Growing and Caring for Jackfruit Trees
Planting Jackfruit Trees
Jackfruit trees are tropical evergreens native to India, known for their large, edible fruit. They thrive in warm, humid climates with temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity.
When planting a jackfruit tree, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space trees at least 20 to 30 feet apart. Dig a hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball of the tree. Mound up the soil around the stem and water thoroughly.
Care for Jackfruit Trees
Jackfruit trees are relatively easy to care for in the appropriate climate. They require ample light, warmth, and moisture.
Light: Jackfruit trees need full sunlight to grow well and produce fruit. They should receive at least six hours of direct sun most days.
Soil: Jackfruit trees prefer nutrient-rich soil with excellent drainage. They grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Keep the soil moist, especially for young trees as they establish their roots.
Water: Jackfruit trees, being tropical plants, require consistently moist soil year-round. Water them whenever the soil begins to dry out due to a lack of rainfall or extreme heat. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Fertilize jackfruit trees twice yearly in the spring and fall with a slow-release granular fertilizer. You can also mix compost into the soil around the tree annually.
Pollination: Jackfruit trees are monoecious, meaning they have both male and female flowers on the same tree. They are insect- and wind-pollinated.
Types of Jackfruit Trees
There are several varieties of jackfruit available, including:
- ‘Black Gold’: Produces a high yield of medium-sized fruits.
- ‘Gold Nugget’: Bears a high yield of relatively small fruits.
- ‘Dang Rasimi’: Produces a very high yield of medium to large fruits.
- ‘Kun Wi Chan’: Vigorous and bears a high yield of large fruits.
- ‘Lemon Gold’: Produces an average yield of small to medium fruits.
Jackfruit vs. Durian
Jackfruit is often mistaken for durian due to their similar appearance. However, jackfruit has a bubble gum smell and a sweet, pineapple-banana flavor, while durian has a foul smell and a pungent taste. Jackfruit is also larger than durian, with some fruits weighing up to 80 pounds.
Harvesting Jackfruit
Jackfruit is ready for harvesting when it turns from green to yellowish-green. Cut the fruit from the stem using loppers. Ripe jackfruit has a fibrous texture and a sweet flavor. It can be eaten fresh, cooked, or preserved.
Growing Jackfruit Trees in Pots
Jackfruit trees can be started in pots, but they will need a large container as they mature. Repot the tree into a larger pot as needed.
Pruning Jackfruit Trees
Young jackfruit trees don’t require much pruning. For mature trees, prune off select upright branches to encourage lateral growth and keep the tree at a manageable height. Remove diseased, damaged, or dead branches throughout the tree.
Propagating Jackfruit Trees
Jackfruit trees can be propagated by grafting, sowing seeds, or stem cutting. Grafting is the most common method.
Growing Jackfruit Trees from Seed
Jackfruit trees can be grown from fresh seeds. Soak the seeds in water overnight before planting them in moist soil. The seeds will germinate in three to eight weeks.
Overwintering Jackfruit Trees
Jackfruit trees are not cold-hardy and cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing. In areas with cold winters, the trees must be grown in a greenhouse or brought indoors.
Pests and Diseases of Jackfruit Trees
Jackfruit trees are relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be affected by Rhizopus rot, a fungal infection that can cause the fruit to rot. Prevent the spread of the infection by keeping the fruit skin intact and refrigerating affected fruit.
FAQ about Jackfruit Trees
- Can you grow jackfruit trees in the United States? Yes, but only in southern Florida and Hawaii, where the climate is warm and humid year-round.
- How long does it take for a jackfruit tree to produce fruit? It can take up to three years for a jackfruit tree to mature and produce fruit.
- What does jackfruit taste like? Ripe jackfruit has a sweet, pineapple-banana flavor. Green jackfruit is unripe and has a neutral flavor.
