Tamarind, Tart (Tamarindus indica)
Another one of our absolute favorite fruits! Tamarind is adapted to a wide range of growing conditions and grows exceedingly well and effortlessly in Florida, especially in the south.
Tamarind is an evergreen member of the legume family with feathery, pinnate leaves, red and yellow flowers, and long, bumpy seed pods that ripen from April through June. The sweet-sour pulp surrounding the seeds is used in cooking, traditional medicines, and as a metal polish for copper and bronze.
Tamarind is native to tropical Africa and is prized in the cuisines of the Caribbean, India, Mexico, and Central America, and tropical and subtropical areas around the world. The seeds and leaves are edible, and the pulp surrounding the seeds can either be eaten raw or used in chutneys, candies, marinades, sauces, and drinks. In addition, Tamarind is a flavoring ingredient in Worcestershire sauce.
Its uses in traditional medicines are for treating fever, malaria, and digestive issues. The bark and leaves have also been used to treat wounds. Modern medicine is looking into additional uses for Tamarind and recommends it as a health-boosting supplement.
Tamarind is a beautiful, fine-textured tree that prefers full sun in rich, well-draining soil. It is tolerant of a variety of soils, even clay, and is not particular about the soil’s pH. Water your new tree the first year and fertilize it every 2 to 3 months while it is establishing. Prune the tree to keep it in shape and remove any dead wood.
Tamarind is a leguminous tree native to tropical Africa. Tamarind trees can obtain impressive heights, reaching anywhere from 30-100 feet tall in the right habitat. However, Tamarind trees are also highly prized Bonsai specimen and can be pruned and maintained at impressively small sizes as well.
Plant Type:
Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Spring, Summer
Tamarinds may be left on the tree for as long as 6 months after maturity so that the moisture content will be reduced to 20% or lower. In Florida, Central America, and the West Indies, the flowers appear in summer, the green fruits are found in December and January and ripening takes place from April through June. A mature tree may annually produce 330 to 500 of fruits.
Mature Size:
30+ ft. Can take excessive pruning in the summer. Prized Bonsai specimen.
Soil & Moisture:
Rich well-draining soil. Once established, tamarind trees can withstand periods of drought. Tamarind trees tolerate a wide diversity of soil types, from deep alluvial soil to rocky land and porous, oolitic limestone. It withstands salt spray and can be planted fairly close to the seashore.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Slow, Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Very young trees should be protected from cold but older trees are surprisingly hardy.
Propagation:
Medium Size: grown from seed and capable to produce fruit within 3-4 years.
XL Size: grafted or air-layered, capabale of blooming and producing fruit now.
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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