An attractive small tree, Ceratonia siliqua is commonly called the Carob tree, and it is the tree that produces the carob pods, or beans used as a chocolate substitute.
Being from the Mediterranean including areas in Turkey, these are a rough tolerant hardy tree.
Characterised by dense foliage, it is deep brown pods that contain the pulp used to make carob that they are grown for commercially.
The flowers are small, yellow in colour before turning to red, and appear in clusters held close to the stem. The actual fragrance of the flowers is unpleasant, so this is not a tree to grow close to a house or pathway.
Foliage is best described as glossy, rounded and leathery. Older foliage is green, new foliage has a bronze tinge to it.
How to grow the Carob Tree
Best grown in full sun and in a well drained soil. Soils that are very acidic, or constantly boggy are not suitable.
Best grown in a slightly sheltered position, and although the tree is regarded as drought tolerant, if you are growing it for the pods, some extra water will be required.
If you are growing the tree for the pods, it is best pruned each year to maintain a bushy growth habit and increase productivity.
You will need a male and a female tree to get pollination for pod production.
Propagation
Usually from seeds. Seeds will need to be scarified before planting to improve the germination rates. One method is to soak them for a day before planting.
The seeds send down a long taproot and this must not be damaged in the propagation process or when transplanting.
It is best to sow seeds in individual pots and transplant them into their permanent position once they reach a reasonable size.
- Seeds should be scarified by soaking OR removing some of the husk with sandpaper or a file before planting
- Sow the seeds on deep pots to allow the tap root to form.
- Seeds should be sown at around 5cm deep.
- Keep the soil moist, not wet but do not allow to dry out.
- Provide some bottom heat for better germination results.
- Germination can take from 2 -6 weeks.
- Wait until seedlings are at least 15cm tall before transplanting.
Planting Carob Trees
Do not plant trees until the danger of frosts has passed.
- A sunny position is essential
- Choose a well drained soil
- Plant and water in.
- Mulch around the tree
- Water through the first summer always allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
- Planting distance should be around 10m
Harvesting the Carob Seeds
You do need a male and a female tree to produce the seeds pods. Trees take around 6 years to produce fruit and the fruit itself takes around 10 months to ripen.
The seed pods form after the flowers, like long green beens that will ripen to a darker colour. These pods can reach 9 inches in length.
A individual tree once mature can produce upwards of 450kg (1/2 ton) of seeds.
Landscaping and other Uses
Given formative pruning the Carob Tree makes an excellent shade tree. The wood is very hard and the tree withstands winds.
The fruits or beans have traditionally beed used a stock food,
The pods can also be dried roasted and crushed to make a chocolate substitute.
What’s the difference between Carob and Chocolate.?
Although they taste similar there are a number of differences, between Carob and Chocolate (Cacao).
Carob is sweet, while cocoa (Cacau) is bitter and is sweetened before use.
Carob has more calcium and fibre and is a good source of protein, lower on calories and high it vines A and B.
Carob does not contain caffeine and contains no fat. This can be good or bad depending on how you look at it.
You can make a flour from carob which will be gluten free. It is also said to possibly lower blood sugars and cholesterol.
Carob Tree Varieties
- Tyllira.
- Clifford.
- Santa Fe.
- Amele.
- Cypriot.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Ceratonia siliqua
- Common Name – Carob Tree
- Height – will reach 10 metres (30ft) plus often shorter.
- Spread – Will form a crown to around 4 metres plus.
- Growth Rate – Slow over the first few years then medium. (depending on soil and moisture)
- Position – Full Sun
- Soil – Well drained.
- Flowers – Yellow turning to red.
- Foliage – Glossy Green
- Flowering Time – Summer.
- Root system – Very deep.
- Frost tolerant – Yes, however flowers and therefore seed production will be limited by frosts.
- Drought tolerant – Yes, watering will increase productivity.