Skip to content
Herbs

Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg is a tropical evergreen tree that produces the spice nutmeg and the aromatic mace. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a dense canopy. The seeds are the source of nutmeg, while the aril surrounding the seed is used to produce mace. Nutmeg is widely used in culinary applications and has medicinal properties.

Calculate System for Nutmeg
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Nutmeg trees require a humid tropical climate and are sensitive to frost. They can take 7-9 years to start producing fruit, with peak production occurring around 20 years.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter. Regular soil testing is recommended to maintain nutrient levels.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Tropical Wet
ETo: 3.006.00 mm/day
Temp: 20.0°C – 32.0°C
Frost: none
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Nutmeg thrives in areas with consistent rainfall and temperatures. Protect young trees from strong winds and extreme temperatures.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season, along with balanced fertilizers for other nutrients.
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, aroma, flavor

Design Your Nutmeg Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Nutmeg field.

Open Calculators

Related Guides

Nutmeg: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Irrigating

Introduction Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a highly valuable spice known for its unique flavor and aroma. It is widely used in culinary applications and is also known for its medicinal properties. Growing nutmeg can be a profitable venture, provided it is done using economically efficient methods and sustainable…

Read Guide
Newsletter

Stay ahead of the season.

Get irrigation tips, product launches, and exclusive offers — straight to your inbox.

  • Irrigation tips & guides
  • Product announcements
  • Exclusive discounts
  • Early access to new tools

No spam, unsubscribe anytime.