Carob Tree Seeds – Ceratonia siliqua Mediterranean Evergreen Tree

Key Features

• Mediterranean Tree: Carob is an evergreen tree traditionally grown in Mediterranean regions.

• Distinctive Foliage: Features glossy, dark green compound leaves with a leathery texture.

• Decorative Flowers: Produces small, inconspicuous flowers on mature trees.

• Unique Seed Pods: Develops long, thick pods that turn brown when mature.

• Garden and Landscape Use: Suitable for warm-climate gardens, orchards, and ornamental landscapes.

Growing Benefits

• Adds attractive evergreen foliage to gardens throughout the year.

• Provides a distinctive Mediterranean character to warm-climate landscapes.

• Produces interesting pods that can be harvested when mature.

• Offers an opportunity to grow a traditional Mediterranean fruit tree.

• Develops a strong root system when established in suitable soil.

Seed Specifications

• Common Name: Carob, Carob Tree, Locust Bean, St. John's Bread

• Botanical Name: Ceratonia siliqua

• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial tree

• Colors: Dark green foliage, reddish-green flowers, brown mature pods, shiny brown seeds

• Height: Generally grows around eight to fifteen metres, depending on growing conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or calcareous soil

• Water: Moderate watering during establishment; drought-tolerant once established

• Germination Time: Approximately two to five weeks under suitable conditions; hard-coated seeds may take longer

• Sowing Depth: Around one to one-and-a-half centimetres

• Spacing: Allow approximately seven to ten metres between mature trees

• Growing Zones: Best suited to warm, Mediterranean-type climates; approximately USDA zones nine to eleven

• Flowering/Maturity: Flowers develop on mature trees; pods generally take about a year to develop and ripen

• Uses: Ornamental landscaping, shade, edible pods, livestock fodder, and traditional food applications

Growing Tips

• Prepare Seeds Before Planting: Gently scarify the hard seed coat and soak seeds in warm water to encourage water absorption.

• Choose a Sunny Location: Select a bright, open location with plenty of direct sunlight.

• Avoid Waterlogged Soil: Use well-draining soil to protect developing roots from excessive moisture.

• Handle Seedlings Carefully: Transplant young plants with their root ball intact to avoid damaging the developing taproot.

Seed Storage

• Store carob seeds in a cool, dry location.

• Keep seeds inside an airtight container to protect them from moisture.

• Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat during storage.

• Label the container with the seed name and storage date.

• Keep stored seeds away from humidity and insects.

Unique Facts About Carob Seeds

• Mediterranean Heritage: Carob trees are native to the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated for centuries.

• Chocolate Alternative: The sweet pulp inside mature carob pods is dried and ground into carob powder, commonly used as a cocoa alternative.

• Distinctive Seeds: Carob seeds have hard, shiny brown seed coats and are naturally resistant to water absorption.

• Historic Carat Connection: Carob seeds were historically associated with the carat weight system because of their relatively uniform size and weight.