Carob Plant Care

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Ceratonia genus. Carob is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Carob is also known as St. John's-bread, Locust tree, Ceratonia coriacea.

Carob displays a medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Carob produces small, greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Carob every 10–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Carob thrives in full sun.

Ceratonia siliqua tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Carob prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Carob to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Carob every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Carob is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Carob can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Carob while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Carob is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Carob can be propagated through seeds, grafting.

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Carob is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Carob grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Carob is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. In cooler regions, grow Carob as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.