Bilva / Bael (Aegle marmelos) - Avenue Tree

About Bilva / Bael (Aegle marmelos)

Bilva, also called Bael, is a small to medium deciduous tree from the Rutaceae (citrus) family, easily recognised by its trifoliate leaves and thorny branches. It is grown as an avenue and shade tree, but its real significance in India is spiritual — Bilva leaves are offered to Lord Shiva in daily worship, and the tree is considered sacred across Hindu tradition. The fragrant flowers are also used in perfumery, and the fruit pulp is popular for cooling drinks (bael sharbat) and preserves.

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: More than 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic content.
• Climate: Hardy and tolerant of a wide range of Indian climates; also salt/salinity tolerant.

Planting & Spacing

Ground planting is best for a tree of this eventual size — leave at least 15-20 feet of clearance from structures, walls and other trees so the canopy and root system have room to develop.

Care

• Watering: Water when the top soil (2-3 inches) feels dry to touch; always maintain moisture near the root zone.
• Fertilizer: Any organic fertilizer once a month for the first year; after full establishment, 2-3 times a year is enough.
• Pruning: Very low-maintenance. A common mistake near temples is over-harvesting leaves for daily puja, which can stunt the tree — letting one top branch grow freely for the first year or two helps it establish well before leaves are picked regularly.

Growth & Flowering

An easy-to-grow, hardy tree that can reach 8-10 metres in the ground over time. It flowers February-May in most parts of India (timing can vary by local climate), and edible fruiting typically begins 2-3 years after planting.

Note: This listing ships a young nursery plant, not a mature tree. Growth rate and eventual size vary by climate, care, and region - we don't promise a fixed timeline.