The carob tree is one of the best known trees in Spain. Carobs are marketed for gastronomic purposes and are in high demand. The cultivation of the carob tree is not too complicated, but it requires certain fundamental aspects so that the fruits have the maximum yield. plant a carob tree It is a simple task and we will explain it here.
In this article we are going to tell you how to plant a carob tree and what aspects you must take into account for it.
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main Features
Its scientific name is Silica from Ceratonia, a name that we will never forget because we must study it and recognize it in the game. It is an evergreen tree, or evergreen in Latin. Also in the introduction, we commented on the importance of this fruit, a derivative of a chocolate called carob, which is used to make sweets and chocolates for people with diabetes.
The young leaves have also long been used to feed livestock. Anything in the carob tree can be used, including the wood, as it is used by carpenters to make handcrafted furniture and also as firewood. Spain leads its culture (Mediterranean region), followed by neighboring Portugal. There are also beautiful pieces in Greece and Morocco.
How to plant a carob tree
Climatic and edaphic requirements
The carob tree is a typical tree of the Mediterranean region with a temperate climate, typical of coastal areas. In fact, they are usually found near the surface of the sea, less than 500 meters above sea level. It is a culture similar to other typical fruit trees, such as orange or almond trees. But as we said, it needs a temperate climate, and we’ll tell you why. It does not resist the cold.
Carob trees are very hardy, but are subject to temperatures below 2 ºC. Of course, this temperature range is achievable in many winters, although it is also affected by sudden temperature drops and high humidity. That said, if the temperature drops gradually overnight, the tree will fare much better than a sudden freeze on a rainy night.
Regarding high temperaturesonly temperatures above 45 ºC will affect it.
Generally, carob trees tend to grow in calcareous soils of loose or medium consistency, but they have no problem growing in other types of soils. As we said before, it is a fairly virgin tree and problems with the ground are not a problem. It only checks that the permeability (drainage) is adequate and that there is no standing water or problems of that nature.
Irrigation and fertilizer requirements
The carob tree is a crop very adaptable to arid environmental conditions (350 mm per year is enough, i.e. 350 liters per square meter per year). But these are not the conditions we want, which are the minimum requirements for growth, so you need about 800-1000mm per year.
Carob trees are rarely fertilized, and many people don’t, but we don’t think so. It is recommended to apply compost fertilizer or manure before fruit production and during flowering, about 10 kg per tree.
Step by step to plant a carob tree
The carob tree is a tree that adapts well to a variety of soils, which is beneficial for its planting location. Adaptability in this sense, however, does not exempt it from the need for good levels of drainage to avoid puddles that can cause rot.
On the other hand, it is necessary to plow during planting to loosen it and roots can be spread as needed. And, to avoid damaging the seedlings while they are still young, it is best to weed the entire area before planting.
Carob trees are traditionally grown from seed, although in some cases cuttings can also be used to reduce growing time. Let’s see step by step how to plant a carob tree:
- Carob seeds are harvested from the fruit produced by the carob tree.
- Soak the seeds in a container with water and let them hydrate for about 10 days.
- Choose an appropriately sized seedbed and prepare it with a moist, versatile substrate.
- Spread the seeds and put a thin layer of soil on top.
- Water a little more so that the seeds settle.
- Place the seedbed in an airy space where the humidity is neither too high nor too low. Wait for them to germinate to continue transplanting.
When you already have carob sprouts, you need to transplant them into a pot so that it develops a stronger seedling. When the seedling is about 20 cm high, you can move it to a selected outdoor space. It is important to keep in mind that carob trees grow slowly, so you must exercise a lot of patience throughout the process.
Care for planting a carob tree
Some carob trees grow well without the need for fertilizer because the soil is rich in organic matter.. Otherwise, it is best to apply compost or rotten compost at the start of flowering, followed by fruit.
Pruning is another action that should be done at the right time to promote optimal conditions for the plant. Ideally, do this once a year from the age of 2 to help him develop a better structure. After that, attention should be paid to any possibly damaged parts in order to remove them. The right time to prune is after fruit production has ended.
Finally, carob trees will do best if a plow is applied to the surroundings to help loosen the soil. These plows will be on the surface of the earth, allocating two to three per year.
Multiplication
The method traditionally practiced is propagation by seed. Stakes and elbows can also be used. The benefit of producing new plants from seed is that it increases the vigor of the tree, thereby increasing its resistance to pests and diseases. However, it takes a long time to grow a 5 or 6 meter tree from seed, after which a higher yielding commercial variety must be grafted if a good crop is to be obtained.
Tips to speed up germination the seeds include placing them in water for 10 days, allowing them to swell and accumulate water. They are usually planted in the spring, between March and April, with controlled indoor temperature and humidity, until the seeds germinate. Be patient, the first batch will take about 7 years.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about how to plant a carob tree and what you need to consider for it.