee and tea.
Cardamom will thrive when grown under the shade of tall trees in hot, humid, consistently moist, tropical rainforest conditions where daily temperatures infrequently dip below 72°F. Flowers and fruit will appear only when plants are grown under these conditions. When grown indoors as a foliage plant, place the pot on a big saucer of constantly moist pebbles. Plant growth will suffer significantly if temperatures dip below 50°F. Direct sun must be avoided. Grows 2- 4 feet indoors. Hardy to Zones 10-12.
