Growing Areas

In Sri Lanka, clove is mainly cultivated in the mid- and up-country wet zones. Key districts include Kandy, Matale, Kegalle, Ratnapura, and Nuwara Eliya. Clove trees are often intercropped with pepper, coffee, and nutmeg, making them a staple in mixed spice gardens.

Climate & Soil Requirements

• Altitude: Performs best between 600–1,200 m above sea level.
• Temperature: 20–30°C with evenly distributed rainfall of 1,750–2,500 mm annually.
• Soil: Prefers deep, well-drained loamy or lateritic soils with rich organic matter.
• Shade: Young plants require shade, while mature trees grow well in open sunlight.

Varieties

Sri Lanka primarily grows traditional clove varieties introduced from Indonesia. Local selections are made for high flower yield, large bud size, and high eugenol concentration. DEA maintains germplasm collections to safeguard genetic diversity.

Crop Management

• Propagation: Raised from seeds collected from fully matured and healthy mother trees.
• Planting: Seedlings are transplanted to the field at 6–7 m spacing.
• Fertilization: Organic manure and balanced NPK fertilizer application improves bud yield and oil content.
• Pruning: Regular pruning is necessary to shape the canopy and facilitate flowering.
• Weeding & Mulching: Mulching helps retain soil moisture and protect roots.

Harvesting & Post-Harvest

• Flower buds are harvested by hand when they turn from green to crimson but before blooming.
• Buds are sun-dried for 4–5 days until they become dark brown and brittle.
• Properly dried cloves contain 15–20% essential oil with high eugenol content, determining export quality.

Pests & Diseases

• Pests: Stem borers and leaf-eating caterpillars.
• Diseases: Leaf spot, dieback, and root rot caused by Phytophthora species.
  Integrated pest management and good drainage practices are essential to maintain healthy plantations.