Tamarind trees are slow growing and can max out at a height of an impressive 25 meters with a circumference of 7 meters. They have incredibly long lives and can live as long as three centuries. The tree is native to Africa but is able to grow all across the world, commonly found in the Indian subcontinent, South America, Southeast Asia, and tropical locations in North America and Australia. Growing your own Tamarind trees is possible virtually anywhere you might be in the world, and this article will give you the basic guidelines that you’ll need to do it.
Growing Tamarind Trees From Seed
The seeds of the Tamarind tree must be soaked overnight in warm, temperate water in order to quicken the germination process. When they are ready, sow the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep in a high quality seed starting blend for best results. You will notice that the germination will occur within a week or two after having been sown. When growing the trees from seed, it is important to note that the trees may not begin to produce for as many as 6 or 7 years; so if you’re hoping to yield fruit before that, buy a plant from a nursery or use a cutting.
Planting the Tamarind
You’ll need to dig a hole that is twice as large as the root ball on the bottom of the plant. Take care to cautiously take the plant out of the pot and get rid of any damaged or dead roots. Then, place the root ball into the prepared hole and fill it in using high quality soil. This will help maintain the tree trunk well above the soil line. Pack in the soil firmly and then water it well. The tamarind will prefer to grow in dry and windy climates that are similar to tropical or subtropical areas where it grows natively. You can adapt it to a temperate and warm climate, but it won’t be as productive. Plant it in full sun settings.
The Tamarind loves loamy, deep soil and will flourish in gritty, neutral clay or even saline types of soil. The soil needs to be well drained, and fortunately, that is about the only requirement for it. Unlike other plants and trees, you won’t need to worry about the pH levels of the soil. You will need to water the saplings deeply, ensuring that the top inch of the soil is never dry to the touch. Once the trees has been firmly established, you won’t have to worry about watering them too often, as the trees are known to be able to tolerate times of extreme drought without weakening. This means that even if you forget to water them, you won’t be able to easily kill the tree, making it great for beginning gardeners.
Because of the low maintenance of the Tamarind tree, you can take your time learning what it loves best and cultivating it to grow happily for decades and decades to come.
