Bring the taste of the tropics to your garden with the Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), a remarkable fruit-bearing legume tree native to Africa and widely cultivated in Asia, India, and tropical regions worldwide. Its sweet-tart pulp-filled pods are prized for their use in culinary dishes, sauces, candies, and drinks, as well as for their medicinal benefits.
This slow-growing, evergreen tree features delicate feathery leaves, fragrant yellow flowers, and brown bean-like pods that ripen to reveal edible, tangy pulp. Suitable for warm climates or as a potted indoor tree, Tamarind makes an eye-catching and productive addition to any tropical garden or greenhouse.
Features
- Produces Tangy-Sweet Edible Pods used in global cuisines.
- Attractive Evergreen Tree with delicate, feathery foliage.
- Fragrant Flowers bloom before fruiting.
- Drought-Tolerant & Hardy in Warm Regions.
- Can Be Grown in Containers Indoors.
- Non-GMO & Naturally Grown Seeds.
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica
- Common Name: Tamarind Tree
- Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
- Fruit Type: Brown pod containing tangy pulp
- Plant Type: Evergreen tree or large shrub
- Mature Height: 40–80 ft outdoors (manageable size in containers)
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
- Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
- Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature Range: Prefers warm climates; protect from frost
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–11
- Germination Time: 7–21 days (soak seeds before planting)
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
Planting Guide
- Soak seeds in warm water for 24–48 hours to soften the shell.
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep in well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Keep soil moist but not soggy, and maintain warmth (75–85°F / 24–29°C).
- Germination typically occurs within 1–3 weeks.
- Once seedlings are 6–8 inches tall, transplant outdoors or into large containers.
- Prune lightly to shape and encourage branching.
- Provide full sun and occasional deep watering during dry periods.
Care Tips
- Ideal for tropical and subtropical climates.
- Grow in a sunny, protected location or greenhouse in cooler regions.
- Fertilize every 2–3 months with organic compost or balanced fertilizer.
- Can tolerate dry spells once mature, but avoid prolonged drought in young trees.
- Protect young plants from frost or bring indoors during winter in cold zones.