How to grow cinnamon myrtle
Overview
Cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) is a long-lived Australian rainforest tree, valued for its aromatic, cinnamon-flavoured leaves and creamy summer flowers. It thrives in part-shade with consistent moisture and well-drained soil, and is a key ingredient in native bushfood cuisine.
Varieties
- Backhousia myrtifolia — The standard species, widely available in Australian nurseries for bushfood and ornamental use.
Soil Preparation
Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–6.5) with good organic content. Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure before planting; ensure free drainage to avoid root rot. Sandy loam or clay loam amended with gypsum works well.
Growing Guide
Plant in a sheltered position with dappled light or morning sun, avoiding harsh afternoon heat. Space 3–4 m apart for canopy development, or 2 m for a hedge. Prepare soil with organic matter and ensure good drainage; mulch deeply to retain moisture. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce as roots deepen. Best planted in early spring or autumn in temperate zones, or after the wet season in subtropical areas.
Sowing
Sow fresh seed in spring or autumn at 5 mm depth in a seed-raising mix; keep moist and warm (20–25°C). Germination takes 3–6 weeks; transplant seedlings when 10 cm tall. Direct sowing is less reliable; use punnets for best results.
Care
Feed in early spring with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser (e.g., 8-2-10). Prune lightly after harvest to remove deadwood and shape; thin the canopy to improve airflow. Mulch annually with organic matter to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Companion Planting
Pair with lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) for a complementary bushfood hedge, or with native mint (Prostanthera) and lilly pilly (Syzygium) for similar moisture and light needs. Avoid planting near eucalypts that may compete heavily for water.
Common Pests & Risks
Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) can cause leaf distortion and dieback; treat with copper fungicide at first sign. Scale insects may appear on stems; control with horticultural oil in winter. Monitor for psyllids causing leaf curl; prune affected tips and encourage natural predators.
Harvesting
Harvest mature leaves year-round as needed, picking from the outer canopy to encourage bushy growth. For best flavour, pick in the morning after dew dries; leaves can be used fresh or dried. Avoid stripping more than one-third of the foliage at once.
In the Kitchen
Use fresh or dried leaves as a cinnamon substitute in teas, desserts, and savoury dishes. Store dried leaves in an airtight jar for up to 6 months; crush just before use for maximum aroma. The leaves can also be infused into syrups or steeped in hot water for a fragrant drink.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves: usually overwatering or poor drainage; reduce water and improve soil. Leaf curl: often psyllid damage; prune and treat with neem oil. Slow growth: may be too much shade or compacted soil; move to brighter spot and aerate. Rust spots: myrtle rust infection; remove affected leaves and apply fungicide. Leaf drop: cold stress or frost; protect with shade cloth in winter.