Tamarind Tree

1. Planting: Start by choosing an area with full to partial sun (4 to 8 hours of sunlight daily) and well-drained soil for your Tamarind Tree. It will also need some protection from the cold while young, so if you're in a colder climate, plant your Tamarind in a container to bring indoors during the winter.

Dig a hole that's large enough to accommodate the tree's root ball, backfill the soil and water to settle the roots. Also, mulch the surrounding soil, ensuring the mulch does not touch the trunk. This helps preserve moisture.

If you're container-planting your Tamarind, select a pot that's about twice the size of your tree's shipped container, use organic planting mix and place your tree in the pot. Place in a sunny area on your porch or in front of a sunny window indoors. Also, ensure your pot has drainage holes.

Note: This product grows best in well-draining soil. When you receive your plant, you may notice small, white beads or rocks in the soil - this medium is added to increase drainage and keep your plant happy and healthy! 

2. Watering: Water once a week during the Tamarind's growing season, gradually tapering through the fall and winter. Only water to moisten dry soil - if you're not sure when the soil is dry, simply use your index finger to check the soil about 2 or 3 inches down.

3. Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release 8-3-9 fertilizer during early spring for the first three to five growing seasons. Follow the label directions, and water deeply after fertilizing.

4. Pruning: Prune Tamarinds in late winter with pruning shears. During the first two years, choose 3 to 5 strong, evenly spaced branches for scaffolding (or, cutting upwards at a 45-degree angle). Cut all other branches back nearly to the trunk. After that, simply remove dead or weak branches yearly.