Tart tamarind has tangy, sour pulp that is the classic ingredient for drinks (agua de tamarindo), chutneys, sauces and candies. (Tamarindus indica (sour))
Shop this plant: Tart Tamarind Tree – 3 Gal
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential.
- Watering: Water new trees 2-3 times a week for the first month, then weekly through the first year.
Sun
Full sun. Tamarind thrives in heat.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential. South Florida's sandy and limestone soils work well if water never stands; plant on a slight mound in low areas and mix in compost at planting.
Watering
Water new trees 2-3 times a week for the first month, then weekly through the first year. Established trees are very drought tolerant.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Young trees: a balanced fertilizer with minor elements (such as 6-6-6 or 8-3-9) every 6-8 weeks from March through September, starting small and increasing as the tree grows. Mature trees: 2-3 applications a year (spring, early summer, late summer). Skip fertilizer from November through February. On alkaline South Florida soil, add chelated iron and manganese if new leaves are pale with green veins.
Pruning
Prune lightly after harvest to shape the tree, remove dead and crossing branches, and keep it at a pickable height.
Cold Protection
Mature trees handle brief dips to about 28°F; young trees should be covered with frost cloth below 32°F.
Container vs. In-Ground
Tamarind becomes a large, long-lived tree but grows slowly and can be kept in a 20-25 gallon container for years with pruning, and is also a popular bonsai.
Spacing
Plant 25-30 ft from buildings and other trees; it becomes a large shade tree.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Seedling-type trees may take 5-7 years to fruit; grafted trees sooner. Pods ripen in winter and spring.
Harvest
Pick when the shell is brown and brittle and the pulp is sticky and pulls away from the shell.
Common Pests and Diseases
Start with organic, low-impact fixes: good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit and leaves, and soaps or oils before anything stronger. Always follow label directions.
Scale and mealybugs
How to identify: Small bumps or white cottony clusters on stems and leaf undersides, often with sticky honeydew and black sooty mold.
Organic-first treatment: Prune heavily infested twigs, spray horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and control the ants that farm them.
Fruit borers and weevils
How to identify: Holes in pods or insects inside the shell.
Organic-first treatment: Harvest promptly and store pods dry; remove fallen pods.
Root rot
How to identify: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, dark mushy roots.
Organic-first treatment: Prevention is the cure: plant high in fast-draining soil, never let water stand, and cut back watering in cool months.
Caterpillars
How to identify: Chewed leaves and new shoots.
Organic-first treatment: Hand-pick, or spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), an organic, caterpillar-specific treatment.
FAQ
How do I use tart tamarind? Soak the pulp in warm water, strain out seeds and fibers, and use the paste in drinks, sauces and marinades.
Is it self-fruitful? Yes.
Related Reading
- Sweet vs Sour Tamarind: Which Tree Should You Plant?
- Tamarind Pods: When to Pick and How to Use Them
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree More Than None
Ready to grow your own? Get the Tart Tamarind here.
