Cardamom varieties

Kerala, traditional cardamom hills (Western Ghats) · Natural germplasm · Pre-1970s

Panicles hang downward (prostrate), globose to oblong capsules. Adapted to older, lower-elevation plantations with mixed shade.

Karnataka, Kodagu region (Western Ghats) · Natural germplasm · Pre-1970s

Panicles erect, bold dark green ovoid capsules. Robust tall plants (3–4 m); excellent for higher elevations with moderate shade.

Natural hybrid zone, Western Ghats (Kerala–Karnataka border) · Natural hybrid (Malabar × Mysore) · Pre-1970s

Semi-erect panicles, combining vigour of both parents. Bold, globose to ovoid capsules, intermediate morphology. Excellent flavour and disease profile in field.

Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1980s

Early maturing Malabar type. Medium-sized panicles, globose extra bold dark green capsules. Pioneering ICRI release that significantly improved yields in Kerala.

Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1980s

Mysore type with medium-long panicles and oblong bold parrot green capsules. Performs well in higher altitudes and moderate shade conditions. Tolerant to azhukal (leaf spot) disease.

Idukki / Appangala, Karnataka (ICRI) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1980s

High-yielding Malabar selection. Recognised across cardamom regions, particularly in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Lower Pulney Hills, Tamil Nadu (ICRI regional station) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1980s

Early maturing Malabar type specifically selected for low-rainfall cardamom tracts. Medium-sized panicles with globose bold parrot green capsules. Critical for drought-prone Lower Pulney hills (<1000 mm annual rainfall).

Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1990s

First Malabar hybrid from ICRI crosses. High-yielding, vigorous plants with bold capsules and excellent recovery. Recommended for all Kerala and Tamil Nadu cardamom zones with 2000+ mm rainfall.

Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara; MCC-73 collection) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1990s

Outstanding for bold capsules and essential oil content. High response to dense planting. Notably higher yields than ICRI-1 and ICRI-2 under good management.

Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1990s

High-yielding hybrid with excellent recovery and oleoresin content. Bold angular capsules and strong response to closer spacing and high plant density.

Pampadumpara, Kerala (Cardamom Research Station, KAU) · Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), CRS Pampadumpara · 1991

Early maturing Malabar type with short panicles and elongated slightly ribbed light green capsules. Well-adapted to Kerala's high-rainfall cardamom tracts with good dry recovery and essential oil content.

Pampadumpara, Kerala (Cardamom Research Station, KAU) · Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), CRS Pampadumpara · 1990s

High-yielding Vazhukka type with deep green long bold capsules. Early maturing with unbranched lengthy panicles, suited to high-altitude intensive cultivation. High dry recovery and essential oil content.

Pampadumpara, Kerala (Cardamom Research Station, KAU) · Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), CRS Pampadumpara · 1990s

Selection notable for high α-terpinyl acetate content (61% of essential oil), conferring superior aroma and flavour profile. Important for quality-conscious buyers and specialty markets.

Mudigere, Karnataka (ZAHRS, UAHS, Shivamogga) · Zonal Agricultural & Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), UAHS, Mudigere · 1990s

Compact Malabar variety with notable pest tolerance. Resistant to hairy caterpillars, white grubs, thrips, and shoot/panicle borers. Short panicles and oval bold pale green capsules with good essential oil content. A practical choice for pest-prone areas.

Mudigere, Karnataka (ZAHRS, UAHS, Shivamogga) · Zonal Agricultural & Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), UAHS, Mudigere · 1990s

Malabar type suited to valley cultivation in Karnataka's cardamom zone. Good essential oil content.

Mudigere, Karnataka (ZAHRS, UAHS, Shivamogga) · Zonal Agricultural & Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), UAHS, Mudigere · 1990s

Pest-tolerant Malabar type. Resistant to thrips and borers, making it practical for cardamom tracts where insect pressure is significant.

Appangala, Kodagu, Karnataka (Cardamom Research Centre, IISR) · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala · 2001

Malabar type specifically bred for mosaic (Katte)-infected areas. Strong Katte virus resistance with good yield potential. Excellent for marginal and degraded cardamom lands where virus is endemic.

Appangala, Kodagu, Karnataka (Cardamom Research Centre, IISR) · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala · 2000s

Developed through clonal selection specifically for rhizome rot (Pythium, Rhizoctonia) resistance. High-yielding with dark green capsules of excellent quality. Critical for rhizome-rot-prone areas.

Appangala, Kodagu, Karnataka (Cardamom Research Centre, IISR) · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala · 1997

Malabar type, early maturing, compact plant habit. Suitable for high-density monocropping (intensive cultivation). Multi-pest resistant: rhizome rot (Pythium, Rhizoctonia), thrips, and shoot/panicle/capsule borers. Excellent bold capsule percentage and essential oil content with high dry recovery.

Appangala, Kodagu, Karnataka (Cardamom Research Centre) · Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala · 1990s

Rhizome rot-resistant selection with intermediate morphology between Malabar and Vazhukka. Oval to elongated capsules with good essential oil profile.

