Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum, Maton - small) popularly known as the queen of spices. Productivity of cardamom is much lower mainly due to lack of improved varieties and poor agronomic practices. The long duration for seed germination is considered as one of the major issues in the propagation of cardamom. Effects of seven different growth media composition (Forest soil, Top soil, Forest soil+ Top soil, Forest soil+ Compost, Top soil+ Compost, Forest soil+ Top soil + compost, Top soil+ Compost) and four levels of watering frequencies every ( one, two, three and four days interval) were evaluated. The experimental design was a split plot with three replications. Result: The highest values of seed germination percentage (85%), speed of germination (2.94), seedling height (34.52 cm) and seedling vigor index I ((2080 %cm) were obtained under seeds sown in a mixture of forest soil and compost media mixture (2:1) ratio with a watering frequency a day interval, whereas, the lowest values of seed germination percentage (56%), speed of germination (0.85) and seedling vigor index I (687 %cm) were recorded for seeds sown in top soil with a watering frequency of every four days interval. Growing medium comprising 75% of forest soil with 25% of compost and watering frequency every day interval was influential in improving cardamom seed germination potential and subsequent seedling growth.

Keywords: Elettaria cardamomum, seed germination, seedling vigor, speed of germination, watering frequency, growth media, queen of spices