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Tamarind: Growing the Tropical Tree
Tropical

Tamarind: Growing the Tropical Tree

Tamarindus indica

Tamarind care (Tamarindus indica): tropical tree with sweet-sour pods. Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant, frost-tender, slow-growing.

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Characteristics

Scientific nameTamarindus indica
Height10-20 m
Sunlightpieno sole
Watermedia
Soilfertile drenante
Toxicitynon tossica
Growthlenta
Temperature10 a 38 °C
FloweringApr, May, Jun
IrrigationWater young trees regularly to keep the soil moist; mature trees withstand dry spells well and dislike waterlogging.

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a large tropical evergreen tree with feathery leaves, grown for its pods of brown, sweet-sour pulp used in sauces, drinks and Indian and Asian cooking. It wants full sun, deep, well-drained soil and tolerates drought once established. It is frost-tender. It grows slowly and long-lived, reaching 10-20 metres.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: media — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: fertile drenante. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

How long does tamarind take to fruit?
A long time: from seed it takes 6-10 years or more for the first pods; it grows slowly, so outside the tropics it is grown mainly in a pot as an ornamental.
Can tamarind be grown in a pot?
Yes, when young in a large, bright, warm pot; it is frost-tender, so in cold climates shelter it in winter below 10 °C.

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