Large Cardamom

अलैंची (Alainchi - Black Gold)

📖 Amomum subulatum L.

Verified Agricultural Data (NARC) Cash & Industrial Crops 📅 Bhadra (भाद्र) – Kartik (कार्तिक) 🌡️ 10–25°C ⚗️ pH 4.5–5.8 ⏱️ Perennial (harvest yr 3+)

Growing Season & Schedule

🌱

Recommended Growing Window: Bhadra (भाद्र) – Kartik (कार्तिक)

Perennial spice bush that begins bearing capsules in the 3rd year after planting, yielding economically for 15-20 years. Thrives under moist Himalayan alder (Utis) forest canopies at 700-1800m.

Description & Overview

High-value perennial spice cash crop of Eastern Nepal hills (Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung). Thrives under moist forest shade near mountain streams.

Details & Agronomic Insights

🌟 Positive Attributes & Health Benefits

Queen of Himalayan spices rich in 1,8-cineole and terpinyl acetate. Promotes digestive enzyme secretion, remedies respiratory congestion, freshens breath, and supports cardiovascular circulation.

⚠️ Precautions & Adverse Notes

High doses may trigger gallstone spasms in individuals with diagnosed bile duct stones.

🐛 Major Diseases & Pests

Chirke Virus (transmitted by aphids), Foorkey Virus (transmitted by banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa), Colletotrichum Blight, and Rhizome Rot.

💊 Disease & Pest Solutions

Uproot and burn virus-infected clumps immediately (rogueing) to stop systemic plantation spread.
Use certified virus-free suckers raised in tissue culture or shade net nurseries.
Spray Copper Oxychloride (2.5 g/L) during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon to prevent fungal capsule and leaf rot.
Maintain 50% canopy shade using Alnus nepalensis (Utis) trees and maintain cool soil mulching.

🧪 Fertilizer & Nutrition Recommendations

Heavy organic mulching: Apply 10-15 kg well-rotted forest litter/compost per clump annually in Chaitra. NPK: 40:40:60 kg/ha applied in two split doses (pre-monsoon & post-harvest).

Planting & Cultivation Guide

🌱 Planting Method Direct Seeding

📏 Seed Depth 2.0 cm

↔️ Seed Spacing 30.0 cm

📐 Row Spacing 60.0 cm

🪱 Soil Type Well-drained fertile loam

💧 Water Requirement High (800-1100 mm, moisture-loving)

☀️ Sunlight Shade-loving (Utis tree cover)

🧪 NPK Dose 100:60:40 NPK kg/ha

Climate & Altitude Requirements

⛰️ Altitude Range 100–2000 m

🗺️ Suitable Regions Terai, Mid-Hills

🌡️ Temperature Range 10–25°C

⚗️ Optimal pH 4.5–5.8

Harvest Information & Yield

⏱️ Maturity Days Perennial (harvest yr 3+)

📦 Expected Yield 15 - 25 t/ha

🔍 Harvest Indicators:

Harvest when crop reaches optimal market maturity and full color

Crop Photo Gallery

अलैंची (Alainchi - Black Gold) (Primary Photo)

Seasonal Calendar — रोप्ने पात्रो

Activity / कार्य	Start Month (BS)	End Month (BS)	Region / क्षेत्र	Gregorian Window
🌱 Sowing	असोज (Ashwin)	कार्तिक (Kartik)	All Nepal	September - November
🌾 Harvesting	मंसिर (Mangsir)	माघ (Magh)	All Nepal	November - January

Quick Reference

Verified

🌱 Method Direct Seeding

📅 Season Bhadra (भाद्र) – Kartik (कार्तिक)

⏱️ Matures Perennial (harvest yr 3+)

💧 Water High (800-1100 mm, moisture-loving)

☀️ Sunlight Shade-loving (Utis tree cover)

🪱 Soil Well-drained fertile loam

🗺️ Regions Terai, Mid-Hills

🌡️ Temp 10–25°C

⚗️ pH 4.5–5.8

📏 Depth 2.0 cm

📦 Yield 15 - 25 t/ha

📅 Planting Calendar 🩺 Plant Doctor AI

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