Step-by-Step Growing Guide
True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon) is a tropical tree from Sri Lanka growing to 10–15m in the wild. In home gardens in zones 10–12, it can be managed as a multi-stem shrub by coppicing. The spice is the inner bark of two-year-old branches. Start from cuttings or purchase a nursery plant; cinnamon is difficult to grow from seed. Plant in well-drained, sandy loam with pH 4.5–6.5 — it tolerates acidic soils well. Full sun is preferred, though young plants benefit from light shade. Water regularly for the first 2 years until established; mature plants are more drought-tolerant. Feed with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. To harvest bark, allow stems to reach 2cm diameter (usually 2 years from coppicing), cut at the base, strip the outer bark with a knife, then peel the inner bark (phloem) in long strips. The strips curl into quills as they dry.