Jackfruit is an exotic tropical fruit that can be grown as a backyard crop. Originally from South and Southeast Asia, jackfruit trees produce the largest fruit in the world, reaching sizes over three feet long and weighing up to 80 pounds! Beyond impressive statistics, jackfruit offers a sweet flavor, meaty texture, and nutritional benefits making it an exciting gardening challenge. This beginner’s guide is packed with jackfruit gardening tips, covering everything you need to know to successfully grow your own jackfruit at home.
Where Jackfruit Comes From
Jackfruit has a long history in tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. This is the native growing region where jackfruit evolved to thrive in hot, humid environments.
Jackfruit’s Origins
Jackfruit is indigenous to the rainforests of the Western Ghats of India. References to jackfruit cultivation in India date back over 3000 years ago to the Vedic period, where its unique properties were mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts.
The jackfruit tree is well suited to tropical climates and was spread to other countries throughout South and Southeast Asia as early settlers traveled and traded. Today, countries such as Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka also cultivate jackfruit as a commercial crop.
Global Spread
As global trade expanded during colonial times, jackfruit was introduced to other tropical regions around the world. Islands nations in the Caribbean and Pacific embraced jackfruit as a staple crop that could withstand their hot, humid climates.
In recent decades, as people discover its great taste and versatile applications, jackfruit is gaining popularity in sub-tropical areas as well. It’s now grown in many countries including Australia, Brazil, Mexico and even some parts of the United States for commercial and home cultivation.
India has especially embraced jackfruit cultivation, using trees for lumber and fruit production spanning back thousands of years. From these tropical origins, jackfruit later spread to other countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
Today, as people discover its great taste and sustainable growing habits, jackfruit is gaining global popularity – even in cooler climates!
Why Grow Jackfruit? Benefits for Home Gardeners
Growing jackfruit offers home gardeners the chance to produce an exotic superfruit. These productive trees yield over one hundred large fruits per season when mature. Another benefit is jackfruit’s nutrition.
Nutritional Value
Jackfruits are high in many essential vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Thiamine
- Riboflavin
- Calcium
- Potassium
The seeds are also edible, containing proteins comparable to soybeans. The seeds can be boiled, roasted, or ground into nutritious gluten-free flour.
Meat Substitute
When unripe, jackfruit acts as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes because its stringy texture absorbs sauces similar to pulled meat. The mild flavor allows it to take on the tastes of whatever sauce or seasoning it’s cooked in.
Tropical Climate Crop
Finally, jackfruit thrives in warm tropical environments making it one of the only fruit trees suitable for humid subtropical climates. This gives gardeners in tropical regions unique fruiting options compared to temperate fruits.
Climate Needs for Growing Jackfruit
For the best chance of success, plant jackfruit trees in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12 where frost is rare. Trees perform optimally with summer temperatures between 70-95 F. Though jackfruit tolerates short dry periods, consistently moist soil is vital during fruiting. Humidity around 70-80% suit jackfruits too. Meeting these tropical requirements will give your jackfruit the climate it evolved for.
Temperature
Jackfruit trees are extremely frost tender and will not withstand freezing temperatures. Cool weather below 50°F can damage leaves and stunt growth.
For optimal growth and fruiting, daytime summer temperatures between 80-95°F are ideal. As long as temperatures do not dip below 55°F jackfruit trees can be productive.
If planting jackfruit in zone 9b or cooler zones, choose sheltered sunny locations against heat-retaining walls. Growing jackfruit in containers allows you to relocate the trees indoors during winter months.
Rainfall & Water Requirements
While jackfruit trees tolerate occasional dry spells, they require annual rainfall between 40-60 inches on average for best growth and fruit production. Younger trees are more drought sensitive and need more frequent irrigation until their root systems establish.
Using drip irrigation or a deep watering method is best to encourage deep root growth. Take care not to overwater jackfruit as soggy soil leads to root rot and nutrient deficiencies.
Humidity & Air Circulation
Jackfruit grows well in humid tropical and subtropical climates where relative humidity ranges from 70–80% on average. Periods of higher humidity benefit jackfruit trees during hot summer months.
Good airflow is also important for managing pests and fungal diseases. Prune jackfruit trees to maintain an open canopy allowing air to circulate. Avoid planting jackfruit trees in frost pockets where cold air cannot escape.
