Module 2
Botany and Growth Requirements of Clove
The clove plant, its growth stages, and the climatic and soil conditions it needs.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the clove plant and its growth stages.
- Identify suitable climatic and soil conditions.
Theory
Clove trees grow up to 10–15 m tall and start bearing flowers after 5–7 years.
Climate: warm, humid tropical climate.
Rainfall: 1,500–2,500 mm annually, well distributed.
Temperature: 20–30°C.
Soil: deep, well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5–7.0.
Practical Session
- Field identification of suitable land.
- Soil texture testing using the hand-feel method.
- Demonstration of soil pH testing.