Growing Guide: Tamarind

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.