Nutmeg Myristica fragrans
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Myristicaceae family, native to Banda Islands (Moluccas), Indonesia. It grows 5–15 m (16–49 ft) tall and 4–8 m (13–26 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 15 °C (59 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Nutmeg in your garden →
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Nutmeg at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myristicaceae |
| Mature height | 5–15 m (16–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 15 °C (59 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 313–417 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: seed (nutmeg), aril (mace), fruit rind (sweets) |
| Native to | Banda Islands (Moluccas), Indonesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Nutmeg toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds
Myristicin: a few whole nutmegs cause hallucinations, nausea and palpitations.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Nutmeg
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Nutmeg
- How far apart should I plant Nutmeg?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–8 m (13–26 ft).
- Does Nutmeg need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Nutmeg need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Nutmeg?
- It tolerates about 15 °C (59 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Nutmeg flower?
- About 313–417 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks.
- Is Nutmeg poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Myristicin: a few whole nutmegs cause hallucinations, nausea and palpitations.
- What grows well with Nutmeg?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Nutmeg. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- The fruit splits to show the red mace around the nut. Separate male and female trees; one male per ten females.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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