Artocarpus heterophyllus
Artocarpus heterophyllus
Jackfruit
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Taxonomy
Family Moraceae · Genus Artocarpus
Description
Artocarpus heterophyllus, better known as jackfruit, is a majestic tropical evergreen famed for producing the world’s largest tree-borne fruit. With glossy leaves, a broad canopy, and sweet, aromatic flesh, it’s a rewarding fruit tree for warm, humid, frost-free climates and an adventurous choice for large containers in bright sun.
Common Names
JackfruitJack treeJacaNangkaKathalMitKhanun
Context
nativeRegion
Native to the Western Ghats of India and likely Bangladesh/Sri Lanka; now widespread across South and Southeast Asia and tropical regions worldwide.
usdaZones
10–12
companionPlants
Banana, Papaya, Ginger, Turmeric, Pineapple, Pigeon pea
culturalUses
Fruit eaten fresh or cooked (savory and sweet); seeds roasted/boiled; young fruit used as a meat alternative; wood (jackwood) for carpentry; traditional medicinal uses in several cultures.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6–8+ hours). Young trees tolerate light shade but fruit best in full sun.
WateringKeep evenly moist, especially first 2–3 years. Water deeply when top 1–2 inches of soil dry; avoid waterlogging. More frequent watering in heat and containers.
SoilDeep, well-drained loam enriched with organic matter; pH 6.0–7.5. In pots, use a rich, chunky mix (loam/compost with coarse sand or perlite).
FertilizerFeed during warm months with balanced, slow-release fertilizer and added potassium for fruiting; supplement micronutrients (Fe, Mg, Mn). Incorporate compost annually.
HumidityPrefers high humidity (60%+). Shelter from strong, drying winds.
TemperatureOptimal 70–90°F (21–32°C). Sensitive below ~45°F (7°C); frost can be fatal. Grow outdoors in frost-free climates or protect aggressively.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitLarge, evergreen, cauliflorous tree with broad, spreading canopy.
Mature SizeTypically 30–60 ft (9–18 m) tall and 20–40 ft (6–12 m) wide; larger in ideal conditions.
Growth RateModerate to fast growth in the tropics (up to 2–3 ft/yr when well cared for).
BloomingMonoecious; male and female inflorescences on trunk/major branches. Main bloom spring–summer; fruit matures about 4–8 months after flowering.
DormancyEvergreen; no true dormancy. Growth slows in cool or dry seasons.
Propagation
MethodsSeeds, Grafting (cleft/veneer), Approach grafting, Air layering
DifficultyModerate (seeds easy but not true-to-type; grafting recommended for cultivar quality and earlier fruiting).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for grafting/layering; sow fresh seed promptly (ideally spring) in warm conditions.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningLight structural pruning after harvest to manage height, remove crossing or dead wood, and improve airflow. Tip-prune young trees to encourage lateral branching; avoid heavy cuts.
RepottingFor container culture, up-pot annually when young; move to very large containers (25–45+ gal) as roots fill. Best in spring; minimize root disturbance.
Pests & DiseasesFruit flies, scale, mealybugs, aphids, and borers; diseases include anthracnose, leaf spots, and root rot in poorly drained soils. Use sanitation, fruit bagging, proper drainage, and horticultural oils/copper as needed.
ToxicityGenerally non-toxic; milky latex sap may irritate skin and affect those with latex allergies.
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