Bring the ancient superfruit to your home garden with the Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), also known as Amla or Emblic Tree. Renowned in Ayurvedic tradition for its healing properties, this hardy, fruit-bearing tree produces round, light-green fruits celebrated for their exceptional vitamin C content, antioxidants, and tangy-sweet flavor.
Amla fruits are widely used in traditional medicine, jams, juices, and natural beauty remedies. The tree is ornamental as well, featuring delicate, feathery foliage and small yellow-green blossoms. Easy to grow in warm climates, it’s a rewarding addition to edible landscapes or container gardens.
Features
- Highly Nutritious Fruit: Extremely rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Medicinal Value: A key ingredient in Ayurvedic tonics and herbal remedies.
- Tropical Beauty: Attractive tree with fine, feathery leaves and small blossoms.
- Culinary Versatility: Perfect for juices, pickles, preserves, and powders.
- Long-Lived Tree: Hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
Specifications
- Common Name: Indian Gooseberry / Amla / Emblic Tree
- Scientific Name: Phyllanthus emblica
- Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
- USDA Zones: 9 – 11
- Mature Height: 20 – 30 ft (6 – 9 m)
- Spread: 10 – 15 ft (3 – 4.5 m)
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once mature
- Temperature Range: 60 – 100°F (15 – 38°C)
- Germination Time: 3 – 6 weeks
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Fruit Season: Late summer to winter
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
- Organic Status: Naturally produced, untreated seeds
- Uses: Medicinal, culinary, cosmetic, and ornamental gardening
Planting Guide
- Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing.
- Sow: Plant ½ inch deep in well-draining soil.
- Light: Provide full sun or bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: Maintain soil between 70–85°F (21–29°C).
- Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
- Transplant: Move seedlings outdoors or to larger pots after 6–8 weeks.
- Spacing: 15–20 ft apart in outdoor gardens.
- Fertilization: Apply organic compost or balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Harvest: Fruits mature within 3–5 years after planting from seed.
Care Tips
- Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage air circulation.
- Protect young trees from frost or cold drafts.
- Water moderately—avoid overwatering in cool conditions.
- Mulch base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest fruits when they turn translucent green and firm.
