How to Grow Sandalwood Trees

The high value of sandalwood trees lies in their distinctive fragrance. Sandalwood is often used in the production of incense and perfumes. The two most commonly cultivated types are Indian tropical sandalwood and Australian dry-temperate sandalwood. Once planted, sandalwood trees are quite enchanting and offer promising returns for growers. Choose a suitable location, sow the seeds, and plant the trees. Once the trees have rooted, proper care is essential to ensure their healthy growth.

Opt for a sunny area with moderate rainfall. Sandalwood thrives best in regions with ample sunlight, moderate rainfall, and relatively dry weather for part of the year. Ideal temperatures for sandalwood range from 12°C to 30°C. The average annual rainfall should be between 850 and 1,200 mm.

• Sandalwood can grow at altitudes from 360 to 1,350 meters, but the best growth occurs between 600 and 1,050 meters.

Choose well-drained soil. Avoid planting sandalwood in areas that have previously been flooded, as these soils are unsuitable for the tree. If planting in sandy soil, ensure that water does not drain too quickly.

Plant sandalwood next to compatible host trees. Sandalwood grows best when planted alongside trees that can naturally provide nitrogen, acting as a natural fertilizer. The tree connects its roots with the host tree to absorb essential nutrients. Ideally, plant sandalwood near mature host trees like Acacia (scientific name: Acacia) or Casuarina (a tropical evergreen species, including Sheoak and River Sheoak).

Soak and dry the seeds. Soak the sandalwood seeds for 24 hours. Then, dry them in the sun. After a day of exposure to sunlight, the seeds will begin to crack, signaling that they are ready to germinate.

Prepare the soil mixture. You will need red soil, cow manure, and sand. Mix two parts red soil with one part cow manure and one part sand in a wheelbarrow or another suitable container. Then, place this mixture into the planting tray.

• If you're planning to sow seeds outdoors, fill the planting hole with this mixture before sowing the seeds.

Sow the seeds. Plant the sandalwood seeds in small containers such as cardboard boxes or seed trays. Fill the tray with the prepared soil mixture. Place the seeds about 1.8–2.5 cm deep into the soil.

Water the seeds. Water the seeds lightly every day, but avoid over-watering as sandalwood prefers dry conditions. You should see the seeds begin to sprout within 4 to 8 weeks.

• To check if watering is needed, insert your finger into the soil about 2.5 cm deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
• Avoid soaking the seeds, as sandalwood cannot tolerate waterlogging.

Dig a hole to plant the seedling. You'll need a small shovel or a special tool for transplanting. Dig a small hole, approximately 3 cm wide and 30 cm deep.

Place the sandalwood seedling in the hole. When the seedling is around one month old, it's time to plant it outdoors. Use a trowel to loosen the soil around the edges of the seed tray. Gently lift the seedling by supporting the root ball and place it in the hole.

• It’s best to plant the seedling in the morning before the weather becomes too hot.
• Make sure to firmly pack the soil around the seedling to prevent water from collecting.
• Space the sandalwood trees 2.5 to 4 meters apart.
• Avoid planting sandalwood in protected forest areas.
• In India, the ideal planting time for sandalwood is from May to October.

Plant young sandalwood trees close to the host tree. It is essential to plant the young sandalwood trees within 1 meter of the host tree. The sandalwood tree needs to connect with the host tree during the first two years; otherwise, it will perish.

• The host tree must be at least 1 meter tall before you plant the sandalwood.

Weed thoroughly during the first year. You must remove all weeds that compete for moisture around the sandalwood tree, especially during the first year. Also, ensure that the host tree does not block sunlight from reaching the young sandalwood. If the host tree begins to grow above the sandalwood, consider bending it to one side or trimming it.

• Eliminate any weeds climbing the sandalwood tree.

Water the tree throughout the dry season. During dry periods, make sure to water the sandalwood tree. Water it twice a week, giving 0.5 liters each time. It's best to water in the evening to minimize evaporation.

• If your area receives less than 850-1200 mm of rainfall weekly, regular watering will be necessary.

Prune the host tree. If the host tree starts to shade the sandalwood tree, you will need to prune it. Otherwise, the sandalwood tree won’t receive enough sunlight. Trim the host tree so that it remains slightly shorter than the sandalwood, ensuring that the sandalwood gets enough sunlight.

Protect the sandalwood tree from grazing animals. Herbivores are attracted to the scent of sandalwood, so you must protect the tree by installing a fence around it to keep animals from eating the tree.

• Tree digging spade
• Shovel
• Soil for planting
• Seedling tray
• Sandalwood seeds
• Host tree

• Sandalwood trees do not grow well in many areas of the United States. The varieties of sandalwood grown in the U.S. typically thrive best in regions with winter temperatures no lower than -1° C.