Bargad (Banyan Tree): How to Plant and Care for India's National Tree in Jaipur

When to plant

The best time in Jaipur is July to mid-August, soon after the first soaking monsoon rains, so the roots get a full season before the dry months. February to early March is a second option, but only with reliable watering through the April to June heat. Avoid planting in April to June and in December to January.

Choosing a sapling

Seed germinates well and air-layering works, but small stem cuttings root poorly (about 18 to 20% survival in one Kerala trial). In practice, buy a nursery sapling about 1 to 1.5 m tall and 12 to 18 months old, in a large polybag.

The pit and the spot

• Dig a pit of about 60 × 60 × 60 cm, or 90 cm to 1 m deep where there is a hard kankar layer.
• Refill with the dug soil mixed with well-rotted farmyard manure, and plant at the same soil level as in the nursery bag.
• Make a basin 1 to 1.5 m across to catch rainwater (CAZRI's micro-catchment approach).
• Keep the tree at least 20 to 25 m from other large trees and from buildings, walls, borewells, tanks and pipelines.
• Fix a tree guard against goats, cattle and nilgai.

First-year watering (practical guide)

Adjust to soil moisture and never leave water standing.

Season	How often	Amount
Monsoon (Jul to Sep)	Only after 7 to 10 dry days	10 to 15 L
Post-monsoon (Oct to Nov)	Weekly	15 to 20 L
Winter (Dec to Feb)	Every 10 to 14 days, in the morning	10 to 15 L
Spring (Mar)	Weekly	20 L
Summer (Apr to Jun)	Twice a week	20 to 25 L