Complete care guide for premium tropical seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.
Category
tropical
Price
KES 750
Time to Fruit
5-7 years
Detailed care instructions for growing your Tamarind seedling successfully
Requires temperatures of 20-35°C, with optimal growth at 25-30°C. Tolerates heat up to 40°C and brief frost (-1°C for mature trees), but young trees need protection below 5°C. Annual rainfall of 500-1,500 mm supports growth, with irrigation needed in drier areas. Drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture during first 2-3 years improves establishment.
Needs 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Choose a sunny, well-drained site with good exposure. Windbreaks (e.g., Acacia trees) protect young trees from strong winds.
Adapts to a wide range of soils, including sandy loam, loamy, or clay soils, with a pH of 4.5-7.5. High organic matter (5-10 tons/ha manure) enhances growth. Tolerates poor, rocky soils but requires good drainage to prevent root rot. Clear weeds and plow to 30 cm depth. Dig planting pits (60x60x60 cm) 8-10 meters apart (100-156 trees/ha). Mix topsoil with 10-15 kg well-rotted manure or compost and 100 g rock phosphate. Adjust pH with lime (1-2 kg/pit) if below 4.5. Create raised beds in heavy soils to prevent waterlogging.
Grows best at 0-1,500 meters above sea level, ideal for lowlands and mid-altitude areas. Thrives in tropical and semi-arid regions including coastal, eastern, and rift valley areas. Optimal temperatures are 25-30°C.
Apply organic manure (10-15 kg per pit) at planting. Use balanced NPK fertilizer during growing season. Minimal fertilizer requirements once established, but young trees benefit from regular applications.
8-10 meters apart (100-156 trees/ha). This allows for proper growth and management. Adjust spacing based on variety and expected tree size.
Grafted seedlings fruit within 5-7 years. Seeds are viable but slow (6-8 years to fruiting) and variable. Propagation: Use grafted seedlings for faster fruiting and consistent quality. Soak seeds in warm water (40°C) for 24 hours to boost germination (2-3 weeks). Grafting on local rootstocks enhances drought tolerance. Planting Time: Plant in March-April or October-November (rainy seasons) to leverage natural moisture. Planting Method: Place seedlings in pit centers, ensuring graft unions are 5-10 cm above soil. Backfill with soil-manure mix and water immediately (15 liters/plant). Stake young trees to prevent wind damage.
Phase 1
Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly
Phase 2
Regular watering, fertilizer application
Phase 3
Pruning, maintenance, pest management
Phase 4
Harvest and ongoing maintenance
Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.
Protect plants during cold periods with covers or windbreaks. Choose appropriate planting locations. Consider frost-resistant varieties. Water plants before expected frost to help protect roots.
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Remove affected leaves and maintain good air circulation. Control ants that protect aphids.
Apply neem oil spray directly on affected areas. Remove heavily infested parts. Maintain good sanitation and avoid over-fertilization which attracts mealybugs. Use systemic insecticides if severe.
Min Temperature
10°C
Ideal Sunlight
6+ hrs
Water Frequency
Regular
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Order this premium Tamarind seedling today and begin your agricultural success story