Description
Tamarind fruits (Tamarindus indica) are called legumes. They are slightly curved with a brown colour and about 10cm long. Each pod consists of 4 to 12 seeds covered in a yellowish or brown coloured pulp. The seeds taste very sour and sweet and represent most of the fruit.
When ripe, the shell outside gets hard, dry, and easily cracks. A reddish-brown flesh is visible on the inside. The dark brown seeds are shiny and hard on the outside. The fruit can be eaten ripe or unripe. The best way to grow a Tamarind is to plant it in a pot and keep it indoors or in a greenhouse during winter.
Harvesting
Tamarind fruits fall from the tree naturally or are harvested when ripe. Unripe fruits that fall from the tree aren’t collected immediately but are left on the ground until they are ripe.
PLEASE NOTE: Imported Tropical Trees are small in size:
Position
Tamarind loves full sun and heat. It enjoys mild winter but is not suitable for the outdoors in colder weather without frost cover.
Adult trees are resistant to temperatures down to -2ºC.
Size
Under optimal conditions Tamarind can grow to 25 metres tall with a spread of about seven metres. Space the trees between 5 to 15 m apart.
Soil Type
Tamarind prefers deep loamy soil and thrives in neutral, gritty clay. Tamarind enjoys well-drained soil with a pH of between 4.5 and 9.
Water
Water the plants when the first 3cm of soil is dry. Established tamarind trees only require little water as they can tolerate extreme drought conditions.
Pruning
Regularly prune your tamarind tree to control its growth and shape. Remove dead and damaged wood from the plant.
Fertilising
Apply our slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Mulching
Spread a thick layer of mulch, about ten cms, around the tamarind tree at the beginning of spring. The mulch protects the roots of the trees, prevents weeds, and keeps the soil moist, mimicking the natural effects of a forest floor.
