Key Features
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Mediterranean Tree: Carob is an evergreen tree traditionally grown in Mediterranean regions.
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Distinctive Foliage: Features glossy, dark green compound leaves with a leathery texture.
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Decorative Flowers: Produces small, inconspicuous flowers on mature trees.
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Unique Seed Pods: Develops long, thick pods that turn brown when mature.
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Garden and Landscape Use: Suitable for warm-climate gardens, orchards, and ornamental landscapes.
Growing Benefits
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Adds attractive evergreen foliage to gardens throughout the year.
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Provides a distinctive Mediterranean character to warm-climate landscapes.
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Produces interesting pods that can be harvested when mature.
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Offers an opportunity to grow a traditional Mediterranean fruit tree.
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Develops a strong root system when established in suitable soil.
Seed Specifications
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Common Name: Carob, Carob Tree, Locust Bean, St. John's Bread
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Botanical Name: Ceratonia siliqua
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Plant Type: Evergreen perennial tree
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Colors: Dark green foliage, reddish-green flowers, brown mature pods, shiny brown seeds
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Height: Generally grows around eight to fifteen metres, depending on growing conditions
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Sunlight: Full sun
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Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or calcareous soil
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Water: Moderate watering during establishment; drought-tolerant once established
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Germination Time: Approximately two to five weeks under suitable conditions; hard-coated seeds may take longer
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Sowing Depth: Around one to one-and-a-half centimetres
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Spacing: Allow approximately seven to ten metres between mature trees
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Growing Zones: Best suited to warm, Mediterranean-type climates; approximately USDA zones nine to eleven
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Flowering/Maturity: Flowers develop on mature trees; pods generally take about a year to develop and ripen
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Uses: Ornamental landscaping, shade, edible pods, livestock fodder, and traditional food applications
Growing Tips
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Prepare Seeds Before Planting: Gently scarify the hard seed coat and soak seeds in warm water to encourage water absorption.
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Choose a Sunny Location: Select a bright, open location with plenty of direct sunlight.
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Avoid Waterlogged Soil: Use well-draining soil to protect developing roots from excessive moisture.
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Handle Seedlings Carefully: Transplant young plants with their root ball intact to avoid damaging the developing taproot.
Seed Storage
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Store carob seeds in a cool, dry location.
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Keep seeds inside an airtight container to protect them from moisture.
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Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat during storage.
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Label the container with the seed name and storage date.
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Keep stored seeds away from humidity and insects.
Unique Facts About Carob Seeds
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Mediterranean Heritage: Carob trees are native to the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated for centuries.
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Chocolate Alternative: The sweet pulp inside mature carob pods is dried and ground into carob powder, commonly used as a cocoa alternative.
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Distinctive Seeds: Carob seeds have hard, shiny brown seed coats and are naturally resistant to water absorption.
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Historic Carat Connection: Carob seeds were historically associated with the carat weight system because of their relatively uniform size and weight.