Description

Cloves Seedlings

Embark on a profitable spice venture with Organic Farm’s premium Cloves seedlings (Syzygium aromaticum). These aromatic flower buds, prized for their rich flavor and medicinal properties, are a high-value crop with growing demand in Kenya’s spice and pharmaceutical markets. Organically propagated in Muranga, Kenya, our certified seedlings are disease-resistant and ideal for farmers seeking sustainable, long-term income in coastal and lowland regions.

Benefits of Cloves Farming

• High Economic Value: Cloves fetch KSh 92–98/kg retail in Nairobi and Mombasa, with strong export potential to Ethiopia, UAE, and Somalia.

• Medicinal Uses: Known for dental health, digestion, and antimicrobial properties, used in essential oils and herbal remedies.

• Culinary Demand: Essential in global cuisines, from curries to spiced teas, ensuring consistent market demand.

• Sustainable Crop: Evergreen trees produce for decades with minimal maintenance once established.

Favorable Climates for Cloves in Kenya

Cloves thrive in tropical, humid climates with temperatures of 20–30°C and annual rainfall of 1,500–2,500mm. They require partial shade in early years and are frost-sensitive.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Coastal Kenya: Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu

• Central Kenya: Murang’a (lower altitudes), Thika

• Eastern Kenya: Taita Taveta, Machakos (lowlands)

• Western Kenya: Busia, Siaya (select areas)

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Deep, well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils

• Soil pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic)

• Nutrients: Rich in organic matter; avoid waterlogged or saline soils

• Altitude: 0–800 meters above sea level for optimal growth

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Cloves

Site Preparation

• Select a partially shaded site with 4–6 hours of sunlight, ideally near taller trees for shade.

• Clear weeds, rocks, and debris; incorporate organic compost to improve soil fertility.

• Test soil pH and adjust with sulfur if too alkaline.

Hole Preparation

• Dig holes 60cm x 60cm x 60cm (2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft), spaced 6m apart.

• Mix topsoil with well-decomposed manure (2:1 ratio).

Planting Seedlings

• Scarify fresh, mold-free clove seeds by nicking the outer shell and soak in warm water overnight to aid germination.

• Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring the root collar is at ground level.

• Backfill with soil mixture, firm gently, and water thoroughly.

Mulching

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., dry leaves, coconut husks) around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Caring for Cloves Trees

• Irrigation: Water regularly during dry periods to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially in the first 2–3 years; avoid waterlogging.

• Fertilization: Apply organic compost or balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10:10:10 NPK) twice yearly; supplement with potassium-rich fertilizers before flowering.

• Pruning: Prune lower branches in the first 2 years to promote upward growth; remove dead or diseased branches annually.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests (e.g., scale insects, termites) and diseases (e.g., leaf spot, dieback); use neem oil and integrated pest management (IPM) for eco-friendly control.

• Shade Management: Provide temporary shade (e.g., banana plants) for young trees; reduce as trees mature.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 6m x 6m (20 ft x 20 ft)

• Population: Approximately 120 trees per acre

Expected Production

• Per Tree: 2–5 kg of dried cloves annually at maturity (7–10 years).

• Per Acre: 240–600 kg of dried cloves per acre, yielding potential revenue of KSh 22,000–58,000 at KSh 92–98/kg.

• Fruiting Timeline: Begins in 4–6 years, with peak production after 8–10 years.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Cloves Seedlings?

Organic Farm is committed to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment in Kenya. Our Cloves seedlings offer:

• Certified Quality: Organically propagated, disease-free seedlings for high productivity and longevity.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance from planting to harvest, tailored to Kenya’s coastal climates.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Chemical-free cultivation to preserve soil health and ecosystems.

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya, including coastal and lowland regions.

Tap into the lucrative spice market with Organic Farm’s Cloves seedlings. Start your clove farming journey today and grow a crop that delivers aromatic rewards for decades!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com