Yellow Sandalwood
Estimated delivery between Marzo 27 and Marzo 30.
Yellow Sandalwood (scientifically known as Santalum album) is a highly prized medicinal plant known for its fragrant wood and valuable essential oils. Often referred to as Indian Sandalwood, it is native to India, Sri Lanka, and other tropical regions of Asia. Yellow Sandalwood is cultivated primarily for its heartwood, which is rich in santalol, a compound used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. Its slow-growing nature and distinctive fragrance make it one of the most sought-after aromatic trees in the world.
Product Overview
Yellow Sandalwood is known for its high-quality wood and essential oils, which have been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual rituals, cosmetic products, and healing purposes. As an evergreen tree, it can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) in height, but it is most famous for its heartwood, which is golden-yellow in color. Over time, the wood becomes denser and richer in aroma, making it an essential resource for the fragrance industry.
Santalum album has also been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calming properties. The tree is often grown in sustainable agroforestry systems to meet the increasing demand for its wood and essential oil.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirements:
Yellow Sandalwood thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth, but it can tolerate some shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day in very hot climates.
Soil Preferences:
- Well-Draining Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil with good water retention properties. Sandalwood is tolerant of a variety of soil types but grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5.
- Soil Fertility: While not overly demanding, it benefits from rich, fertile soil that is enhanced with organic matter. It also requires soil that allows its root system to spread freely.
Planting Tips:
- Seed Depth: Sandalwood seeds should be planted 1/2 inch deep in the soil. It is essential to keep the soil moist during germination but not waterlogged.
- Spacing: Since it is a tree that can grow quite large, provide at least 10-15 feet of space between each plant to allow for proper growth.
- Temperature: Sandalwood grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 70°F to 95°F (21°C to 35°C). It is sensitive to frost, so it is typically grown in tropical and subtropical climates.
Watering Instructions:
- Moderate Watering: Yellow Sandalwood requires consistent moisture, especially during the establishment phase. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant is somewhat drought-tolerant, but periodic watering is necessary for continued growth, especially in dry periods.
- Watering Frequency: Water deeply and infrequently, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not soaked. During the hottest months, consider increasing watering frequency, particularly in sandy soils.
USDA Growing Zones
Yellow Sandalwood is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-11, making it ideal for cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions of the U.S. Areas like Hawaii, Southern Florida, and Southern Texas are suitable for growing this species outdoors. In cooler zones, it can be cultivated indoors in greenhouses or temperature-controlled environments.
Global Growing Zones
Outside the U.S., Yellow Sandalwood grows well in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Australia, and other South and Southeast Asian countries. It thrives in regions with high humidity and moderate rainfall.
Watering Tips
- Consistent Moisture: Yellow Sandalwood needs consistent moisture to establish a healthy root system. Water regularly during dry spells, but ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
- Avoid Waterlogging: The roots of the sandalwood tree are sensitive to standing water. Ensure the soil is well-drained, especially during rainy seasons.
- Deep Watering: Provide deep watering to encourage deeper root growth, which will help the tree become more drought-tolerant once established.
Key Benefits & Uses
- Aromatic Wood: Yellow Sandalwood is best known for its high-quality heartwood, which contains santalol, the compound responsible for its rich, woody fragrance. This is used in the perfume industry and aromatherapy.
- Medicinal Properties: In traditional medicine, sandalwood oil is used for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly used in skincare products, haircare solutions, and natural remedies.
- Spiritual Significance: Sandalwood is often used in religious rituals and as incense due to its aromatic properties. It has a long history of being used in Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist practices.
- Sustainable Cultivation: With increasing demand, sustainable farming practices are being adopted to grow Yellow Sandalwood, reducing the impact on wild populations and ensuring long-term availability.
Best Uses in the Garden & Landscape
- Aromatic Gardens: Yellow Sandalwood is perfect for fragrant gardens, as its wood and leaves release a pleasing scent, especially when the tree matures.
- Agroforestry: The tree can be grown in agroforestry systems, where it is cultivated alongside other crops, creating a sustainable source of income from both the wood and essential oils.
- Tropical Landscapes: Due to its tall, elegant growth, it can be used as a shade tree in tropical landscapes. It provides height and structure to gardens while also being aesthetically pleasing.
Conclusion
Yellow Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a valuable tree with numerous medicinal, aromatic, and aesthetic benefits. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and can be an excellent addition to sustainable gardens, agroforestry systems, or aromatic landscapes. Whether you're seeking a source of high-quality essential oils or a plant with historical and spiritual significance, Yellow Sandalwood is a rewarding investment for any garden or herbalist's collection. By cultivating this tree, you are not only adding a beautiful evergreen to your landscape but also creating a valuable resource that can be harvested for fragrance oils, medicinal uses, and sustainable wood products.
Dhara Seeds
Yellow Sandalwood
Estimated delivery between Marzo 27 and Marzo 30.
