How to Grow Carob
Wikimedia Commons
Carob
Ceratonia siliqua
treeCarob is a drought-tolerant evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region that produces long, dark brown pods containing sweet pulp and seeds. The tree can live for centuries and reaches 30-50 feet tall, making it an excellent landscape specimen in arid climates. The pods are edible and have been used as a chocolate substitute and livestock feed for millennia.
When should you plant Carob in your zone?
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Example Carob timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Carob
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Carob
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Carob dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; prefers Mediterranean and semi-arid climates
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Get my Carob timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree is 2-4 feet tall with developing root system and sparse foliage; still tender to frost and wind
Water deeply 2-3 times weekly; provide windbreak protection; prune competing branches; stake if necessary; apply 2-3 inches of mulch
Vegetative Growth
2-5 yearsTree grows vigorously, developing strong branching structure and full canopy; dark green compound leaves appear healthy
Reduce watering frequency as roots deepen; prune to establish desired form; fertilize lightly if soil is very poor; monitor for pest damage
Pre-Flowering
1-2 yearsTree reaches near-mature size; canopy becomes dense; root system is well-developed and deep
Maintain minimal irrigation; apply balanced fertilizer sparingly; thin crowded branches; no pruning needed unless correcting form
Flowering & Fruiting
Continuous annual cycle once mature; flowers appear spring/early summer, pods mature fall/winterSmall red or yellow flowers appear in clusters; followed by development of long brown pods containing sweet pulp and hard seeds
Pollination requires male and female trees in proximity; thin excessive fruit if desired; no irrigation needed unless extreme drought
Harvest
September-December in Northern HemisphereMature brown pods 6-10 inches long are ready for harvest when they fall naturally or can be picked directly from tree
Harvest pods that are brown and fully mature; pods should be brittle; store in cool, dry location; can be processed immediately or stored long-term
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected pods; apply parasitic wasps; maintain tree health; proper sanitation of fallen pods
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Prune affected branches; spray horticultural oil in dormant season; encourage natural predators
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Remove fallen fruit promptly; use pheromone traps; apply insecticidal soap if severe; maintain general tree health
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected root material; apply fungicide to soil if necessary
Uses
Chocolate substitute and sweetener
CulinaryCarob pod pulp is naturally sweet and can be dried, roasted, and ground into powder to replace cocoa in baking, beverages, and confections. It contains no caffeine and is less bitter than chocolate, making it suitable for children and those sensitive to caffeine. [source]
Livestock and animal feed
CulinaryDried carob pods are a traditional and nutritious livestock feed rich in carbohydrates and digestible fiber. Used for centuries as fodder for horses, cattle, sheep, and goats in Mediterranean regions. [source]
Digestive health and diarrhea treatment
MedicinalCarob is traditionally used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea and digestive issues due to its tannin content and binding properties. Modern research supports its use as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal complaints. [source]
Carob gum and thickening agent
HouseholdLocust bean gum derived from carob seeds is a natural food additive used to thicken and stabilize foods, particularly in ice cream, cheese, and salad dressings. It is plant-based and considered safe for food applications. [source]
Traditional weight and trade unit
CraftCarob seeds are remarkably uniform in weight (approximately 200 mg) and were historically used as a unit of measurement in trade, forming the basis of the carat weight system still used for precious gemstones and metals today. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Carob pods are ready for harvest in fall/winter when they turn dark brown and become brittle. Harvest by hand-picking mature pods directly from tree or collecting those that have fallen naturally on the ground. Pods should break cleanly and contain fully developed hard seeds. Pick carefully to avoid damaging branches. Store in cool, dry conditions; properly dried pods can be stored for years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The word 'carat' (unit for weighing gems and gold) derives from the Arabic word for carob seed (qīrāṭ), as carob seeds were historically used as a standard unit of weight in trade due to their uniform size.
- 🌱 Carob trees are incredibly long-lived; some ancient trees in the Mediterranean have been documented to be over 500 years old and still productive.
- 🌱 In Mediterranean folklore, the carob tree is sometimes called 'St. John's Bread' because it is believed that St. John the Baptist ate carob pods and locust (insects) in the desert, making the sweet pulp and protein-rich seeds a subsistence food.
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