How to Grow Cinnamon Tree
Wikimedia Commons
Cinnamon Tree
Cinnamomum verum
treeThe cinnamon tree is a tropical evergreen native to Sri Lanka that produces aromatic bark used as a spice worldwide. It grows 20-30 feet tall with glossy, lance-shaped leaves and small yellowish flowers followed by berry-like fruits. The inner bark is harvested, dried, and rolled into quills to produce the cinnamon spice used in cooking and traditional medicine.
When should you plant Cinnamon Tree in your zone?
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Example Cinnamon Tree timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cinnamon Tree
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cinnamon Tree
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cinnamon Tree dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10b-12 (warm tropical and subtropical climates)
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Get my Cinnamon Tree timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksSmall green shoots with initial true leaves emerging from seed or nursery-started plantlets.
Maintain warm temperatures (70-85°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Keep soil consistently moist. Protect from direct sun and strong winds.
Juvenile Growth
1-2 yearsYoung tree developing multiple stems with lance-shaped leaves, no flowering yet.
Gradually increase sun exposure. Water regularly. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Prune to develop a strong central leader or multi-stem structure as desired.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 yearsEstablished tree growing steadily with dense foliage and developing a woody trunk and branches.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Prune for shape and size control. Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Flowering & Fruiting
Seasonal, typically springTree produces small, fragrant yellowish-green flowers in clusters followed by small purple-black berries.
Maintain consistent care. Pollination is aided by insects and wind. Do not harvest bark during this stage.
Bark Harvest Ready
Starting year 3-4 and ongoingMature tree (3-4+ years old) with thick, aromatic bark suitable for commercial harvesting.
Harvest bark from branches 2-3 inches in diameter. Remove outer corky layer and dry inner bark. Tree regenerates and can be harvested repeatedly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or horticultural oils. Prune heavily infested branches. Encourage natural predators.
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Hand-pick on young trees. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for severe infestations. Encourage birds.
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Increase humidity through misting. Spray with water or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation.
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Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Apply copper fungicide if severe. Avoid overhead watering.
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Ensure well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering. Apply fungicide to soil if detected early. Improve drainage.
Uses
Spice & Flavoring
CulinaryCinnamon bark is ground into powder or used as whole quills to flavor sweet and savory dishes, beverages, and desserts worldwide. It adds warmth and natural sweetness to baked goods, curries, and teas. [source]
Blood Sugar & Digestive Support
MedicinalTraditionally used to support healthy blood sugar levels and improve digestion. Contains cinnamaldehyde and other active compounds studied for their metabolic benefits. [source]
Natural Fragrance & Antimicrobial
HouseholdEssential oil and dried bark used in potpourri, incense, and as a natural air freshener. Has antimicrobial properties useful in household cleaners. [source]
Perfumery & Cosmetics
CraftCinnamon oil and extract are key ingredients in fragrances, lip balms, soaps, and body products for their warm, spicy aroma. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeSmall, fragrant yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to local ecosystem health in tropical regions. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Wait 3-4 years before harvesting bark commercially. Cut branches 2-3 inches in diameter in late summer or early fall. Strip bark, scrape off the outer corky layer, and lay inner bark in the sun to dry for 1-2 weeks. As it dries, it naturally curls into quills. Tree regenerates and can be harvested repeatedly every 2-3 years. Never strip bark from the main trunk of young trees.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cinnamon was one of the most valuable spices in medieval Europe, worth more than gold by weight during certain periods, driving early exploration and trade routes.
- 🌱 Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) from Sri Lanka is considered 'true cinnamon' and is milder and more delicate than cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), which is cheaper and more commonly sold in grocery stores.
- 🌱 A single cinnamon tree can be harvested for 100+ years, producing multiple crops of bark throughout its lifetime, making it a sustainable long-term crop for farmers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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