Yellow Sandalwood (scientifically known as Santalum album) is a highly prized medicinal plant known for its fragrant wood and valuable essential oils. Often referred to as Indian Sandalwood, it is native to India, Sri Lanka, and other tropical regions of Asia. Yellow Sandalwood is cultivated primarily for its heartwood, which is rich in santalol, a compound used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. Its slow-growing nature and distinctive fragrance make it one of the most sought-after aromatic trees in the world.
Product Overview
Yellow Sandalwood is known for its high-quality wood and essential oils, which have been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual rituals, cosmetic products, and healing purposes. As an evergreen tree, it can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) in height, but it is most famous for its heartwood, which is golden-yellow in color. Over time, the wood becomes denser and richer in aroma, making it an essential resource for the fragrance industry.
Santalum album has also been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calming properties. The tree is often grown in sustainable agroforestry systems to meet the increasing demand for its wood and essential oil.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirements:
Yellow Sandalwood thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth, but it can tolerate some shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day in very hot climates.
Soil Preferences:
- Well-Draining Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil with good water retention properties. Sandalwood is tolerant of a variety of soil types but grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5.
- Soil Fertility: While not overly demanding, it benefits from rich, fertile soil that is enhanced with organic matter. It also requires soil that allows its root system to spread freely.
Planting Tips:
- Seed Depth: Sandalwood seeds should be planted 1/2 inch deep in the soil. It is essential to keep the soil moist during germination but not waterlogged.
- Spacing: Since it is a tree that can grow quite large, provide at least 10-15 feet of space between each plant to allow for proper growth.
- Temperature: Sandalwood grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 70°F to 95°F (21°C to 35°C). It is sensitive to frost, so it is typically grown in tropical and subtropical climates.
Watering Instructions:
- Moderate Watering: Yellow Sandalwood requires consistent moisture, especially during the establishment phase. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant is somewhat drought-tolerant, but periodic watering is necessary for continued growth, especially in dry periods.
- Watering Frequency: Water deeply and infrequently, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not soaked. During the hottest months, consider increasing watering frequency, particularly in sandy soils.
USDA Growing Zones
Yellow Sandalwood is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-11, making it ideal for cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions of the U.S. Areas like Hawaii, Southern Florida, and Southern Texas are suitable for growing this species outdoors. In cooler zones, it can be cultivated indoors in greenhouses or temperature-controlled environments.
Global Growing Zones
Outside the U.S., Yellow Sandalwood grows well in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Australia, and other South and Southeast Asian countries. It thrives in regions with high humidity and moderate rainfall.
Watering Tips
- Consistent Moisture: Yellow Sandalwood needs consistent moisture to establish a healthy root system. Water regularly during dry spells, but ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
- Avoid Waterlogging: The roots of the sandalwood tree are sensitive to standing water. Ensure the soil is well-drained, especially during rainy seasons.
- Deep Watering: Provide deep watering to encourage deeper root growth, which will help the tree become more drought-tolerant once established.
Key Benefits & Uses
- Aromatic Wood: Yellow Sandalwood is best known for its high-quality heartwood, which contains santalol, the compound responsible for its rich, woody fragrance. This is used in the perfume industry and aromatherapy.
- Medicinal Properties: In traditional medicine, sandalwood oil is used for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly used in skincare products, haircare solutions, and natural remedies.
- Spiritual Significance: Sandalwood is often used in religious rituals and as incense due to its aromatic properties. It has a long history of being used in Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist practices.
- Sustainable Cultivation: With increasing demand, sustainable farming practices are being adopted to grow Yellow Sandalwood, reducing the impact on wild populations and ensuring long-term availability.
Best Uses in the Garden & Landscape
- Aromatic Gardens: Yellow Sandalwood is perfect for fragrant gardens, as its wood and leaves release a pleasing scent, especially when the tree matures.
- Agroforestry: The tree can be grown in agroforestry systems, where it is cultivated alongside other crops, creating a sustainable source of income from both the wood and essential oils.
- Tropical Landscapes: Due to its tall, elegant growth, it can be used as a shade tree in tropical landscapes. It provides height and structure to gardens while also being aesthetically pleasing.
Conclusion
Yellow Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a valuable tree with numerous medicinal, aromatic, and aesthetic benefits. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and can be an excellent addition to sustainable gardens, agroforestry systems, or aromatic landscapes. Whether you're seeking a source of high-quality essential oils or a plant with historical and spiritual significance, Yellow Sandalwood is a rewarding investment for any garden or herbalist's collection. By cultivating this tree, you are not only adding a beautiful evergreen to your landscape but also creating a valuable resource that can be harvested for fragrance oils, medicinal uses, and sustainable wood products.
Non-GMO
Dharaseeds are Non-GMO and free from genetically modified organisms.
High Germination Rate
Tested for high viability to ensure successful sprouting.
Heirloom Variety
Open-pollinated seeds preserved for quality and authenticity.
Chemical-Free
Free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and additives.