Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. This is a valuable fruit crop that produces large, prickly fruits with a sweet and sour taste.
Jackfruit is grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Prefers a warm, humid climate with high rainfall.
1. Variety selection
When choosing a jackfruit variety, consider the following factors:
- Purpose of cultivation: For cultivation as a fruit crop, varieties with high yield and good quality of fruits should be selected. To grow as an ornamental plant, choose varieties with a beautiful crown and flowers.
- Winter hardiness: Some varieties of jackfruit can tolerate short-term frosts, others require winter protection.
2. Soil preparation
Jackfruit is a light-loving and water-loving plant, so it needs a sunny and well-drained place for planting.
The soil for planting jackfruit must be fertile and neutral or slightly acidic in reaction.
3. Landing
Jackfruit seedlings are planted in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed.
Seedlings are planted in planting holes 60-70 cm deep and wide. A layer of broken brick or gravel drainage is poured into the planting hole, then a layer of fertile soil. The seedlings are planted so that the root collar is at soil level. After planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly.
4. Plant care
Jackfruit is an unpretentious plant, but for a good harvest the following measures must be taken:
- Watering: Jackfruit is a water-loving plant, so during the growing season the plants need to be watered regularly, especially in hot weather.
- Fertilizer application: During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second – in the flowering phase, the third – in the fruiting phase.
- Pruning: To shape the crown of the jackfruit, pruning is done. Pruning is carried out in the spring, before the buds open.
- Protection from pests and diseases: Jackfruit is susceptible to various diseases and pests. To protect plants from pests and diseases, preventive treatments are necessary.
5. Harvest
Jackfruit begins to bear fruit 2-3 years after planting. Jackfruit fruits ripen in July-August. The ripening of jackfruit fruits is determined by their characteristic color and softness. Jackfruit fruits are harvested by hand by cutting them off from the stem.
6. Diseases and pests
Jackfruit is susceptible to the following diseases:
- Cercospora leaf spot
- Powdery mildew
- Scab
Jackfruit is susceptible to the following pests:
- Aphids
- Jackfruit scale
- Jackfruit spider mite
Additional Tips
- For an earlier harvest of jackfruit, it can be grown from seedlings. Jackfruit seedlings are grown at home or in greenhouses.
- To increase the yield of jackfruit, it can be grown near other crops that repel pests.
Notes
- To grow jackfruit outdoors in regions with cold climates, it is necessary to choose frost-resistant varieties.
- Insecticides and fungicides should be used to protect jackfruit from pests and diseases.
- For a good jackfruit harvest, it is necessary to follow the watering and fertilizing regime.
For a good harvest, you must adhere to the technology of growing jackfruit.