Tamarind Plant Care

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Tamarindus genus. Tamarind is native to tropical Africa and naturalized in Asia. Tamarind is also known as Tamarindo, Cavaraea elegans, Tamarindus erythraeus.

Tamarind displays a large spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Tamarind produces small yellow flowers in dense clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tamarind every 7–14 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.

Tamarind thrives in full sun.

Tamarindus indica tolerates temperatures of 65–95°F. Tamarind prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Tamarind every 8 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 organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tamarind is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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.

Tamarind can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Tamarind 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.

Tamarind is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Tamarind can be propagated through seeds, grafting.

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Tamarind is susceptible to aphids, fruit borers, leaf miners. 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.

Tamarind grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Tamarind is native to tropical Africa and naturalized in Asia. In cooler regions, grow Tamarind as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.