The Spice World Tour

Home-grown Zest: Growing Exotic Spices in O.C.

Think exotic spices can only be grown in sultry, tropical locales? Think again! The mild climate of Southern California is perfect for growing a variety of spices, from capers to curry, and some can even thrive as houseplants.

“Many people already grow herbs, so the next logical step is adding spices to the garden,” says Alex Silber, manager of Papaya Tree Nursery in Granada Hills. He will be displaying a number of spice plants at the Southern California Spring Garden Show at South Coast Plaza today and Sunday.

Ornamental and Flavorful Spice Plants

Many of these spice plants are also highly ornamental, according to landscape architect Shirley Kerins, curator of the herb garden at the Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino. Some of these plants are perfect for container gardens and patios.

Spice Plants You Can Grow

  • Allspice (Pimenta dioica): A versatile and aromatic evergreen plant, allspice thrives in Southern California and grows well in both full sun and partial shade. Its leaves, which have a flavor similar to cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, can be used fresh or dried in cooking.
  • Caper Bush (Capparis spinosa): Known for its stunning white flowers and purple stamens, the caper bush is a low-growing shrub that’s perfect for cascading over walls or in containers. Its buds, when harvested, make for a flavorful addition to dishes.
  • Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): True cinnamon can be grown in Southern California in partial shade. The plant produces fragrant leaves and bark that can be harvested for culinary use. It’s a slow-growing bush that prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.
  • Coffee Bush (Coffea arabica): An evergreen plant that can grow up to 5 feet, the coffee bush is a great choice for patio plants. The coffee berries, which ripen from green to red, can be harvested and processed to make your own coffee beans.
  • Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii): A lacy, evergreen tree that can grow up to 8 feet, curry leaf adds an authentic Indian flavor to dishes. It thrives in partial shade and well-draining soil, making it an ideal plant for many gardens.

Growing Tips for Spice Plants

  • Sunlight: Most spice plants prefer full sun to partial shade. Ensure they receive adequate sunlight for optimal growth.
  • Soil: Well-draining soil is essential for most spice plants. Consider amending your garden soil with peat moss or cactus mix to enhance drainage.
  • Watering: Water spice plants regularly, but avoid over-watering. Many of these plants are drought-tolerant once established, but they do require moisture during their growing season.
  • Fertilizing: Regular fertilization helps ensure healthy growth. Use an all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season and consider micronutrient fertilizers in winter.

Using Spice Plants in Cooking

Adding fresh spices to your cooking brings a new dimension to your meals. Tina Silber from Papaya Tree Nursery shares her recipe for an allspice and sweet potato dish:

“I add 10 fresh allspice leaves to 3 pounds of peeled and cubed sweet potatoes or yams, 1 cup of coconut milk, 8 ounces of pineapple cubes with juice, 2 ounces of water, and half a cup of sugar. I cook it uncovered in a 350-degree oven until the yams or sweet potatoes are al dente.”

For pickling capers, Silber suggests the following recipe:

“Add a cup of capers to 3 ounces of kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir every day for 14 days, then rinse and pickle them in a vinegar solution.”

Conclusion

Whether you’re a gardener looking for new plants to try or a cook seeking fresh, flavorful ingredients, growing spices at home adds both beauty and flavor to your life. Start with easy-to-grow varieties like allspice, capers, and cinnamon, and enjoy the rewards of home-grown zest!

Julie Bawden-Davis

Julie Bawden-Davis is a bestselling journalist, novelist, blogger, and YouTuber. A prolific author, Julie writes in several genres. She enjoys creating page-turning suspense served up with a dose of romance, garden books that turn any brown thumb green, and spiritual books meant to enlighten and inspire. Widely published, Julie has written 45 books and more than 4,000 articles for a wide variety of national and international publications. She lives in Southern California, where she enjoys sunny, blue skies most days and year-round gardening. Julie gains inspiration from being surrounded by plants when she writes.