Carob Tree – 5 Seeds

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) also known as locust bean or St John’s Bread, is a small to medium evergreen leguminous tree with glossy leathery leaves. The tree is dioecious and it is pollinated by wasps and flies.

The tree’s edible pods are filled with a saccharine pulp and used as a chocolate substitute in cakes and drinks. They are rich in sugars and protein and can be eaten both green or dried. The seedpods are also used to make a flour that is free from sugar and starch. Roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute.

Growing Carob Tree

Indoor Sowing: Spring and Early Summer.

Direct Sowing: Spring and Summer.

• It prefers a full Sun position, planted in fast-draining soil. Can grow in nutritionally poor soil and is drought tolerant.
• The tree develops a long tap root, so it is best to plant the seeds in deep containers.
• Scarify the seed coat and then place the seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
• Fill a deep container with a good quality, fast-draining potting mix.
• Sow the seeds 50mm deep.
• Place the container in a well lit, warm area until germination.
• Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet.
• Germination in about 40 days at a soil temperature of 22-26°C.
• Transplant the seedlings to the garden or a larger pot once they are about 8-10cm tall.
• Can be grown in large containers that provide room for root expansion.