How to Grow Jackfruit? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Planting Methods
Jackfruit is the heaviest fruit in the world, generally reaching up to 120 jin at maturity, and it is a tropical fruit. The flesh of jackfruit can be processed into canned goods, preserved fruit, and more, while the seeds are very rich in starch and can be boiled for eating. The flesh and sap have a range of effects such as reducing swelling and detoxifying, relieving coughs and promoting lactation, making it a fruit with relatively high economic value. So how should jackfruit be planted? Let's take a look together below!
1. Orchard selection
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit, so the key factor determining whether jackfruit can be grown as a cash crop is temperature. When the average annual temperature is above 22°C and the lowest temperature does not fall below 0°C, jackfruit can grow normally. However, when growing it as a cash crop, try to choose a place where even the lowest temperature is relatively high. Experiments show that in areas with sufficient moisture and rainfall above 1200 mm, jackfruit grows relatively well. The root system of the jackfruit tree is relatively deep and it is very drought-tolerant, but it still needs moisture retention, so in autumn and winter, set up an irrigation system. Jackfruit also has a relatively high demand for sunlight, but it is quite shade-tolerant. Seedlings should not be exposed to overly intense sunlight, so jackfruit should be appropriately densely planted and more nutrient-bearing branch tips should be retained.
2. Orchard establishment and field planting
To establish an orchard, the land should first be reclaimed and holes dug, and then base fertilizer applied. Generally, on flat land, machine plowing is used for deep turning, and then the land is leveled once. If it is hilly land, the orchard should be planted in terraced fields according to contour lines, generally at 1.5*2.5 m, and it must not slope outward, otherwise it will be unfavorable for water retention. When planting, the planting area must be considered, because the jackfruit tree is relatively tall and can grow up to 20 m at most. As for planting time, in Hainan it can generally be planted throughout the year, but spring planting is still the best. Select strong seedlings about 25 cm tall, avoid damaging the roots during transport, and after planting water thoroughly to set the roots.
3. Rational fertilization
Jackfruit has a relatively high water requirement during its growth process. The main purpose is to fertilize young trees to promote branch tip growth and allow them to quickly form a canopy. In addition to applying organic fertilizer in winter as the main base fertilizer, quick-acting fertilizer should be applied each time before the tree sends out new shoots, to promote and strengthen the shoots. After harvesting fruit from bearing trees, organic fertilizer and a small amount of quick-acting fertilizer should be applied heavily, mainly to restore tree vigor, improve leaf function, and then promote flower bud differentiation. When buds sprout and flower clusters are drawn in early spring, an appropriate amount of quick-acting fertilizer should also be applied to promote new shoot growth and flower cluster differentiation. Fruit-strengthening fertilizer should also be applied during the fruit expansion stage to promote fruit development.
4. Pruning and fruit thinning
When planting jackfruit, if it is not pruned and thinned and is allowed to grow naturally, it is also relatively easy for it to form a round-headed canopy. Pruning mainly involves cutting off dead branches, diseased and damaged branches, and other useless branches on the tree. After harvesting fruit, cut off the fruiting branches and male flower branches remaining on the trunk and large branches. In winter, pruning is the main task, and appropriate pruning should also be done in spring. Fruit thinning is to control the balanced development of the tree. When the fruits grow to the size of a pear, start thinning. In the first year, keep two fruits per plant, and in each following year keep 2-3 more fruits.
The above is a brief introduction to jackfruit planting methods. The smell of jackfruit is similar to that of durian, and so is its appearance, so many people mistakenly think that jackfruit is durian and that the taste is similar too. But that is not the case. The taste of jackfruit and durian is completely different, so everyone can plant it with complete peace of mind. Jackfruit has relatively high economic value, but when planting it you need to pay attention to pests and diseases and provide a good growing environment for jackfruit.