Allspice is a tropical evergreen tree grown for its dried unripe berries, whose flavour blends clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, hence the name. It forms a neat, glossy-leaved canopy with aromatic foliage and bark, and produces clusters of small white flowers followed by green berries that are dried for spice. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, it grows well in warm, frost-free parts of India with rich, well-drained soil and steady moisture. Trees are typically male or female, so a female is needed for berries. Both leaves and berries are used in cooking, pickling and flavouring.
Specifications
| Family |
Myrtaceae |
| Native region |
Caribbean, Central America |
| Mature height |
7-12 m (prunable) |
| Mature spread |
3-6 m |
| Growth rate |
Slow to moderate |
| Foliage |
Glossy, aromatic, leathery evergreen leaves |
| Flower colour |
Creamy white |
| Flower season |
Summer |
| Climate zone |
Tropical, subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering |
Regular; keep evenly moist, not soggy |
| Soil / mix |
Rich, well-drained loam |
| Temperature |
18-35 C; frost sensitive |
| Humidity |
Moderate to high |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced feed in spring and summer |
| Pruning |
Light pruning to shape and limit height |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years if container grown |
| Propagation |
Seed (fresh) or semi-hardwood cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Scale, mealybugs, root rot in wet soil |
| Toxicity / safety |
Berries and leaves edible as spice |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
Uses
Grown for its dried berries and leaves used as the warm 'allspice' flavour in cooking, pickling and baking. Also a handsome aromatic evergreen for warm gardens.
Growing tips
In India, plant allspice in a frost-free, sheltered spot with rich, well-drained soil and water regularly. Note that you need a female (or both) tree for berries, while leaves can be harvested from any plant.