Syzygium aromaticum
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Syzygium aromaticum

Clove · Cloves · Clovetree · Zanzibar redhead · లవంగం

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
2 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
51
Observations
111

Description

Source: leafsnap

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands (or Moluccas) in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice, flavoring or fragrance in consumer products, such as toothpaste, soaps, or cosmetics. Cloves are available throughout the year owing to different harvest seasons across various countries.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 2 days

These plants require constant watering. For the best results, some gardeners prefer a drip irrigation system, especially during the summer months when the plants may require additional watering. Just make sure the soil doesn't become waterlogged or too wet, as this can lead to root rot. In its first three to four years of growth, the clove tree will require the most frequent watering. You must strike a delicate balance. If your environment does not match the humidity of the clove plant's native tropical conditions, light watering and frequent misting are recommended treatment options.

Suggested frequency: Every 2 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Clove comes from open habitats like sunny meadows and the edges of forests, which offer abundant light. It performs best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Clove comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature shifts and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It usually cannot withstand cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Clove is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This encourages overall growth and supports flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches while encouraging large, vibrant, and long-lasting flowers. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The clove tree does not require extensive pruning, but after harvesting, its branches can be cut back to the desired height.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Syzygium
Family
Myrtaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
10.06 m to 14.94 m
Mature Spread
3.96 m to 6.1 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Olive Drab
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Spice Islands/Moluccas (Indonesia)

Tags (7)

Common Names (5)

en Clove
en Cloves
en Clovetree
en Zanzibar redhead
en లవంగం