Soil Requirements for Jackfruit Trees
While jackfruit can tolerate a range of soil conditions, well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter provides ideal growing conditions.
Soil Drainage & Waterlogging
Excellent drainage is the most crucial soil factor for success growing jackfruit. These trees quickly succumb to root rot if soil remains soggy for extended periods. Avoid heavy clay soils or any areas where water collects and pools after rains.
If your landscape has poorly draining soil, create raised mounds or beds for planting jackfruit trees. Mixing sand or small gravel into the native soil can help increase drainage. Growing jackfruit in containers is another solution for gardens with dense soils.
Soil pH
Jackfruit performs well in soil ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline between pH 5.5–7.5. Most tropical soils naturally fall within jackfruit’s preferred pH range.
Use a soil test kit to determine your garden’s pH if unknown. While jackfruit tolerates a wide soil pH range, optimal growth occurs when pH is 6.0–6.5.
If your soil’s pH falls outside the ideal range between 5.5-7.5, amendments can adjust soil pH such as lime for acidic soil or sulfur for alkaline soil.
Soil Nutrients
While jackfruit trees grow well in poor soils, fruit production increases with fertile soil conditions. Using a complete organic fertilizer when planting jackfruit trees gives seedlings an optimal start.
Continue applying a balanced organic fertilizer or compost during spring growth periods while trees are young. Mature jackfruit trees require less frequent fertilization to maintain fruit production.
Soil naturally rich in organic matter supplies beneficial microbes and slow-release nutrients to nourish jackfruit trees. Incorporate well-aged manure, leaf mold compost, or wood ash when preparing jackfruit growing sites.
Choosing Jackfruit Varieties
Many jackfruit varieties exist, but only some match home growing conditions. The Raja Bulu produces sweet fruits topping 100 pounds making it one of the largest jackfruits. For more moderately sized fruits, Black Gold and Golden Nugget trees reach heights accessible for harvesting. Both bear quality fruits. Another excellent backyard variety, Excalibur, withstands light frosts better than most kinds allowing gardeners in marginal climates to try growing jackfruit.
Popular Varieties for Home Growing
Raja Bulu – This variety bears very large fruits weighing 60-110 lbs on average. The disadvantage is very tall trees making fruit harvest challenging without a ladder. Sweet flavored golden yellow fruit interior.
Black Gold – Black-gold produces medium, oblong smooth skinned fruit averaging 10-15 lbs. An ideal backyard variety growing to heights of 15-20 ft tall. Excellent flavor.
Golden Nugget – A proven garden performer bearing smaller fruits of 5-10 lbs. Golden Nugget frequently sets fruit without needing cross pollination. Easy harvest size for small gardens.
Excalibur – The hardiest jackfruit variety surviving brief temperatures into the low 30°F range. Ideal for warm temperate climates like California and Florida. Productive trees yield quality fruit.
Dang Rasimi – This Thai jackfruit cultivar bears abundant fruits with superior flavor, aroma and texture. It is also known for having very few latex threads, making for easier processing. The medium sized fruits weigh around 10-25 lbs.
J-31 – This variety developed in Jamaica produces high yields of sizable oval fruits weighing in the 20-40 lb range. It has excellent pest and disease resistance. The J-31 is also heat and drought tolerant once established.
Choosing Pollination Types
Jackfruit flowers come in two types:
- Male flowers – Only produce pollen and do not set fruit
- Hermaphrodite flowers – Contain male and female parts allowing them to be pollinated and bear fruits.
Some jackfruit varieties only produce male or only hermaphrodite flowers. For reliable fruit production choose dual-sex varieties, ever-bearing varieties, or plant multiple trees.
If planting a single male jackfruit tree ensure a separate hermaphrodite jackfruit variety grows nearby for pollination and fruiting.
Factors When Selecting Varieties
When selecting which jackfruit variety to grow, consider these factors:
Climate – Match variety to your growing region’s temperature, humidity, and rainfall averages.
Chilling Tolerance – Some jackfruit tolerate light frosts while others require strictly tropical environments.
Size – Small, medium and large jackfruit varieties exist depending on harvest preferences. Larger fruits have more edible pods but heavy branches require support.
