Comprising the same Moraceae species as fig and mulberry trees, the jackfruit is a tropical evergreen fruit tree. Rising to eighty feet in height, these fast-growing fruit trees feature a straight trunk and smooth reddish-brown bark.
Growing on stems connected to the trunk and older branches, Jackfruit trees feature glossy green foliage, tightly packed green blossoms, and big, tasty, roundish fruits. Though they seem unearthly, the fruits have tasty, yellow-based flesh.
Along with Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, and warmer US states, Jackfruit trees are often seen growing in tropical parts of Asia. More on this below; you can grow jackfruit at home in several US hardiness zones.
To help have healthy trees and abundant harvests, I acquired some ideas from a tropical plant specialist on when it comes to planting and caring for jackfruit trees.
Jackfruit trees fit US hardiness zone 9 and US hardiness zone 11 for outdoor growth. Plant expert Tatiana Anderson, co-founder of Top Tropicals, says jackfruit trees can "tolerate" mild degrees of cold for a brief period without suffering major damage.
She says: "While young trees are frost-sensitive, mature trees can withstand light frost for short periods." Still, colder winters might lower fruit output. Perfect development and fruiting depend on low temperature, free of frost.
Regarding the perfect habitat for growing jackfruit, Tatiana says: "Jackfruit trees need a tropical or subtropical climate with temperatures ideally between 60 and 95°F. The trees do best in humid, frost-free environments with lots of sunlight.
Growers in milder climates can grow jackfruit in containers as patio fruit trees with appropriate care, including bringing fruit trees growing in pots indoors or to a sheltered area for the colder months, within US hardiness zone 3.
Plant a jackfruit tree on a soil type high in nutrients and good drainage. The drainage levels are important since jackfruit will suffer with a lack of moisture and do not enjoy sitting in very sodden soil. It is also not drought-tolerant fruit trees.
Purchased from garden stores, nurseries, or internet merchants, container-grown jackfruit trees provide the easiest approach to install fruit trees in your yard.
After backfilling the ground to eliminate any air pockets, plant a young jackfruit tree into a hole twice the size of the rootball and firm down the ground. Mulch around the just planted tree to maintain the moist soil and weed control; water the young tree well.