Discover key facts about planting spice crops in horticulture through five beginner-friendly questions. Explore essential practices, ideal conditions, and crop-specific tips for successful spice cultivation.
When planting ginger rhizomes for spice production, what is the recommended planting depth in well-prepared soil?
Explanation: The correct planting depth for ginger rhizomes is 5-8 cm to encourage healthy sprouting and avoid rot. Planting too shallow (1-2 cm) makes rhizomes prone to drying, while 15-18 cm or deeper (20-22 cm) restricts shoot emergence and may delay growth.
Which climate condition is most suitable for cultivating black pepper vines in horticulture?
Explanation: Black pepper thrives in warm and humid climates that support vigorous vegetative growth and peppercorn development. Cold and dry or temperate with frost can damage the plants, and arid, windy conditions lack the necessary moisture for optimal yield.
For optimal growth of turmeric as a spice crop, which soil type should a horticulturist choose?
Explanation: Well-drained loamy soil provides the ideal balance of aeration and moisture for turmeric growth. Heavy clay can waterlog roots, saline soils hinder nutrient absorption, and rocky terrain obstructs healthy rhizome formation.
What is the most common method of propagating saffron for spice harvests in horticulture?
Explanation: Saffron is propagated mainly by planting corms, which are underground stems. Sowing seeds is rarely used due to slow growth, while grafting and air layering are not applicable to saffron cultivation.
When planting coriander seeds in the field for spice production, what is the recommended spacing between rows to ensure optimal growth?
Explanation: A 30 cm distance between coriander rows provides enough room for plant growth and airflow. A 5 cm gap is too close and hinders development, while 60 cm and 90 cm are unnecessary for coriander and waste field space.