Growing Guide: Tamarind
Growing Tips
(Also known as: Tamarind, Tart Tamarind, Tamarindus indica)
Tamarind prefers full sun and rich, well-draining soil but is tolerant of a variety of soils, including clay, and is not particular about soil pH. Water new trees during their first year and fertilize every 2–3 months while establishing. Prune to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Established trees are highly adaptable and grow especially well in warm climates.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Tamarindus indica |
| Common Names | Tamarind, Tart Tamarind |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Origin | Tropical Africa |
| Plant Type | Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial Evergreen |
| Mature Size | 30+ ft.; can take excessive pruning in the summer; prized Bonsai specimen |
| Light | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining soil; tolerates a wide diversity of soil types, rocky land, porous limestone, and salt spray |
| Bloom Time | Summer in Florida, Central America, and the West Indies |
| Flower Color | Red and Yellow |
| USDA Zones | Outdoors 9–11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Medium: Seed; XL: Grafted or Air-Layered |
| Seasonal Traits | Evergreen |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Slow, Medium |
| Harvest Season | Spring, Summer |
| Time to Harvest | Medium: capable of producing fruit within 3–4 years; XL: capable of blooming and producing fruit now |
| Fruit Production | A mature tree may annually produce 330–500 fruits |
| Fruit Ripening | In Florida, Central America, and the West Indies, ripening takes place from April through June; fruits may be left on the tree for up to 6 months after maturity to reduce moisture content to 20% or lower |
| Cold Hardiness | Very young trees should be protected from cold; older tree |
