Carob Tree Seeds | St. John’s Bread | (Ceratonia siliqua)
Carob Tree Seeds | St. John’s Bread | (Ceratonia siliqua)
Ancient, resilient, and naturally sweet.
Ceratonia siliqua, known as the Carob Tree or St. John’s Bread, is a long-lived evergreen native to the Mediterranean region—valued for its glossy foliage, drought tolerance, and sweet, edible pods. Often called the “chocolate tree,” Carob produces nutrient-rich seed pods used as a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa, high in natural sugars, calcium, and fiber.
With deep cultural roots dating back thousands of years, Carob thrives where few trees can—enduring drought, salty winds, and poor soils. Its graceful canopy provides shade and habitat, while its pods sustain wildlife and humans alike.
Why Grow Carob Tree?
- Produces naturally sweet, edible pods used in baking and health foods
- Highly drought-tolerant and thrives in arid, coastal, or rocky soils
- Evergreen with glossy dark-green leaves and fragrant late-summer blooms
- Excellent for erosion control, xeriscaping, and pollinator gardens
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Ceratonia siliqua
- Common Names: Carob Tree, St. John’s Bread
- Germination Rate: 92%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: California, USA
- Stratification: Not required; soak in hot water 24 hours before sowing
- USDA Zones: 9–11
- Soil: Well-drained; tolerates sandy, rocky, or calcareous soil
- Light: Full sun
- Mature Size: 25–50 ft tall × 25–35 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1–2 ft per year)
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, or 50 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Carob flowers attract honeybees, native bees, and syrphid flies for late-season nectar.
- Pods feed birds, bats, and small mammals through dry seasons in arid landscapes.
- Deep roots improve soil structure and reduce erosion in degraded lands.
Fun Facts
- Carob seeds were once used to weigh gemstones and gold—originating the term “carat.”
- Legend says St. John the Baptist survived on carob pods in the wilderness—earning its biblical name “St. John’s Bread.”
- Carob powder is naturally caffeine-free and sweeter than chocolate, making it a healthy, allergy-friendly substitute in desserts.
Evergreen Seed Co. sources premium, high-germination seeds for growers who value resilience, nutrition, and natural beauty. Each order includes step-by-step germination instructions and planting guidance.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