Appangala, Kodagu, Karnataka (Cardamom Research Centre) · Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala · 2014

Hybrid variety recommended for Katte-virus-infected areas. Mosaic-virus-resistant under field conditions. Medium bold green capsules with high-quality aroma compound (α-terpinyl acetate), important for specialty spice markets.

Kattapana, Idukki, Kerala · Sebastian Joseph and son Rejimon Joseph (farmer selection; documented and recognised by National Innovation Foundation) · 1990s–2000s (selection and recognition)

Landmark farmer-developed variety. Capsules noticeably larger than standard Mysore variety. 120–160 capsules per panicle (compared to 30–35 in ordinary varieties). Exceptional productivity and market appeal. Documented and recognised by National Innovation Foundation. Now dominates Idukki's cardamom cultivation.

Idukki district, Kerala · K.J. Benny (farmer selection; evaluated by ICRI) · 2000s

Farmer selection recognised for uniform, extra-bold capsules with high yield potential. Evaluated for essential oil quality and aroma profile by research institutes.

Appangala, Kodagu, Karnataka (IISR Cardamom Research Centre) · Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala · 1997

Malabar type, early maturing, compact plant suitable for intensive high-density cultivation. Multi-pest resistant: rhizome rot, thrips, and shoot/panicle/capsule borers. Excellent bold capsule percentage (89%) and essential oil content with high dry recovery.

Santhampara, Idukki, Kerala · T.P. Joseph · 2000

Exceptional yield (4-6 kg dry/plant, 2000-3000 kg/ha) with medium-bold parrot green capsules commanding premium prices. High resistance to stem borers, root grubs, and decay. Panicles of 50-60 racemes with 15-20 capsules each make it distinctive among farmer selections.

Panikulangara Estate, Idukki, Kerala · Joy Peter · 1993 (selected); 2000 (commercialized); 5th NIF award 2009

Bold capsules (>8mm in 80% of produce) retain bright green color after drying, unlike Njallani. Yields 6-8 kg/plant with 95% berry setting. Superior for rainfed conditions with minimal irrigation and moderate thrips/borer tolerance.

Idukki region, Kerala · KV Paulose · 2015 (8th National Grassroots Innovation Award)

Long panicles (130-147 cm) with high capsule density and early flowering relative to parent plants. Tolerance to major cardamom pests (thrips, stem borer, root grub, capsule rot) with strong agronomic performance. 25% dry recovery.

Idukki, Kerala · Menuwin Thomas · 2015 (8th National Grassroots Innovation Award)

High elevation adapted variety (suitable for ~3000 ft elevation) with larger capsules (50% at 10mm x 8mm) commanding market value. Strong recovery (20-25% dry) and specific thrips/stem borer resistance for high-altitude Idukki conditions.

Pampadumpara, Idukki, Kerala · Sabu Varghese · 2007 (4th NIF award); 2015 (IPR/PPVFR grant)

Drought-resistant variety enabling cultivation in high-temperature areas and rubber plantation intercropping. Yields ~3 kg/plant with minimal maintenance needs and shade requirement compatibility—valuable for diversified farming systems in Idukki. Recovered from identified superior plant in 1992 through vegetative propagation (1992-1999).

Theni, Tamil Nadu (Cardamom Hill Reserve region) · P.N. Surulivel · 1991 (isolated/planted); 1996 (first yield)

Larger seed size and bold capsules (60-70% measuring 7mm+) with higher internode count (40-45 avg). Commands 15-20% market premium with thin-rind high recovery. Exceptional drought and waterlogging tolerance. Peak yield 3250 kg dry/ha in 2002-2003.

Tamil Nadu (Cardamom Hill Reserve region) · L. Ramaiah & R. Murugan · 1986 (initial observation); 2013 (7th NIF Award)

Exceptionally bright green bold capsules with more seeds than competitors. Green color does not fade even after one year—a major quality distinction from Njallani and Malabar. Drought-tolerant with premium market value (Rs 100-150/kg above standard).

Cardamom Hill Reserve, Kerala · Traditional farmer selection

Indigenous variety with finer aroma and flavors than hybrid varieties. Distinct circular shape and smaller pods compared to high-yielding hybrids, making it rare and sought after. Creamy, sweet, and nutty taste profile suitable for desserts.

Idukki, Kerala (traditional landrace) · Traditional farmer selection

Historic indigenous landrace of Idukki that largely disappeared after the 1990s with Njallani's dominance. Represented important genetic diversity in the region; pushed out despite agronomic merits due to Njallani's superior year-round yield.

Idukki, Kerala · Joy Peter (registered via ICAR-IISR, PPV&FRA REG/2014/4)

The second registered selection in the Panikulangara Green Bold series, grown alongside Green Bold 1 for its bold capsules that hold their green colour after drying.

Idukki, Kerala · Registered farmer variety via ICAR-IISR (PPV&FRA REG/2013/1011)

A registered Idukki farmer selection distinguished by white flowers — most cardamom blooms carry pale-violet veining — maintained as a distinct local clone.