Pollination Needs – Look for self-pollinating, dual-sex and everbearing types if not planting multiple trees.
Pest & Disease Resistance – Choose resilient varieties for low maintenance harvesting.
Flavor – Jackfruit flesh ranges from soft and intense sweetness to crisp and mild depending on ripeness and variety.
Seed Size – Large seeds increase usable fruit while small seeds easily roast or grind into nutritious flour.
Getting Jackfruit Trees
You can grow jackfruit from seeds or by purchasing young grafted trees. For faster harvests, saplings offer instant maturity inherited from their grafted parent plant. Alternatively, growing jackfruit from seed makes an exciting project.
Starting Jackfruit from Seeds
Find fresh seeds inside ripe jackfruits sold locally during summer months. Allow seeds to air dry for a few days before planting to prevent mold issues.
Soak dried jackfruit seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to initiate germination. Plant the swollen seeds an inch deep in seedling trays or small pots using a well-draining potting mix.
Keep compost moist and provide heat of at least 75°F until sprouting which takes around 3-4 weeks. Transplant seedlings once they develop several true leaves and the taproot fills containers after 6-12 months.
Germinating Jackfruit Seeds Tips:
- Allow fresh seeds to dry for 2-3 days before planting to prevent mold
- Soak dried seeds 24 hours then plant 1 inch deep
- Use warm potting mix (75°F +)
- Water sparingly to keep soil barely moist
- Full sun exposure speeds emergence
Transplanting Seedlings:
- Harden off seedlings slowly over 7-10 days
- Transplant once taproot fills containers
- Plant at same level it grew previously
- Shelter from sun/wind until established
- Provide shade canopy once planted
Buying Jackfruit Trees
Purchase jackfruit saplings from specialty fruit tree nurseries for fastest harvests. Opt for grafted jackfruit varieties to combine desired fruit qualities from a mature scion (top section) with an established rootstock. Grafted jackfruit trees fruit within 3 years compared to seedling trees taking 8 or more years.
When buying young jackfruit trees inspect specimens carefully:
- Avoid root-bound plants
- Select healthy leaves without spots
- Check for scale insects on stems
- Ensure no circling root growth
Ideally choose jackfruit saplings over 1 foot tall so the graft union clearly shows on the stem. Research reputable nurseries and confirm they graft disease-resistant rootstock to supply healthy jackfruit trees.
Planting Jackfruit Trees
Mid spring after final frosts pass provides ideal jackfruit planting conditions allowing new saplings months to establish before winter arrives. Trees planted during warm seasons withstand transplant stress much better initially.
Preparing Sites
Select a sunny location protected from strong winds which damage tender jackfruit branches. Outbuildings, fences or plantings of bamboo/bananas make excellent jackfruit windbreaks.
Jackfruit trees grow over 100 feet tall and wide in tropical climates. Even dwarf varieties reach heights and spreads of 25 feet requiring ample space.
Identify any underground pipes or wiring locations when planning jackfruit sites to avoid future root conflicts.
Dig planting holes at least twice the width of the root ball keeping a similar depth. Roughen sides and loosen compacted bottom soil layers to promote root penetration. Mix mycorrhizae fungi into backfill soil to amplify root growth helping young saplings establish quicker.
Planting Steps
Follow these planting guidelines when transplanting new jackfruit trees:
- Prepare site for new tree
- Dig wide planting hole twice as deep/wide as root ball
- Roughen sides and loosen compacted bottom soil
- Fill hole partially & build soil cone to support root ball
- Remove sapling from container keeping root ball intact
- Position on soil cone matching previous depth
- Straighten out any encircling roots growing around edges
- Backfill hole with native soil
- Water thoroughly until moisture penetrates deeply
- Apply thick organic mulch avoiding contact with trunk
- Stake tree for support as needed against winds
Caring for Jackfruit Trees
Consistent care helps young jackfruit trees establish quickly to promote strong growth and heavy fruiting. Monitor and tend to saplings vigilantly addressing any problems promptly.
Watering Needs
In warm climates jackfruit trees appreciate weekly irrigation for the first year. Slowly reduce frequency as the extensive root system expands reaching deeper soil moisture. Established jackfruit withstand brief droughts using stored water reserves.
