Allspice
Allspice leaves and berries have a complex aroma, hence its name. It is an aromatic spice with a taste similar to a combination of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, but hotter and more peppery. Allspice is a small shrubby tree, quite similar to the bay laurel in size and form. Smaller plants can be killed by frost, although larger plants are more tolerant. It adapts well to container culture and can be kept as a houseplant or in a greenhouse. The plant is dioecious, hence male and female plants must be kept in proximity in order to allow fruits to develop.
Care of Allspice Trees
Planting: Plant in mid to late March after all threat of freeze has passed. Plant in full sun with good drainage. Dig a hole that is wider and the same depth of the tree in the pot. Place the tree in the hole. Make sure the depth of the tree in the hole is at the same level as it was in the pot. Use existing soil only – no amendments. Water in well, and water every day for a few days unless it rains.
Watering: Like all fruit, make sure the allspice tree gets consistent water in the first few years. Watering can come from rain or a hose. During the first year, provide the tree with about 7 gallons of water per week, preferably once a week and water slowly. This will be a little more than 3 minutes with a ½” hose and 1 ½ minutes with a 5/8” hose. Remember to account for rainfall when determining how much to water with a hose.
Fertilization: February (1st year – 1.5 cups of cottonseed meal or ½ cup of balanced organic fertilizer; 2nd year – 3 cups of cottonseed meal; 3rd year – 6 cups of cottonseed meal; mature tree – 3 to 6 quarts cottonseed meal per inch of trunk at base). May – same as in February.
Cold Hardiness: As with most frost-sensitive plants, allspice will need protection in the first couple of years when grown in areas where frost can occur. Growing with overhead protection or growing next to a wall or building may be sufficient, but the plant may also be covered with heavy cloth for added protection, when there is going to be a frost. Mulching heavily up the trunk will give added protection from frosts, but be sure and remove the mulch after the frost. Protect if there is a frost of 28 degrees or colder the first couple of years.
