Light and medium-heavy soils are best for plant growth. Avoid pure sandy soils. The tree adapts well to dry areas and can be grown in mild alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of
salinity and sodicity and is cultivated very successfully in the pH range of 6.0 to 8.0.
However, its production is higher in deep and fertile soils. Due to its complex nature, it is
grown in various soils. It is produced in slightly acidic saline soils and can be grown in
calcareous soils. It gives the best results when grown under fertile clay with a good
drainage system. It can also tolerate mild alkaline soils. Avoid cultivating in heavy soils.
Amla is generally propagated by shield budding. Budding is done on one-year-old seedlings with buds collected from best
varieties yielding big sized fruits. Older trees or poor yielders can be changed into superior types by top working.
Young plants require watering during summer months at 15 days interval till they are fully established. Watering of bearing
plants is advised during summer months at the bi-weekly interval. After the monsoon rains, during October – December
about 25-30 liters of water per day per tree through drip irrigation should be given. Drip Irrigation is the best way of watering
amla plants
High-yielding amla varieties like NA 7, Krishna, and Chakia are well-suited for high-density
planting with a spacing of 3 meters by 3 meters. By utilizing this spacing and employing a
hexagonal or triangular planting method, it is possible to accommodate up to 1200 plants
per hectare.
As an additional benefit, shade-tolerant medicinal plants such as Phyllanthus sp
(Keelanelli) and gulmeg can be grown as intercrops until the amla trees reach economic
bearing age. Expert suggests this approach to maximize productivity and utilize the land
efficiently
Action: Begin by extracting the seeds from the amla fruit. Look for reddish-
brown, pointed seeds, discarding any discolored ones.
Preparation: Soak the selected seeds in water overnight. Discard any oating seeds as
they are not viable.
Planting: Plant the seeds about half a centimeter deep in free-draining soil. Keep the
soil consistently wet but not waterlogged.
Pot Selection: Choose a wide and deep pot, ensuring the plant won’t become root-
bound. Start small and upgrade as needed.
Soil: Employ free-draining, fertile soil in the pot to support healthy root growth.
Amla Seed Germination Time: The time it takes for Amla seeds to grow and germinate
can vary depending on the conditions. If you follow the right steps, Amla seeds will
germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Amla Fruit Varieties and Taste: Gooseberries come in various varieties, each with its
unique taste prole. Desert varieties, particularly, are renowned for their sweet and
avorful taste. These can be enjoyed with cream and sugar or used fresh in a wide range
of sweet recipes, including gateaux.
Amla Fruit Bearing Time: When grown from seedlings, Amla trees typically start bearing
fruit between 5 to 7 years after planting. On the other hand, budded clones may begin.
Harvesting Amla Fruits: Amla fruits are best harvested during February when they
transition from light green to pale green and yellow. Mature fruits do not fall easily and
may require vigorous shaking to be collected.
Reasons for Amla Tree Not Fruiting: There could be several reasons your Amla tree isn’t
bearing fruit. Traditional wild-variety Amla trees can bear fruit when planted alone, but if
you’ve planted a grafted tree, it may require other nearby varieties or Amla trees for cross-
pollination.
Amla: Amla thrives in slightly acidic to saline soil and tolerates calcareous
soil. The best results are achieved in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic
matter. While Amla trees prefer loamy soil, they can adapt to heavy clay if adequate
drainage is ensured during the initial years.
Sunlight: Provide bright shade for your amla plant in its rst year, gradually
transitioning to direct sunlight from the second year onward.
Watering: Keep the plant well-watered when young, especially during hot summers.
Avoid excess or allowing the plant to sit in water in the saucer.
Position: Choose a sunny location for your amla tree. While it can withstand heat and
dry spells, it protects young trees from frost.
Soil: Opt for well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
Watering: Young plants require regular watering. Mature trees can be watered
sparingly, with more frequent watering during active growth or drought conditions.
oseberries: For healthy Gooseberry plants, use nitrogen-rich fertilizers like
well-rotted manure. Apply this in late autumn to provide a steady release of nutrients.
Additionally, wood ash can be spread around the bushes to supply valuable potassium,
promoting owering and fruiting. Gooseberries are not too particular about soil type but
appreciate well-drained soil enriched with compost or manure. Full sun is ideal, but they
can tolerate partial shade.
Mulching: Add a layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture and deter weeds.
Pests and Diseases: While Amla is generally hardy, occasional neem oil sprays can
deter pests like caterpillars and mealybugs.
Harvesting: Amla fruit can take 3 to 4 years to mature. Harvest mature, hard, glossy
fruits using a ladder or a hook-tipped bamboo.
Indian Gooseberry, or Amla, has specic nutrient requirements for healthy growth and
fruit production. As a tree that yields nutrient-rich fruits, it requires appropriate
fertilization for optimal results. When cultivating Amla, natural fertilizers are
recommended. Aged manure is an excellent choice, providing essential nutrients to the
tree. This organic approach supports soil health and nutrient retention.
In suboptimal fruit production or overall tree health, supplementing with a balanced
liquid fertilizer every 3-5 weeks can be benecial. This helps address potential nutrient
deciencies and ensures the tree’s vitality. Pruning is a vital aspect of Amla tree care.
Best Fertilizer for Indian Gooseberry/Amla: Organic, Homemade, NPK Ratio, When and How to Apply
Regular pruning involves removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Additionally,
pruning helps address branches becoming entangled or crossing each other.
