Intermediate
skill rating
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Ceratonia siliqua (Carob)
1 hour care
per year
per year
15m
Max height
Max height
15m
Max spread
Max spread
20-50 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Ceratonia siliqua
Other names
Carob, St John's bread, Locust bean, Chocar, Egyptian fig, Carat, Algoroba bean, Algorroba bean, European locust tree, Karoub, Tragaso
Genus
Ceratonia Ceratonia
Species
C. siliqua - C. siliqua is a tender, spreading, evergreen tree with pinnate leaves divided into broadly ovate, glossy, mid- to dark green leaflets and catkin-like racemes of pale yellow flowers turning orange-red when mature. On female trees, flowers are followed by elongated, curved, dark brown pods containing edible seeds.
Ceratonia siliqua is: Evergreen
Habit
Spreading
Flower
Red, Yellow in Summer; Yellow, Red in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation
Treat seed with hot water followed by soaking for three days prior to sowing. Sow at 22-26C
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Ceratonia siliqua (Carob) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 15m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Sub-Tropical, Specimen tree, Architectural
Cultivation
Grown in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun with shelter from early morning sun, frost, and cold, drying winds. Will not tolerate heavy clay. Tolerates drought and coastal conditions. Male flowers have an unpleasant scent. In areas with cold, harsh winters, grow in a container and overwinter indoors.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Ceratonia siliqua
Other names
Carob, St John's bread, Locust bean, Chocar, Egyptian fig, Carat, Algoroba bean, Algorroba bean, European locust tree, Karoub, Tragaso
Genus
Ceratonia Ceratonia
Species
C. siliqua - C. siliqua is a tender, spreading, evergreen tree with pinnate leaves divided into broadly ovate, glossy, mid- to dark green leaflets and catkin-like racemes of pale yellow flowers turning orange-red when mature. On female trees, flowers are followed by elongated, curved, dark brown pods containing edible seeds.
Native to
Mediterranean
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading
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Colour
Flower
Red, Yellow in Summer; Yellow, Red in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation
Treat seed with hot water followed by soaking for three days prior to sowing. Sow at 22-26C
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Ceratonia siliqua (Carob) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 15m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Sub-Tropical, Specimen tree, Architectural
Cultivation
Grown in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun with shelter from early morning sun, frost, and cold, drying winds. Will not tolerate heavy clay. Tolerates drought and coastal conditions. Male flowers have an unpleasant scent. In areas with cold, harsh winters, grow in a container and overwinter indoors.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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