Allspice is an aromatic, evergreen, profusely-branched tree that usually grows 7 - 10 metres tall but occasionally reaches 20 metres. The bole can be up to 30cm in diameter.The tree was used as a spice in the Caribbean before the arrival of the Europeans. It has become a popular spice in many areas of the world and is now often cultivated in the American tropics, especially in Jamaica, and occasionally elsewhere
Water the tree once a day for the first two weeks after transplanting. Once the tree has become established, water twice a week. Water the tree until the soil is thoroughly moist. The Jamaican allspice tree is not drought-tolerant, and prolonged periods without water can kill the tree.
Place the tree where it will receive direct morning light or partially shaded afternoon sunlight. Protect the tree from direct afternoon sunlight, which can burn the foliage of the young tree.
Fertilize the Jamaican allspice tree with a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer beginning six months after planting and every six months thereafter. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of the fertilizer in a 1-gallon jug of water and sprinkle around the base of the tree.
Regular potting soil with a neutral pH can be used. Jamaican allspice tolerates a wide variety of soils.
Prune the Jamaican allspice tree three years after planting. Prune branches during the winter, when the tree is not actively growing. Prune the branches to shape the tree and encourage a bushier appearance.
It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 15 - 32°c, but can tolerate 10 - 35°c
