{"product_id":"carob-plant","title":"Carob Plant","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarob (\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCeratonia siliqua\u003c\/span\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery from October 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCarob is a unique plant that does not require much maintenance at all, it will thrive even on rocky soil condition and with little water possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCultivated around the world for its sweet and nutritious fruits, carob seeds were once used to weigh gold, which is where the word ‘carat’ is derived. The Spanish brought carob growing to Mexico and South America, and the British introduced carob trees to South Africa, India and Australia. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThriving in Mediterranean-like climes, carob grows well anywhere that citrus grows and is grown for its fruit (pod), which is most familiarly known for its use ground into a flour and substituted for cocoa beans. Carob powder is a healthy alternative to cocoa powder, although minimally processed cocoa powder has some health benefits of its own. Since carob powder is naturally sweet, there's no need to add sugar or other sweeteners when using it in your favorite recipes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe long, flat brown carob pods (4 to 12 inches (10 to 30.5 cm.)) also contain a polysaccharide gum, which is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, and is used in many products.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur Carob Plant is very healthy looking plant and have had some good growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSoil: Prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.5. Tolerates poor soil conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatering: Drought-tolerant once established but requires regular watering during the first few years or during extremely dry periods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: Thrives in temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. Very heat-tolerant and can withstand temperatures up to 40°C. Mature plants are frost-hardy to about -6°C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight: Full sun is ideal to ensure vigorous growth and optimal pod production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFertilising: Generally requires little fertilization. If necessary, use a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer annually.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePruning: Prune to shape the tree and remove dead or damaged branches in late winter. Pruning helps in maintaining plant health and enhancing pod production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulching: Apply organic mulch to conserve soil moisture, particularly in hot, dry regions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePest Control: Relatively pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests and treat organically if necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowering and Fruiting: Flowers in spring with fruit maturing in the autumn. The pods are harvested when fully ripe and brown.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotting: Not typically grown in pots due to its size but young plants can start in containers before transplanting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeeding Regime: Carob trees generally require minimal feeding. Supplement with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer if growth appears stunted or pod production is poor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Exotica NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67589472452859,"sku":"CAROB","price":79.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/3826\/3803\/files\/iStock-925193380.jpg?v=1790553884","url":"https:\/\/farmfreshdirect.co.nz\/products\/carob-plant","provider":"Farm Fresh Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}