Cinnamon Tree Growing Guide – Conditions, Care & Harvesting Tips

Cinnamon trees (Cinnamomum verum and Cinnamomum cassia) are tropical evergreens known for producing the fragrant bark used as a spice worldwide. Native to Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia, cinnamon trees thrive in warm, humid climates and can be grown in home gardens or plantations. Understanding the right growing conditions, soil requirements, and care techniques is essential for healthy growth and bark production.

Cinnamon trees typically reach 10–15 meters in height in their natural habitat, but home-grown trees can be pruned to a manageable size. The leaves are glossy and aromatic, while the inner bark is harvested to produce the cinnamon spice. With proper care, a cinnamon tree can begin producing harvestable bark within 2–3 years of planting.

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Cinnamon Tree Growing Conditions

To successfully grow a cinnamon tree, you need to replicate its native tropical environment. These trees thrive in regions with:

Temperature: 20–30°C is ideal; trees are sensitive to frost and cold winds.
Humidity: High humidity promotes healthy leaf and bark development.
Rainfall: Well-distributed rainfall of 1,500–2,500 mm per year supports optimal growth.
Soil: Loose, well-drained loamy or sandy soils enriched with organic matter.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) for best nutrient uptake.

When planting, select a location that receives partial sunlight with some protection from strong winds. In cooler regions or temperate zones, cinnamon trees can be grown in large pots or greenhouses to maintain the warm, humid conditions they prefer. Regular watering is essential, but avoid waterlogging, as standing water can cause root rot.

Propagation is usually done using seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be planted fresh, as they lose viability quickly. For home growers, pruning every year helps maintain a compact shape and encourages the growth of multiple stems for future bark harvesting.

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Cinnamon Harvesting & Frequently Asked Questions

Harvesting cinnamon involves peeling the inner bark of young stems when the tree is about 2–3 years old. Shoots with a diameter of 2–3 cm are ideal. After the outer bark is scraped away, the inner bark naturally curls into cinnamon quills as it dries. Each tree can produce harvestable bark for many years if managed carefully with coppicing or selective pruning.

Cinnamon Tree FAQ

How long does it take for a cinnamon tree to grow? It takes about 2–3 years for a tree to produce its first harvestable bark, with full maturity reached around 8–10 years.
Can I grow cinnamon indoors? Yes, cinnamon can be grown in large containers indoors or in greenhouses, provided humidity and warmth are maintained.
Do cinnamon trees regrow their bark? Yes. After harvesting, the tree produces new shoots, which can be peeled again in future seasons.
Where do cinnamon trees grow naturally? They are native to Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia but can be grown in any frost-free, tropical to subtropical region.

Recommended CompleteGrow Product: For strong root and foliage development, apply our All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20-20-20 during the growing season to support healthy, aromatic bark production.