Clove Farming in India 2026
Aromatic dried flower buds grown under shade in the southern Western Ghats.
Overview
Clove, Syzygium aromaticum, is the dried unopened flower bud of an evergreen tropical tree and is among the most valued aromatic spices. India's production is small compared with its consumption, and the crop is limited to humid parts of the southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, with some on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Clove is usually grown as an intercrop or component in mixed gardens, often under partial shade of arecanut, coconut and fruit trees. The tree takes several years to start flowering but can then bear for decades. Because domestic output is far below demand, India imports a large share of its cloves, which keeps farm gate prices generally firm. For suitable hill and coastal belts it is a good long term tree spice, but it needs patience, the right climate and protection of the young trees in their early years.
Climate
Clove needs a warm, humid tropical climate with temperatures roughly between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and well distributed rainfall of about 1500 to 3000 millimetres, without a long dry season. It grows from sea level up to around 900 metres in suitable hills. Young trees are sensitive to drought and strong sun and need shade, while waterlogging harms the roots.
Soil
Clove grows best on deep, well drained, fertile loams and lateritic soils rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 7. Good drainage is essential because the roots cannot tolerate standing water. Rich red loams of the Western Ghats and coastal belts suit it well, provided organic matter is maintained.
Planting & Spacing
Clove is grown from seedlings raised in nurseries from fresh seed, since the seed loses viability quickly. Seedlings are planted in pits during the monsoon at spacing of about 6 to 7 metres, with shade provided for the young plants in their first years. It is often planted along with or under arecanut, coconut or fruit trees. Trees usually begin flowering from around the seventh or eighth year.
Varieties
Clove is largely grown as a single type, Syzygium aromaticum, without many distinct named cultivars in India, so success depends mostly on healthy, vigorous seedlings from good mother trees. Selections with regular, heavy bud bearing are preferred. Some research stations maintain superior mother trees, and farmers should source seedlings from reliable, certified nurseries.
Care & Management
Young clove trees need shade, regular watering in dry spells, mulching and protection from strong wind and sun. As trees mature, balanced organic and chemical nutrition supports steady bud production. Light pruning of dead wood, weed control and good drainage are routine tasks. Because picking the closed buds at the right moment is delicate, mature trees need careful management around flowering time.
Pests & Diseases
Clove is relatively hardy but can suffer from leaf spot, die back and seedling rot, especially in very wet or poorly drained conditions. Stem borers and scale insects sometimes attack the trees, and young plants are vulnerable to drought and sunscald. Management relies on good drainage, shade for young plants, removal of affected parts and integrated pest practices rather than heavy spraying.
Yield & Harvest
The spice is the unopened flower bud, picked just before it opens, when the buds turn from green to a pink or red blush. Harvesting is done carefully by hand so the small branches are not damaged, then the buds are dried in the sun for several days until they turn the familiar dark brown and become hard. A mature tree can yield a few kilograms of dried cloves per year, with yields rising as the tree ages and varying widely between trees and seasons.
Cost & Profit
Because Indian production is far below demand and most cloves are imported, farm gate prices are generally firm, commonly in the range of several hundred rupees per kilogram of dried cloves, varying with quality and market. Returns come slowly because the tree takes years to bear, but a mature plantation gives steady long term income. Treat figures as indicative and verify current prices in local and spice markets before planning.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Cloves are sold to local traders, spice merchants and through regular spice markets, and because India is a net importer, domestic demand is strong. Well dried, plump, dark brown buds with intact heads fetch the best prices. Value can be added through clean drying, grading and, in some cases, distilling clove and clove leaf oil.
Subsidy & Support
Clove can benefit from Spices Board and horticulture support for tree spices, including quality planting material and processing assistance in eligible Western Ghats states. State horticulture missions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka may assist with seedlings and intercropping. Check current programmes and subsidy details with the Spices Board and your state department.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
How long does a clove tree take to bear?
What part of the clove plant is the spice?
Why does India import so much clove?
Can clove be grown along with other crops?
How are cloves dried?
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