Carob

Seed Preparation 

Scarification:

• Nick the hard coat with a file or soak in hot water (80°C) for 24 hours. 

 Germination 

 When to Sow:

• Spring (September–November) or autumn (March–May) in frostfree zones. 

 Method: 

• Use seed raising mix in pots/trays. 
• Plant seeds 1 cm deep. 
• Keep moist (not soggy) at 20–25°C. 
• Germination occurs in 2–6 weeks. 

 Seedling Care 

 Transplanting:

• When seedlings have 4–6 true leaves.
• Harden off outdoors for 7–10 days. 

 Potting Up:

• Use well draining soil in 10–15 cm pots. 

 Site Selection and Soil Preparation 

 Soil:

• Well draining, sandy loam
• pH 6.0–8.0. Add lime if acidic. 

 Spacing:

• 10–15 m apart (mature trees reach 10–15 m height/width). 

 Wind Protection:

• Use windbreaks in exposed areas. 

 Planting Out 

 Timing:

• Late spring or early summer. 

 Steps: 

• Dig a hole twice the root ball size. 
• Mix soil with compost. 
• Plant at same depth as pot. Water thoroughly. 
• Mulch (keep away from trunk). 

 Watering 

 Young Trees:

• Water weekly (deeply).
• Reduce frequency after 1–2 years. 

 Mature Trees:

• Drought tolerant; water only in extended dry periods. 

 Fertilising 

 Young Trees:

• Apply balanced fertiliser in spring.
• Avoid high nitrogen (legumes fix their own). 

 Mature Trees:

Minimal needs; compost annually. 

 Pruning 

 Early Years:

• Shape for strong structure.
• Remove crossing/rubbing branches. 

 Mature Trees:

• Annual pruning to remove dead wood and maintain airflow. 

 Pests and Diseases 

 Pests:

• Scale, mealybugs, aphids—treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. 

 Diseases:

• Root rot (avoid overwatering).
• Ensure good drainage. 

 Harvesting 

 Timing:

• 5–7 years for pods.
• Harvest ripe pods (dark brown, dry) in late summer. 

 Uses:

Raw snacks, flour, livestock feed, or chocolate substitute. 

 Special Considerations 

 Dioecious Nature:

• Plant 5+ seeds to ensure male/female trees (or graft a hermaphrodite scion). 

 Troubleshooting 

 Poor Germination:

• Re scarify seeds. 

 Yellow Leaves:

• Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.