Nutmeg.

At a glance

Care level

Difficult

Plant type

Tropical evergreen tree

Light

Partial shade to bright indirect light

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

30 to 60 feet

Growth rate

Slow

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Intermittent throughout the year

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to mimic its native rainforest habitat. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal poor drainage or overwatering. Ensure the plant stays in a warm, draft free location to keep it happy.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist, but allow the top inch to dry out slightly between waterings.

Feeding

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Prune lightly once a year to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches.

Repotting

Repot when the roots begin to circle the bottom of the container.

Soil

Rich, well draining loamy soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

15 to 35°C

Humidity

70 to 90%

Safety

People

The seeds contain myristicin which is toxic if ingested in significant amounts.

Pets

The seeds and oils can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities.

Children

Keep seeds away from small children as they are a choking hazard and toxic if swallowed.

Contact allergens

Contact with the sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is not typically considered a major airborne allergen.

Edibility

Consuming large quantities of nutmeg can cause severe toxicity and hallucinations due to myristicin.

How to identify it

• Glossy dark green lanceolate leaves
• Small pale yellow bell shaped flowers
• Fleshy apricot colored fruit
• Red lacy aril covering the seed

Height

5 to 20m

Spread

3 to 8m

Leaves

dark green, evergreen

Flowers

pale yellow, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

yellow, red, Year round

Problems to watch for

• Nutmeg WiltCommon
• Root RotCommon
• ChlorosisUncommon
• DehydrationUncommon
• Leaf SpotUncommon
• Scale InsectsUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, summer

Plant in a multi-layered forest garden to mimic its natural habitat and protect it from harsh direct sun.

Grows well with

• Banana · Provides the necessary dappled shade for young nutmeg trees.
• Clove · Shares similar tropical environmental needs.

Similar species

• Papua Nutmeg · A related species that also produces edible seeds but with a different flavor profile.

Science

Family

Myristicaceae

Genus

Myristica

Order

Magnoliales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Moluccas or Spice Islands of Indonesia

Conservation

Not currently listed as endangered but wild populations are threatened by habitat loss.

It thrives in the deep shade of tropical rainforests where it relies on specific beetles for pollination.

Value to wildlife

provides shelter for small birds

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Uses

culinary spice, essential oil production, ornamental shade tree

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow nutmeg in a pot?

It is very difficult due to the tree's massive size and specific tropical requirements.

How long until it fruits?

Trees grown from seed typically take 7 to 9 years to begin bearing fruit.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Myristica comes from the Greek word for fragrant, while fragrans refers to the sweet scent of the fruit.

Good to know

• Nutmeg was once so valuable that it sparked wars between colonial powers.
• The tree can live and produce fruit for over 60 years.
• Nutmeg is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs
• Plants for shade