🌿 Tamarind: Growing Guide
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at 5–45 °C (41–113 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 1000 cm (394 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Tamarindus indica |
|---|---|
| Category | Tropical Fruits |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 1000 cm (394 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 5–45 °C (41–113 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 500–2000 cm (197–787 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Jul–Oct, Dec–Apr.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Growing tips
Sweet-sour pods. Used in Indian cuisine. A very large tree that needs a tropical climate.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Tamarind: when should I sow and plant it?
Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Jul–Oct, Dec–Apr. Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
Tamarind: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Tamarind: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 1000 cm (394 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Tamarind: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Tamarind: which plants grow well with it?
Mango.
Tamarind: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids, Scale insects.
Plan your garden
Add Tamarind to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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