A Jackfruit is usually branded as the largest fruit in the world with a mild sweet taste. It is popular and liked in the South-east Asian countries.
Growing a jackfruit at home demands a lifetime dedication for as long as the plant is inexistent. This is because a jackfruit requires delicate care, water, space, and warmth to grow into a mature, healthy tree.
It probably sounds like a lot of work; nonetheless, the result is worth it when the tree starts bearing fruits. It is possible to grow the plant at your home; the question, however, is how to do it.
How to grow jackfruit in your backyard.
This article explains how you can grow a jackfruit at home, breaking it down into three main factors, which are;
- Optimum conditions
- How to grow the plant from seeds
- Care tips
Optimum conditions
Environment:
The environs for growing the plant should be sunny and warm.
Temperatures:
The temperatures ought to be average, not too high, and not too low.
Geographical location:
The location should be a low-lying area that is humid. It further requires a spacious area in case the jackfruit plant grows too big just as the Durian tree, and the place should have good ventilation.
Best soil to plant jackfruit:
The soil used for planting should be fertile, soft, and have good drainage. The soil should feature some component of compost or clay.
Watering jackfruit tree:
Watering the plant is essential to keeping the soil moist. At least water the plant two times a week. Avoid overwatering, especially at the growing stage, as it may cause the rotting of the roots and seeds.
Ideal fertilizer for jackfruit:
Add fertilizer to the plant every half a year and increase the amount after each 6 months for the first two years. After that, the ratio of fertilizer applications changes. Fertilizers add nutrients to the plant that aid in its healthy growth.
Weeding:
Weeding should be on a regular basis to promote the healthy growth of the plant.
How to grow a jackfruit – Start to finish
- Figure out the best place either in your garden or backyard. The area should be some distance away from any construction in your home as the tree requires adequate space to grow. In addition, space should be well ventilated and should receive the needed amount of sunlight.
- Purchase the seeds online or from a local gardening store. Also, if you have a jackfruit, you can get the seeds from the pulp. In this case, rinse the seeds in warm water to remove the stickiness. Always get several seeds as the seeds last for only a month.
- Soak the seeds in a bowl of lukewarm water for twenty-four hours to help hasten the germination process.
- Use a well-draining pot filled with the correct type of soil and should contain compost and sand.
- Place the seeds at the center of the pot while evenly spaced. Sowing the seeds at the edge of the pot will have its roots not fully developed. Place at least three seeds on the minimum so that one seed can germinate and you can choose the healthiest and best of the others.
- Water the seeds daily to make sure the soil is moist but not overwatered.
- Put your pot in a warm, sunny, and covered place. Ensure the environment of the growing plant is also humid.
- The seeds take 3-4 weeks to germinate and grow into a seedling. At this point, the seedling shoot has 3 or 4 true leaves. Choose the seedling with the healthiest looking leaves and one which is well developed and has grown taller than the rest; transplant it to the selected area in your garden or backyard. Get rid of any weeds or unnecessary roots from the planting area.
- Water the plant daily for the development of the plants and their roots. You can use a hosepipe for watering so that there is adequate water reaching the plant’s roots.
- Weed frequently because weeds compete for resources with the plant. You can use the uprooting method to avoid the use of chemicals such as herbicides.
- Supplement the soil with fertilizer every half a year, and after two years, the ratio input of the fertilizer increases.
- Trim the tree after it reaches the height of twenty feet so that you can easily access it.
- Three to four years later, the plant will be fully developed, and you can harvest your fruits.
Jackfruit tree care Tips
- Do not overwater the plant.
- Dig a suitable and sizeable hole that can fit the plant easily.
- Carefully transplant the plant from the pot to the hole, ensuring you do not damage it.
- Trim the tree so to promote outward growth rather than upward growth.
- Use organic chemicals as they are safer to use.
- The ripe fruits are a shade of yellow and smell nice. Wash the fruits thoroughly, especially if you sprayed any chemicals like herbicides or pesticides on the plant.
Can I grow a jackfruit tree indoors?
A jackfruit is mainly an outdoor plant, especially due to its growing conditions and required space.
As an indoor gardener, you may wonder if you can also grow a jackfruit tree indoors.
The simple answer is no, since most indoor spaces do not have enough space to allow the growth of jackfruit to maturity in terms of its height and its roots.
It is advisable to grow a jackfruit away from buildings and even other trees as its roots may be destructive as it continues to grow extensively. Moreover, growing a jackfruit indoors may not give you the desired results, which are the fruits.
You can, however, plant the jackfruit indoors at the early stages of its life. In this case, there are standard conditions required for the survival of the plant indoors.
Growing conditions
Light:
Sunlight is essential for the growth of a jackfruit plant. You can place them on a windowsill where there is access to sunlight or on a patio deck.
Warmth:
A jackfruit at a very early stage of life is very delicate and this plant is intolerant to cold, freezing weather; place it in a warm place that is also humid.
Water:
Ensure to water the plant to keep the soil moist.
Soil:
The soil used should be a well-draining potting soil comprising compost or sand. After germination, you can take it outside for transplanting so that it may grow without any interference.