How to Grow and Care for Jackfruit

Plant Care

Jackfruit trees are fairly easy to grow in warm, tropical climates. They need lots of space to allow for their impressive height. Given appropriate care, these trees will provide large, sweet fruits and dense shade.

Light

Jackfruit is a tropical tree that grows well in full sunlight; ensure that your tree receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. They thrive best in tropical and subtropical climates, which can provide year-round sunlight exposure. Plant them in an open area, away from tall buildings or other trees that might shade the light.

Soil

Jackfruit trees do well in drainable, fertile soil. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Though they can adapt to a variety of soil types, from sandy to loamy, these plants do not prosper in wet or clay-heavy ground. Mix in some organic compost to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Watering

Young Jackfruit trees require regular watering. (However, keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet.) When established, they’re more drought-tolerant but thrive with deep watering during dry spells. Mulching around the base keeps the soil moist and temperature regulated.

Pruning

For a healthy, productive Jackfruit tree, pruning is necessary. Since these trees grow quickly, occasional trimming is needed to encourage fruit production and remove dead or damaged branches.

For young trees, prune to create a strong structure by removing weak or crossed branches. The lower branches should be pruned up to let air circulate better and prevent fungal diseases. Removing old fruiting branches after harvesting encourages new growth and future fruiting. Routine light pruning helps keep the tree in check, and stimulates increased fruit production.

Propagating

The Jackfruit is a tree species that can be propagated from seeds or grafting. This is the simplest way to propagate trees, but grafting is often faster to fruit and will produce higher quality fruit.

It can be propagated using seeds from the ripe jackfruit, washing out the seeds, and planting them in wet soil a week after harvesting. They typically sprout in two to three weeks. Grafting is another option, where a cutting from a high-yielding tree is attached to a healthy rootstock to produce fruit faster.

Growing in Pots

It is possible to grow a full-sized jackfruit tree in a pot if you don’t have the outdoor space, at least for the first few years.

• Select a container that is a minimum of 15-20 gallons.
• Use an organic well-draining soil with plenty of compost to encourage healthy growth.
• Keep the pot in a sunny spot with 6-8 hours of sun per day.
• Water regularly enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Growers have to prune regularly, especially to keep the plant to a manageable size, and to encourage bushier growth.
• Repot into larger container as the tree matures or transplant into open ground, as needed.

Overwintering

• Jackfruit trees are productive in hot, wet tropical and subtropical regions, but do poorly in cold environments. You can take these precautions to help protect your tree if you live in a region with harsher winters:
• If it’s a potted tree: Bringing them indoors or a greenhouse before it gets below 50°F (10°C).
• Use mulch: In areas where winter won’t be extreme, spread a thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate roots.
• Cover with frost cloth: Wrap young trees in burlap or frost blankets if unexpected cold weather hits.
• Limit watering: Plants go dormant in cooler months, so cut back on watering to avoid root rot.

Blooming

Jackfruit trees, which bloom in the spring and summer, produce small, yellow-green flowers, which eventually become massive fruits. The male and female flowers grow on the same tree. Pollination is primarily performed by wind and insects.

To encourage blooming and fruiting, ensure the tree gets full sun and proper watering. A balanced fertilizer, which contains phosphorus and potassium can increase flower and fruit development.  Pruning also improves air circulation and light penetration, leading to better fruit production. Most jackfruit trees start producing fruit 3-6 years after planting.

Common Issues

Jackfruit trees are usually rather tough, but they can struggle with a few things:

• Fruit rot: Typically the result of too much moisture or a fungal infection. Increased air circulation and avoid overwatering.
• Leaf spot disease: A common fungal infection that can be identified by the appearance of brown or yellow spots on the leaves. Prune off affected leaves and treat it with fungicide.
• Pests: Aphids, fruit flies and mealybugs can infest the fruit and leaves. To control infestations, use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Brittle branches: The weight of jackfruit can cause branches to break. Support fruit-laden branches with wooden stakes or ropes.

Summary

Have you ever thought about growing a Jackfruit tree? Just give it the right amount of sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent watering, and your tree will thrive, providing you with huge, tasty fruits that you will enjoy for years. And Jackfruit makes a superb backyard (/container garden) addition. Put in the right conditions, and you’ll have a harvest of one of nature’s most interesting fruits.