Tart Tamarind Tree

A stunning tree with a sweet-sour twist

The Tart Tamarind tree is a delightful addition to tropical yards, known for its finely leafed, airy foliage and sweet-tart fruit. In zones 10-11, Tart Tamarind can be grown as a shade tree, its feathery foliage providing dappled shade for outdoor gatherings, while also allowing enough light for lawns to grow underneath. Yellow-red flowers light up the canopy spring to early summer, giving way to nutritious seed pods. Easily grown in well drained sand or clay, Tart Tamarind is highly wind resistant and not prone to any major pests or disease.

In colder zones, our seedling grown Tart Tamarind makes an excellent container plant. Fruit can be expected in 3-5 years, its sweet-sour pulp a prized ingredient in drinks, sauces, marmalades, and chutneys. With a host of medicinal properties, Tart Tamarind is a valuable addition to the landscape, blending beauty and functionality into yards or container gardens.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a spot with ample sunlight and well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, place the tree in the center, and backfill with soil. Tamarind is not salt tolerant, so plant away from salt spray.

2. Watering: Tamarind is sensitive to root rot, so be sure the soil is very well drained. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first few months after planting. Once established, water deeply but less frequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.

3. Pruning: Prune during the late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove any dead or unhealthy branches. When young, train a central leader, as Tamarinds will develop many competing leaders without proper pruning.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Follow the package instructions for the right amount, ensuring not to over-fertilize to avoid root damage.

5. Winterizing: For the first few years, cover the Tamarind tree with frost cloth if temperatures dip below 40 F. Eventually, Tamarinds develop improved cold hardiness after establishment and may be able to survive brief exposure to temperatures just below freezing.

Container Growth: In zones 3-9, Tamarinds may be grown in containers and taken indoors once temperatures reach 55 F. Choose a container 1-2" larger than the nursery pot the tree arrives in. Use a well draining potting mix for cactus or citrus, or amend an all purpose pitting mix with 50% perlite. Repot every 2-3 years. Fertilize every 30-60 days during the growing season, stopping in fall. Water when the soil dries down 2". In winter, provide a sunny Southern window where the plant will receive 5-6 hours of direct, bright sun. Use a full spectrum grow light on for 12-16 hours, off for at least 8 hours, if sunlight hours cannot be met. Keep indoors temperatures above 65 F for best growth.