How to Grow Clove

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Clove

Syzygium aromaticum

tree

Clove is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, prized for its aromatic flower buds which are harvested and dried to produce the popular spice. The tree can reach 26-40 feet tall and produces fragrant pink flower buds that darken as they dry. Cloves are one of the most valuable spices globally and have been cultivated for centuries for culinary, medicinal, and commercial purposes.

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Example Clove timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Clove
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Clove
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Clove dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade

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Water: Moderate to high moisture; needs consistent watering without waterlogging. Prefers humid conditions and regular rainfall. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

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Spacing: 300 inches

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Days to maturity: 2160

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Planting depth: Plant seeds 0.5-0.75 inches deep; transplant seedlings when 2-3 inches tall

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Aged manure Coconut coir

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 11-12 (tropical and subtropical climates only)

11a 11b 12a 12b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

4-6 weeks

Small green shoots emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves; very tender and susceptible to drought stress

Maintain high humidity (70-80%), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, provide filtered light, and transplant to larger containers at 2-3 inches tall

Young Tree Development

2-3 years

Establishment of main stem and branching structure; tree grows 12-24 inches annually under ideal conditions

Protect from strong winds, stake if necessary, maintain consistent moisture and humidity, apply mulch around base, fertilize monthly with balanced NPK or slow-release fertilizer

Maturation

3-6 years

Tree develops fuller canopy and stronger branch structure; reaches 15-20 feet height; still too young for commercial flowering

Continue regular watering and feeding, prune lower branches for better air circulation, monitor for pests, maintain consistent humidity levels

Flowering and Budding

Seasonal, multiple flushes annually

Tree begins producing terminal clusters of pink unopened flower buds (the harvestable clove spice); buds develop multiple times per year in favorable conditions

Do not allow flowering to begin until tree is mature (minimum 6-8 years); once flowering starts, harvest buds at pink stage before they open into white flowers

Production

Ongoing (30+ year productive lifespan)

Mature tree (8+ years) produces abundant flower buds throughout warm season; established trees yield 1-2 kg of dried cloves annually per tree

Hand-harvest buds when pink and firm, dry in sun or mechanical dryer, maintain tree health with regular pruning and pest management, fertilize after each harvest

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Cacao Nutmeg Coconut palm Black pepper Cardamom

Avoid planting near:

Other dense tree canopies that limit light Shallow-rooted plants competing for moisture

Common Pests

Use pheromone traps, store dried cloves in sealed containers with diatomaceous earth or neem oil, proper drying and storage practices
Remove affected leaves and shoots, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil at first signs of damage, encourage natural predators
Increase humidity levels, spray with water to dislodge, use miticides if severe, apply neem oil
Remove by hand or cotton swab with alcohol, spray with insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, encourage beneficial insects
Prune and destroy infested branches, maintain tree health and vigor, apply neem-based insecticides preventively

Uses

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Spice for cooking and baking

Culinary

Cloves are used whole or ground as a warm, pungent spice in cuisines worldwide. They flavor savory dishes like curries, braised meats, and rice pilafs, as well as sweet applications including baked goods, desserts, and beverages like mulled wine and spiced tea. [source]

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Dental pain relief and oral health

Medicinal

Clove oil and whole cloves contain eugenol, a compound with anesthetic and antimicrobial properties traditionally used to relieve toothache pain, gum inflammation, and mouth sores. Modern dentistry sometimes uses clove-based preparations in temporary fillings and oral treatments. [source]

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Digestive and anti-inflammatory support

Medicinal

Cloves have been used in traditional medicine to support digestive health, reduce bloating, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The essential oils and compounds in cloves may help stimulate digestive enzymes and provide antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Natural preservation and insect repellent

Household

Whole cloves have been used historically as a natural preservative and to repel insects from stored foods and textiles. Clove-studded pomanders were popular household items, and dried cloves placed in storage areas help deter pests. [source]

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Perfumery and fragrance

Craft

Clove essential oil is a key ingredient in perfumery, colognes, and incense, prized for its warm, spicy, slightly sweet aroma. The oil is also used in cosmetics, soaps, and scented products globally. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest unopened flower buds when they turn pink but before they bloom into white flowers, typically 4-5 months after bud initiation. Hand-harvest by picking or cutting individual buds. Dry harvested buds in sun for 7-10 days (turning occasionally) until they become dark brown and brittle, or use mechanical dryers. Dried cloves should snap cleanly and have strong aroma. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. A mature tree can yield 1-2 kg of dried cloves annually.

Fun Facts

🌱 Cloves were so valuable in historical trade that they inspired European colonial expansion; Portuguese and Dutch traders fought for control of the clove-producing Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) in the 16th-17th centuries.
🌱 The distinctive nail-like shape of the dried clove bud inspired its name: 'clove' derives from the French 'clou' (nail) and Latin 'clavus' (nail).
🌱 A single mature clove tree can live and produce for over 50 years, making it one of the longest-producing spice plants; some historic trees in Indonesia are several hundred years old.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant True Leaves

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