Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in kitchens around the world. Its sweet, warm flavor makes it useful in cooking, baking, and even home remedies. While most people buy cinnamon at the store, you can grow your own tree outdoors if you live in the right climate.
This guide will show you step by step how to grow cinnamon outdoors, care for the plant, and harvest the bark for home use.
Key Takeaway:
- Plant cinnamon in warm, humid climates with temperatures between 20–30°C (68–86°F).
- Choose well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter.
- Select a sunny spot with partial shade for healthy growth.
- Water regularly but avoid waterlogging to protect the roots.
- Fertilize with organic compost or balanced fertilizer every 2–3 months.
- Prune branches to shape the tree and encourage new shoots.
- Protect from frost and strong winds, as the tree is sensitive to cold.
- Harvest bark after 2–3 years of growth, once stems are mature.
- Cinnamon can also be grown from seeds, cuttings, or sticks for propagation.
- Regular care ensures a healthy tree that produces aromatic cinnamon for years.
Why Grow Cinnamon Outdoors?
Growing cinnamon outdoors has many benefits:
- You can have fresh, natural cinnamon at home.
- A cinnamon tree is attractive and adds beauty to your garden.
- Cinnamon bark, leaves, and roots have health benefits supported by scientific studies.
- Once planted, the tree can produce for decades with proper care.
If you enjoy growing your own herbs and spices, cinnamon is a great choice.
Best Climate for Growing Cinnamon Outdoors
Cinnamon trees grow best in tropical and subtropical climates. They prefer:
- Temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
- Humidity above 60%.
- Year-round warmth without frost.
If you live in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Indonesia, or other tropical regions, you can grow cinnamon outdoors directly in soil.
For those in cooler climates, cinnamon is best grown in containers. You can read this guide on growing cinnamon in pots.
Choosing the Right Location
Pick a spot with:
- Full to partial sunlight (4–6 hours daily).
- Well-drained sandy or loamy soil.
- Protection from strong winds.
A cinnamon tree can grow up to 20–30 feet outdoors, so give it space to spread.
How to Grow Cinnamon Outdoors from Seed
Seeds are one of the common ways to start cinnamon. Fresh seeds germinate best.
Steps:
- Collect fresh seeds from a healthy cinnamon tree.
- Soak the seeds in water overnight to improve germination.
- Plant seeds in a nursery tray with well-drained soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Transfer seedlings to the garden when they are 6–12 inches tall.
For more detailed steps, check this guide on how to grow cinnamon from seed.
Research suggests that soaking seeds in natural solutions like rabbit urine can improve their viability (study here).
How to Grow Cinnamon Outdoors from Cuttings
Growing from cuttings is another effective method.
Steps:
- Select a semi-hardwood cutting about 6–8 inches long.
- Remove lower leaves, keeping only 2–3 at the top.
- Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant it in a mixture of sand and soil.
- Keep the soil moist and place it in partial shade until roots develop.
Learn more in this detailed post on how to grow cinnamon from cuttings.
Studies show that the type of cutting material and soil medium influence root growth (research link).
Planting Cinnamon Outdoors
Once your seedlings or rooted cuttings are ready, follow these steps:
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Mix compost into the soil for better fertility.
- Place the seedling in the hole and cover with soil.
- Water deeply after planting.
- Space trees at least 8–10 feet apart.
Soil Requirements for Cinnamon
Cinnamon prefers:
- pH between 4.5 and 6.5.
- Well-drained sandy or loamy soil.
- Rich organic matter for strong growth.
Avoid heavy clay soils because they retain too much water.
Watering Needs
Water young trees regularly to establish strong roots. Mature cinnamon trees need less frequent watering.
- Young plants: Water 2–3 times per week.
- Mature trees: Water once per week during dry seasons.
- Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing Cinnamon Trees
Cinnamon trees benefit from organic fertilizers. Use:
- Compost or manure every 2–3 months.
- Balanced NPK fertilizer during the growing season.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and enrich the soil.
Caring for Cinnamon Outdoors
Here are some care tips:
- Pruning: Cut weak or damaged branches to promote growth. Learn more in how to care for a cinnamon tree.
- Weeding: Keep weeds away from the base of the tree.
- Pest control: Watch for leaf spot and root diseases. Neem oil can help.
- Mulching: Apply organic mulch to maintain soil moisture.
For a detailed plant care guide, see The Spruce’s cinnamon growing guide.
How Long Does It Take for a Cinnamon Tree to Grow?
Cinnamon trees take time to mature.
- Seedlings are ready to plant outdoors in 6–12 months.
- The tree reaches full maturity in 2–3 years.
- Bark can be harvested after 2–3 years.
For more, check this guide on how long it takes a cinnamon tree to produce cinnamon.
How to Harvest Cinnamon Outdoors
The spice comes from the inner bark of the tree.
Steps:
- Cut down stems or branches that are 2–3 years old.
- Remove the outer bark carefully.
- Peel the inner bark in strips.
- Dry the bark until it curls into sticks.
Learn more in this post on how to grow cinnamon sticks.
Using Cinnamon Leaves and Roots
- Leaves: Can be boiled into tea. See cinnamon tea benefits.
- Roots: Sometimes used for oil extraction.
- Bark powder: Used in cooking, baking, and natural medicine.
Cinnamon has many proven health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (study link).
Common Problems When Growing Cinnamon Outdoors
- Overwatering → causes root rot.
- Frost damage → protect young trees with covers.
- Pests → use natural sprays like neem oil.
- Slow growth → improve soil with compost and fertilizer.
Can You Grow Cinnamon from Store-Bought Sticks?
Yes, but results vary. Some gardeners in tropical countries like Nigeria have successfully tried it. Learn more in this post: how to grow cinnamon from cinnamon sticks in Nigeria.
Checklist for Growing Cinnamon Outdoors
- Warm climate (20°C–30°C).
- Sandy or loamy soil with good drainage.
- Plant from seeds or cuttings.
- Regular watering during early stages.
- Compost or manure for nutrition.
- Harvest bark after 2–3 years.
Final Thoughts
Growing cinnamon outdoors is rewarding. With the right climate, soil, and care, you can enjoy fresh cinnamon from your own garden. The process takes patience, but the results are worth it.
If you are ready to try, start with seeds or cuttings and follow this guide step by step. Soon, you will be peeling your own bark and enjoying the true taste of fresh cinnamon.
For more details, see this step-by-step cinnamon planting guide.
