US Trends

where does cinnamon grow

Cinnamon primarily grows in tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka leads global production, especially of true Ceylon cinnamon.

Main Growing Regions

Sri Lanka dominates with about 65% of the world's Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), thriving in its misty Central Province highlands at elevations around 1,000 meters. The area's acidic volcanic soil, consistent 26°C temperatures, and 2,500mm annual rainfall create ideal conditions for the thin, aromatic bark.

India contributes around 15%, mainly Cassia cinnamon in Kerala's Cardamom Hills and the Western Ghats, where similar humid microclimates yield spicier varieties. Indonesia (8% share) focuses on Cassia (C. burmannii) in Java's volcanic soils, producing thicker bark with higher coumarin levels.

China and Vietnam specialize in Cassia (C. cassia) from Guangxi and the Annamite Range, leveraging monsoon rains for high-volume output.

Types and Origins

  • Ceylon Cinnamon (C. verum): Native to Sri Lanka, also introduced to India, Bangladesh, Myanmar; prized for delicate flavor and low coumarin.
  • Cassia Cinnamon : Includes Chinese (C. cassia), Indonesian (C. burmannii), and Saigon varieties from Vietnam; bolder taste but higher coumarin.

These trees require wet tropical habitats—rich, well-drained soil, partial shade for saplings, and rainy-season planting.

Growing Conditions

Cinnamon trees reach 10-15 meters but are coppiced for bark harvesting every two years after 3-4 years of growth. No commercial U.S. production exists due to unsuitable climates; experimental Florida efforts fail from low rainfall and soil issues.

Quick Cultivation Facts

  • Soil : Acidic, volcanic preferred; potassium/nitrogen fertilizers boost aroma.
  • Climate : Humid tropics, 20-30°C, no frost.
  • Harvest : Bark stripped from shoots, dried into quills.

TL;DR : Cinnamon grows in Asia's tropics—Sri Lanka (top for Ceylon), India, Indonesia, China, Vietnam—with no viable U.S. farms.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.