Target watering to basin area surrounding trees. Gradually increase diameter as canopy width increases. Maintaining 4-6 inches mulch conserves moisture reducing irrigation requirements.
Drooping leaves indicate jackfruit water needs until you recognize subtle signs. Overwatering encourages shallow roots while drought stunts new growth. Instead provide regular deep moisture then allow surface layers to briefly dry out.
Fertilizer Application
Newly planted jackfruit benefit from monthly fertilizer starting a month after planting using:
- Fish emulsion
- Compost tea
- Seaweed solutions
- Balanced 10-10-10 organic granular fertilizer
Established container trees need fertilizing at half strength from late winter through summer annually.
Reduce feeding mature in-ground jackfruit trees to early spring and possibly midsummer using lower nitrogen mixes like 5-10-10. Excess nitrogen weakens branches unable to support heavy crops.
Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies show though yellowing leaves, dieback and reduced flowering/fruit loads. Address soil imbalances adjusting fertilizer or pH levels accordingly.
Pruning Young Trees
Pruning jackfruit trees trains framework branches, removes defects and improves harvest potential:
Year 1: Select leader trunk & space main scaffold branches every 4-6 inches spiraling up the leader. Prune back competitor shoots growing straight up vertically.
Year 2: Limit secondary branching further concentrating energy into expanding girth over height. Thin inward growing limbs for airflow.
Year 3+: Maintain central leader removing narrow crotches between secondary branches every wet season. Reduce top third canopy periodically keeping mature height around 25 feet.
Always sterilize pruners after each cut with alcohol solution to prevent transmitting diseases. Only prune jackfruit June through September during active growth periods for quickest wound closure.
Pests & Disease Prevention
Guard against hungry insects attacking tender new jackfruit growth spraying horticultural oil or neem oil monthly when pests appear. Common jackfruit pests include:
- Mealybugs – Cottony masses on stems & leaves. Controls: Insecticidal soap sprays. Ant control.
- Aphids – Curled leaves covered in small insects. Controls: Strong water jets, lady bugs, green lacewings.
- Fruit flies – Maggots inside fruit. Controls: Bagging fruit clusters before ripening. Traps.
- Scale – Hard shells attached to bark secreting sticky honeydew. Controls: Horticultural oils. Soap spray.
Prevent fungal issues like leaf spot, anthracnose, scab and Alternaria by selecting resistant cultivars. Improve airflow and promptly remove diseased plant debris. Apply protective copper fungicides before rainy seasons if diseases persist.
Harvesting Jackfruit
Jackfruit generally matures between 90-120 days after flowering depending on jackfruit variety and climate factors. Check for ripe fruit indicators like color changes mottled yellow-green skin plus reddish spikes transitioning to brown. Ripe jackfruits also emit a strong fruity aroma detectable from a distance.
Equipment Needed
Harvesting jackfruit takes the right tools for safety and efficiency:
- Extension Pole – Essential for high-growing jackfruit varieties up to 30 feet tall
- Hook Blade – Special knife securely harvests whole jackfruit without pole damage
- Gloves – Prevent sticky latex sap contacting skin which causes rashes
- Tarp – Cushions dropped fruit preventing bruising
Without proper equipment climbing trees risks injury from the heavy (80 lb) fruits potentially falling. Use an extension pole with securely attached hook blade specifically designed for reaching jackfruit high up.
Ripeness Cues
These visible and aromatic changes indicate mature jackfruit ready for picking:
- Skin darkening mottled yellow-green
- Spines softening into more pliable reddish-brown points
- Strong sweet fragrance detectable from 20+ feet away
- Hollow sound when tapping exterior (like a ripe melon)
Sample different tree locations since ripeness varies on individual jackfruits based on sun exposure, nutrition and bee pollination completeness.
Harvesting Stages
Jackfruit can be harvested at multiple stages of development depending on intended use:
Unripe – Harvested when fruits reach full size with green skin and firm texture. Best for cooking as a meat substitute. Store up to 3 weeks.
Ripe – Allow to ripen on tree evidenced by yellow mottled skin, soft spikes, sweet aroma. Ideal fresh eating quality. Use within 1 week.
Overripe – Left to ripen past prime picking stage when fruit smell becomes alcohol-like. Quickly use for jams, juices, or preserving.
