Preparation of land and planting
Planting in the main field is done at the beginning of rainy season. Pits of 0.90 m x 0.90 m x 0.90 m size are dug at a spacing of 8 m x 8 m and filled with organic manure and soil about 15 days earlier to planting. For planting plagiotropic grafts, a spacing of 5 m x 5 m has to be adopted. A male plant has to be planted for every 20 female plants in the field.
After cultivation
The plants should be shaded to protect them from sun scorch during early stages. Permanent shade trees are to be planted when the site is on hilly slopes and when nutmeg is grown as a monocrop.
Inter cropping
Nutmeg can best be grown as an intercrop in coconut gardens that are more than 15 years old where shade conditions are ideal. Coconut gardens along river beds and adjoining areas are best suited for nutmeg cultivation. Irrigation is essential during summer months.
Nutrient management
Apply 10 kg cattle manure or compost per seedling during the first year. Increase the quantity gradually till a well-grown tree of 15 years and above receives 50 kg of organic manures per year. Apply N:P2O5:K2O @ 20:18:50 g/plant during the first year. This may be doubled in the next year. Gradually increase the N:P2O5:K2O dose to 500:250:1000 g/plant/year to obtain full dose from 15th year onwards.