sausage tree

The sausage tree (Kigelia africana) should be watered at least once every 7-14 days, depending on the season. During the summer, when temperatures are higher and the air is dryer, the tree will require more water. During the wetter times of year, water less frequently. Make sure to check the soil every few days to see how moist it is. If the top 3 inches of soil is completely dry, it is time to water the tree. Use a nozzle or the jet setting on a garden hose to ensure the tree receives deep soaking. The amount of water can vary, but generally, it is best to give the tree about 20 gallons of water for every 5 square feet of canopy. Don't over-water your tree, however, as too much water can have a detrimental effect on the tree.

The sausage tree (Kigelia africana) needs a lot of sunlight. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for optimal growth and fruit production. During the summer months, providing the plant with full sun from sunrise to sunset is best. In the spring and fall, you can keep the sunlight at around 8-9 hours per day, and in the winter you can shorten the amount of sunlight slightly to 6-7 hours per day.

For pruning a Sausage Tree, or Kigelia Africana, you should prune lightly each year in the late winter or early spring prior to the new growth season, removing any weak, dead, or diseased branches and selectively thinning the canopy to allow more light and air to reach the inner branches. Be sure not to remove more than a quarter of the plant's canopy each year to avoid stressing the plant. Additionally, prune branches as needed throughout the growing season to keep the shape of the plant well-maintained.