Teak (Tectona grandis), known across India as Sagwan, is a large deciduous hardwood tree that can reach 30-40 m in height. It is famed worldwide for its strong, dimensionally stable, water- and termite-resistant timber, making it one of the most valuable plantation and farm-forestry trees in India.
The tree bears very large, rough, papery leaves and clusters of small fragrant white flowers during the monsoon, followed by hard nut-like fruits. It is naturally found in the deciduous forests of central and southern India and is widely grown in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and the Northeast.
Fast-growing in deep, well-drained soils with a warm climate and a distinct dry season, teak is a long-term investment crop popular with farmers for boundary planting and commercial plantations.
Specifications
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
| Native region |
Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia |
| Mature height |
30-40 m |
| Mature spread |
10-15 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Deciduous; very large, broad, rough green leaves that shed in the dry season |
| Flower colour |
White |
| Flower season |
Monsoon (June-September) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical; warm areas with a distinct dry season |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun; needs unobstructed direct sunlight for good growth |
| Watering |
Water young saplings regularly in the first 1-2 years; established trees are drought-tolerant and rain-fed |
| Soil / mix |
Deep, well-drained, fertile loamy soil with good calcium content; avoid waterlogged or shallow soils |
| Temperature |
Thrives at 25-40 C; tolerates up to about 45 C and brief dips near 10 C |
| Humidity |
Adapts to a wide range; prefers a clear wet and dry seasonal cycle |
| Fertilizer |
Apply farmyard manure or compost at planting; supplement with NPK in early growth years for faster establishment |
| Pruning |
Prune lower side branches and remove competing shoots in early years to encourage a straight, knot-free bole |
| Repotting |
Plant out saplings in the ground before they become root-bound; not suited to long-term container growing |
| Propagation |
By seed (pre-soaked), stump planting, or tissue-culture clones for plantations |
| Pests & problems |
Teak defoliator and skeletonizer caterpillars, leaf rust; watch for sapling browsing by cattle |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
Uses
Teak is grown mainly for its premium timber and as a long-term farm-forestry investment.
- High-grade timber for furniture, doors, window frames and flooring
- Boat building and outdoor woodwork due to weather and termite resistance
- Boundary and avenue planting on farms
- Commercial plantations and agroforestry
- Shade and ornamental shade tree in large landscapes
Growing tips
Plant saplings at the onset of the monsoon (June-July) so they establish with natural rainfall.
Choose a deep, well-drained site; avoid low-lying spots that waterlog during the rains. Keep the basin weed-free and water through the first two dry seasons. Protect young plants from grazing cattle with guards. Singling and pruning of lower branches in the first few years produce a tall, straight, knot-free trunk for maximum timber value.
