A carob tree is an enrichment for your garden. The exotic plant also thrives in local areas. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when planting. On this page you will find out everything you need to know about the right substrate, the suitable location and how exactly to proceed.
How to plant a carob tree correctly?
To plant a carob tree successfully, the location should be in full sun to partial shade, the substrate should be permeable and humic (with sand, gravel and perlite), and the soil should be calcareous and rich in s alt. Container cultivation is recommended to avoid frost damage.
Selection of location
- full sun to partial shade
- permeable substrate to prevent waterlogging (enrich with perlite or grit)
- humous soil, sand or gravel
- Mixture of potting soil and sand
- calcareous soils with high salinity
Possible forms of cultivation
Although the carob tree is considered winter-proof down to -3°C, since many winter nights are significantly colder here in Europe, it is advisable to cultivate the tree in a pot. It's best to place it on a rollable coaster straight away to make moving it indoors as easy as possible during the winter. Possible forms are, for example,
- A solitary tree
- A bonsai
- Or a standard tree
Either you buy a finished tree commercially, which you then transplant into a suitable pot, or you get seeds and grow your own tree.
Growing a carob tree from seeds
- Growing can take place all year round.
- Rub the seeds in sandpaper or soak them in water to help the hard shell open later.
- Fill seed pots with cactus or garden soil and sow the seeds.
- Place these in a bright location with temperatures of 20°C.
- Make sure the humidity is low.
- If necessary, cover the pots with foil.
- To prevent mold from forming, you should remove them for two hours every day.
- The germination time is around ten days, depending on the location requirements.
- Water the seeds sparingly.
- You may need to remove the seed casings from the seedlings using tweezers.
- When the first leaves appear after six weeks, plant the carob tree outdoors.
- Do not repot the tree until after the Ice Saints in May.
Requirements for the bucket
- Sufficiently deep for the taproot to develop.
- Drainage or opening in the ground to prevent waterlogging.