Plan harvests checking trees every three days once fruits start ripening. Wrap stems of picked fruits with plastic to avoid latex leaking during transport. Take care not to damage branches under fruit load.
Storing Jackfruit
Proper post-harvest storage preserves fresh eating quality and extends shelf life. Containers, temperature, humidity, and fruit ripeness all impact jackfruit storage success.
Ripeness Impacts
Shelf life varies significantly on harvest ripeness stage:
- Unripe – Lasts 14-21 days at room temperature
- Ripe – Store 7-10 days under refrigeration
- Overripe – Use quickly within 2-3 days
Fully ripe jackfruit does not transport well unless carefully handled to avoid bruising. Gentle transport in padded crates keeps ripe jackfruit sound for local markets.
Storage Conditions
Ideal storage conditions for unripe green jackfruit differ from ripe temperate requirements:
Unripe
- Room temperature 55–77°F
- High humidity 85-95%
- Well ventilated room
- Avoid refrigeration
Ripe
- Refrigerate below 55°F
- Low humidity
- Airtight plastic containers
- Mist flesh with lemon juice
Extreme cold damages ripening jackfruit. Wrap cut surfaces in plastic preventing contact with air to delay spoilage after sectioning.
Eating Jackfruit
Beyond impressive growing capabilities, jackfruit offers exceptional culinary qualities from sweet fruity flavor to substitution in vegetarian dishes. Both ripe and unripe fruits provide unique tasting experiences with texture playing a pivotal role.
Ripe Jackfruit Qualities
Tree ripened jackfruit offers tropical intensity through aromatic fleshy pods embedded inside the large fruit. Sweetness levels vary from golden honey nuances to intensely saccharine depending on cultivar.
Dense texture when perfectly ripe slices apart into stringless, juice-filled sections enjoyable fresh. Chilling diminishes delicate ripe jackfruit flavor profiles best served at room temperature.
Include ripe jackfruit in fruit salads, smoothies, juices, ice cream, pancakes and desserts to lend sweetness. The subtle tangy twist pairs well with lime, banana and mango.
Unripe Jackfruit Qualities
Green unripe jackfruit undergoes a complete flavor and texture transformation when cooked functioning similar to meat. Unripe flesh easily shreds apart into a stringy consistency absorbing any marinades and spices mixed in.
Most commercial canned jackfruit comes processed from unripe fruits. The neutral foundation accepts many cuisine styles from Caribbean curries, tacos, barbecue and stir-fries without imparting an assertive flavor.
Substitute finely sliced unripe jackfruit in any recipe calling for pulled pork or chicken. Gentle cooking softens the raw flesh into fork-tender strands with a satisfying mouth feel.
Boiling, pressure cooking or slow cooking all transform the moderate unripe jackfruit taste into the surrounding ingredients. Explore using unripe jackfruit as a sustainable plant-based meat alternative.
Preserving Jackfruit
In addition to fresh enjoyment, preserve seasonal jackfruit surplus through:
Canning – Parboil pieces 5 minutes then submerge in syrup in sterilized jars. Use within 12 months.
Drying – Dehydrate thin jackfruit slices until completely dried as a chewy snack.
Freezing – Blanch pieces for 10 minutes then cool, pack, seal, & freeze up to 6 months.
Jams/Jellies – Cook pulp with pectin & sugar to desired gel consistency.
Wine/Vinegar – Ferment ripe jackfruit flesh into alcoholic beverages.
Jackfruit freezes particularly well for year-round usage retaining texture once thawed. Remove seeds and core then cut into chunks before freezing in airtight containers or bags.
Enjoy the Boundless Bounty of Your Own Jackfruit Tree
Hopefully this guide has shown that growing jackfruit can be a fun, rewarding way to garden more sustainably. Although jackfruit thrives in tropical environments, those blessed with warm climates should seriously consider planting this majestic tree. Not only does jackfruit produce nutritious fruits, but virtually every part finds use from timber, livestock feed to leaves woven into textiles. Its sheer size and exotic qualities add definite wow-factor sure to stimulate interesting conversations with gardening guests. Remember patience and attentive care allows you to reap huge benefits later both in large fruits available and environmental stewardship.
