Tamarind Seed
Tamarindus indica • Fabaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Fruit / Tree
🌍 Origin Region
Native to Tropical Africa; widely naturalized in tropical Asia and the Americas.
📅 Days to Maturity
6 to 10 years for first fruit production. Pods are harvested in late spring to summer when the shell is brittle and dry.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 10-11. Extremely frost-sensitive; cannot survive temperatures below 28°F (-2°C).
About This Seed
The seed is hard, flattened-globular or rhomboid, roughly 1-1.5 cm long, with a glossy, dark brown to blackish mahogany seed coat. The plant is a slow-growing, long-lived, massive evergreen tree with pinnate foliage and distinctive bean-like pods containing acidic pulp.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Year-round in tropical climates; best started in Spring in sub-tropical areas.
Germination
7 to 20 days. Requires soaking in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting to soften the tough testa. Optimal soil temperature is 25-30°C (77-86°F).
Planting Instructions
Plant 1-2 cm deep in well-draining potting mix. Space far apart as trees eventually reach 12-18 meters in height. Prefers sandy-loam soil with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (6-8+ hours). High drought tolerance once established; regular watering during the first two years of growth.
Companion Plants
Grows well with nitrogen-fixing cover crops and ginger. Avoid planting near structures due to its massive root system and crown size.
Special Characteristics
Highly salt-tolerant, wind-resistant, and nitrogen-fixing. Produces edible tart fruit used in culinary pastes and candies. Provides dense shade.