Tamarin
Tamarindus indica · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around tamarin and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer, yellow and pink flowers
- Mature size
- 10 to 25 m tall, 8 to 15 m wide
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, prefers tropical and subtropical climates (minimum 12°C)
- Origin
- East Africa and India
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, drought and slightly salt tolerant
Care
Watering
Tamarind tolerates drought well once established. With young plants, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In dry climates, water regularly during spring and summer growth. Reduce watering in winter or during dormancy.
Sunlight
Plant your tamarind in full sun for optimal growth and abundant fruiting. It tolerates intense heat and sheltered positions. Avoid shaded areas that slow its development.
Pruning and shaping
Prune your young tamarind to structure its branching and create a beautiful shape. Mature trees require little intervention. Remove dead or diseased branches in late winter. Light pruning after flowering encourages foliage density.
Fertilizing
Tamarind is undemanding. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when growth starts. With young plants, moderate monthly applications stimulate establishment. Reduce feeding in winter.
Soil
Tamarind prefers well-drained soil, even light or stony soil. It tolerates poor and sandy soils. Adding organic matter at planting time promotes rooting. Avoid areas with prolonged waterlogging.
Diseases and pests
Tamarind is generally robust. In humid climates, watch for mealybugs and aphids. Excess moisture can encourage fungal infections. Good air circulation and appropriate watering prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Tamarind is revered in Africa and South Asia: it provides not only a tangy pod highly valued in cuisine, but also precious wood and generous shade. In India, some centuries-old tamarind trees are considered sacred trees and symbols of wisdom.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.