Cardamom

Uses: Culinary/Medicinal/Industrial 
Duration: Perennial (hardy in zones 8-10) 
When to Sow: Anytime 
Ease of Germination: Difficult 
Ground seeds are essential in Indian cuisine; featured in the best of Indian curries, biryanis, pilaus, and dhals, and an important member of the spice mixture, garam masala. Cardamom’s perfumed flavour is delicious in lassi, the famous yogurt drink of India, and in Indian spiced tea. Scandinavians are particularly fond of its liberal use in pastries. Leaves are used in curries inTrinidad. Makes an appealing houseplant with its perfumed leaves, even if it is difficult to coax into bloom