These pruning practices improve air circulation within the canopy and facilitate better
sunlight penetration. Adequate sunlight exposure is crucial for robust fruit development
and overall tree health. Amla trees may face challenges from pests and diseases. Rust is a
major disease that can affect Amla trees.
Nutrient-rich soil Enrichment: Organic fertilizers, such as aged manure, compost, and
vermicompost, are packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
and micronutrients. When applied to the soil around Amla trees, these organic
amendments enhance soil fertility and nutrient availability. They create a nutrient-rich
environment that encourages healthy root development and tree vigor.
Compost, aged manure, vermicompost, sh emulsion, and seaweed extract are essential
for Amla tree health. Compost enhances soil fertility, supports root development, and
encourages benecial microorganisms. Aging manure provides a balanced nutrient
prole, vermicompost improves soil aeration, sh emulsion boosts nitrogen levels, and
seaweed extract enhances nutrient absorption and plant immunity.
Slow and Steady Nutrient Release: Unlike synthetic fertilizers that can lead to rapid
nutrient release and potential over-fertilization, organic fertilizers release nutrients
gradually. This ensures a consistent and sustained supply of essential elements to the
Amla tree over an extended period. This slow-release nature minimizes the risk of
nutrient leaching and helps maintain soil health.
Improved Soil Structure: Organic fertilizers improve soil structure by enhancing water-
holding capacity and aeration. This benets Amla trees, particularly in areas with variable
moisture levels, as it helps prevent waterlogging and root rot.Microbial Activity Enhancement: Organic fertilizers foster benecial microbial activity in
the soil. Healthy soil ecosystems promote nutrient cycling and nutrient uptake by Amla
trees. These microbes assist in breaking down organic matter into plant-available forms,
further enhancing the tree’s nutrient absorption.
Environmentally Friendly: Organic fertilizers have a minimal environmental footprint.
They contain harmful chemicals or synthetic additives that can cause groundwater or
harm benecial soil organisms. This makes them a sustainable choice for long-term Amla
cultivation.
Banana Fertilizer: Banana peels are rich in potassium, an essential nutrient for fruiting
plants like Amla. Chop banana peels and bury them around the base of the tree. As they
decompose, they release potassium gradually, promoting healthy fruit development.
In case you missed it: Bangalore Method of Composting: Preparation Method, Benets,
and Disadvantag
Epsom Salt Solution: Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, can be soluted in water and
applied to the soil. It boosts magnesium levels in the soil, improving photosynthesis and
overall tree vitality.
Eggshell Powder: Crushed eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is crucial for
strong cell walls and fruit quality. Grind eggshells into a ne powder and sprinkle it
Comfrey Tea: Comfrey leaves can create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. Soak comfrey
leaves in water for a few weeks, strain the liquid, and dilute it with water before applying it
to the soil. Comfrey tea provides a balanced blend of nutrients.
Coffee Grounds: Used as excellent source of nitrogen, which supports vegetative growth
in Amla trees. Mix coffee grounds in soil or sprinkle them around the tree to provide a
steady release of nitrogen
o for Amla: What You Need to Know
The NPK ratio, representing the proportion of essential nutrients in fertilizers, is crucial for
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) cultivation. For Amla trees, signifying a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Nitrogen (N): Essential for leafy growth and overall tree vigor, nitrogen supports the
development of healthy Amla leaves and branches.
Phosphorus (P): Crucial for root development and ower and fruit production,
phosphorus plays a key role in the Amla tree’s reproductive growth.
Potassium (K): Vital for fruit quality, potassium enhances Amla fruit’s taste and
nutritional content while improving resistance to diseases and stress
When to Apply
. Early Spring: Apply fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 in early spring, just
before the growing season starts. This provides essential nutrients as the tree awakens
from dormancy and initiates active growth.Stage: Apply fertilizer to the soil around the base of the Amla tree, ensuring it is well-
distributed within the root zone.
Quantity: The quantity of fertilizer depends on the tree’s age and size. For mature
Amla trees, apply 0.5-2kgs of fertilizer per year of tree age, up to a maximum of 3-5kgs
per tree per year. Younger trees require proportionally less.
Reason: Fertilizer application during these periods supplies essential nutrients,
particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to support robust vegetative
growth, owering, and fruit development, ultimately ensuring a healthy and
productive Amla tree
Indian Gooseberry, can suffer from nutrient deciencies. Major
deciencies include nitrogen, which results in pale green or yellow leaves, reduced
growth, and sparse foliage. Phosphorus deciency causes dark green leaves, delayed
owering, and poor fruit development.
Fertilization should be started in the second year after planting, usually in early spring.
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. Apply 1/4 to 1/2 pounds
per tree, gradually increasing each year. Distribute evenly within the tree’s drip line,
keeping it away from the trunk. Water thoroughly after application and regularly inspect
the tree for nutrient deciencies to adjust fertilization for healthy growth.
For Amla, the plant can tolerate 25 degree temperature to 48 degree temperature.
Gooseberry cultivation which has kept its roots and is known for its yield is a profitable God in India. The cost of planting Gooseberrycan range from Rs 30 to Rs 35000 per acre. The income from Gooseberry cultivation depends on the yield. Karti hai doston ke ji beech fal deta hai its meaning is different.
