Description

Chikoo/Sapotoa is a long-lived, evergreen tropical tree. This plant is also grown for its Latex and cultivated for fruits .The fruit is a fleshy berry. The fruit has an exceptionally sweet, malty flavor. These trees are suitable to grown in warmer climate.

The Chikoo fruit plant, also known as sapodilla, sapota, or scientifically as Manilkara zapota, is a popular tropical fruit tree known for its sweet, pear-like fruits. Here’s a detailed overview of the conditions needed for growing Chikoo, its temperature requirements, and the time it typically takes to bear fruit:

Chikoo Fruit Plant Growing Conditions

Soil Requirements: Chikoo trees thrive in a variety of soil types but prefer well-drained soils. They can adapt to sandy, loamy, and even clay-rich soils as long as there is good drainage. The ideal soil pH for Chikoo trees is between 5.5 and 7.5.
Sunlight and Location: Sapodilla trees require full sun for optimal growth and fruit production. They should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering Needs: While sapodilla trees are drought-tolerant once established, regular watering helps young trees establish roots and thrive. It’s important to water the trees deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root development. Watering can be reduced once the tree is well-established.

Temperature Requirements

Chikoo trees are best suited to warm climates. They can tolerate:

Temperature Range: The optimal temperature range for growing Chikoo is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). They can tolerate higher temperatures without significant harm.
Cold Tolerance: Sapodilla trees can tolerate brief periods of cold down to about 2°C (35°F), but they are susceptible to frost. Young trees are particularly vulnerable to cold weather and should be protected during cold snaps.

Time to Fruit

Maturity and Fruiting Age: Chikoo trees grown from seeds can take anywhere from 5 to 8 years to begin producing fruits. However, trees grown from grafts can start fruiting as early as 3 to 4 years.
Fruit Development: Once flowering occurs, fruits typically take about 4 to 6 months to mature. The timing can vary based on the local climate and care provided.