Baobab is a legendary African tree that grows slowly into a massive giant, eventually reaching 65 to 80 feet tall with a trunk that can spread 30 to 45 feet wide. Native to the seasonally dry savannas and open woodlands of tropical Africa, this deciduous succulent thrives in zones 10 to 12 and demands full sun and excellent drainage. Its sparse, sculptural canopy of palmate leaves and showy seasonal flowers give way to large edible fruits, while its extreme drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it a singular presence in warm gardens.
Full Sun
Moderate
10-12
960in H x 540in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Baobab is nature's architectural marvel: a slow-growing giant whose massive, thickened trunk often exceeds the spread of its canopy, creating a silhouette you see from across the landscape. The tree's sparse, open branching pattern and stout upright limbs have an almost sculptural quality. Its showy seasonal flowers and distinctive edible fruits add both beauty and bounty, while the tree's legendary ability to survive extended droughts and fire makes it nearly indestructible once established.
Baobab is primarily grown as a shade tree, its massive crown providing cooling relief in hot, dry climates. Its edible fruits are harvested and used in beverages, sauces, and traditional preparations throughout Africa. The leaves, bark, and seeds are similarly utilized in culinary and medicinal applications. For gardeners in warm zones, baobab serves as a specimen tree that combines functional shade with dramatic visual impact.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Baobab seeds can be easily propagated indoors. Start seeds in warm conditions, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide warm temperatures during germination and early growth. Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting outdoors once they are large enough to handle.
Transplant baobab seedlings outdoors only after all frost danger has passed and the soil is warm. Ensure the planting site receives full sun. Space trees at least 30 to 45 feet apart to allow for mature width. Water thoroughly at planting and establish a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to encourage deep root development.
Baobab fruits mature seasonally and should be harvested when fully ripe. Watch for fruits that have changed color and begun to drop naturally or feel soft when gently pressed. Harvest ripe fruits by hand, collecting them from the ground or carefully from lower branches. The flesh inside can be used fresh or dried for later use.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Baobab, Adansonia digitata, is native to the seasonally dry, low elevation areas of tropical Africa, where it has grown for centuries in rocky, open woodlands and savannas. Its natural range centers on the African continent, where it has adapted over millennia to harsh, water-scarce climates. The tree's cultural presence across Africa runs deep, with local communities relying on it for food, medicine, and shelter for generations. Its slow growth rate and extreme longevity have made individual baobabs landmarks within their communities, some living for hundreds of years.”