How to Grow Mace: Complete Cultivation Guide for Farmers and Gardeners

How to Grow Mace

Mace is a premium spice obtained from the red, lacy covering (aril) around the nutmeg seed, and both spices come from the same tree — Myristica fragrans. This tropical evergreen tree produces nutmeg (seed) and mace (aril), making it one of the most valuable dual-spice crops in the world. (foodandwine.com)

Growing mace essentially means growing nutmeg trees successfully. If you manage the tree properly, you will automatically get mace during harvest. This guide explains everything from climate and soil to harvesting and post-harvest handling.

What is Mace and How It Forms

Mace is the bright red, thread-like layer covering the nutmeg seed inside the fruit. When dried, it turns orange or golden-yellow and is sold as whole blades or powder. 

Nutmeg fruits resemble small apricots. When ripe, the fruit splits open naturally, exposing the seed wrapped in mace, which is then removed and dried separately. 

Ideal Climate for Growing Mace (Nutmeg Tree)

Nutmeg trees grow best in warm, humid tropical climates.

Climate Requirements

• Annual rainfall: 150 cm or more
• Temperature: Warm tropical climate
• Altitude: Sea level to about 1300 m
• Humidity: High humidity preferred

Nutmeg grows well in regions like Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats where warm, humid conditions exist. 

The tree prefers slightly shaded conditions during early growth and thrives in moist but well-drained environments.

Best Soil for Nutmeg (Mace Production)

Nutmeg grows best in:

• Clay loam
• Sandy loam
• Red laterite soil
• Organic matter-rich soil

The soil must be well-drained because waterlogging and dry conditions both reduce growth and yield. 

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Propagation and Planting

Seed Propagation

Nutmeg is mainly propagated through seeds.

Steps

1. Collect ripe fruits from high-yield trees.
2. Remove pulp and mace covering before sowing.
3. Sow seeds immediately after harvest for best germination.

Seeds lose viability quickly, so delayed sowing reduces success. 

Transplanting

Seedlings are usually ready for transplanting after 12–18 months. 

Spacing and Planting Method

• Normal spacing: 6–8 meters between trees
• High-density planting: 5–6 meters spacing

Nutmeg can also be grown in agroforestry or intercropped with crops like coffee or arecanut. 

Shade Management

Young plants need medium shade. Farmers often plant banana or fast-growing shade trees between nutmeg plants to protect young seedlings. 

Water and Fertilizer Management

Irrigation

• Maintain moist soil
• Avoid waterlogging
• Provide irrigation during dry periods

Nutmeg has shallow roots and needs consistent moisture. 

Fertilization

Use organic manure and slow-release fertilizers for steady growth.

Flowering and Fruiting

• Flowering: Mostly year-round (peak during monsoon)
• Fruit maturity: 6–9 months after flowering

Trees usually start producing fruits after 5–8 years, and full yield is achieved after 15–25 years. 

Harvesting Mace

When to Harvest

Harvest when fruits split open naturally.

Harvesting Steps

1. Hand pick fruits or collect fallen fruits.
2. Remove outer rind.
3. Carefully separate mace from seed using a knife.

The mace is then flattened and dried in the sun to maintain aroma and color. 

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Drying and Processing

• Mace drying time: About 10–15 days sun drying
• Nutmeg drying: 4–8 weeks until kernel rattles inside shell

Proper drying ensures long storage life and better spice quality.

Yield of Mace

Typical yields from mature trees:

• 1000–2000 fruits per tree annually
• 0.5–1.5 kg dried mace per tree
• Peak production occurs after 15–25 years

Yield depends on tree age, climate, and management. 

Pests and Diseases

Common Problems:

• Fruit rot
• Thread blight
• Scale insects
• Bark beetles

Management includes removing infected parts and using recommended plant protection measures. 

Intercropping Possibilities

Nutmeg trees can be grown with:

• Coconut
• Arecanut
• Coffee
• Shade-loving spices

This improves farm income and land utilization. 

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Economic Importance of Mace

Mace is more expensive than nutmeg because:

• Yield per fruit is small
• Harvesting is labor-intensive
• Demand is high in food and spice industries

It is widely used in garam masala, curries, meat dishes, and baked foods. 

Final Thoughts

Growing mace is a long-term investment but highly profitable. Nutmeg trees take several years to produce, but once established, they can produce spices for decades or even over a century. With proper climate, soil, irrigation, and shade management, farmers can achieve consistent mace yields and premium market prices.

For tropical regions like parts of India, mace cultivation can be an excellent diversification option for spice farmers and plantation growers.

Also Read: About How to Grow Mace on https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Myristica_fragrans.html Site