sapodilla
Manilkara zapota
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Budding,Cutting,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
10 - 11
Flowers:
Pinkish-white Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Fruits:
brown,black Fruits Ready In Summer
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
watering
Watering sapodilla plants should be done on a regular basis; however, you don't want to overwater as this can be just as detrimental as not watering them at all. The amount of water needed will depend on how much natural moisture is in the soil and the weather conditions, however, as a general rule of thumb, water sapodillas deeply once every 7-10 days. During hot, dry periods, water your sapodilla more frequently. If the soil is very dry 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the surface, then increase watering accordingly.
sunlight
Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) is a tropical fruit tree that performs best in full sunlight. This species should be exposed to a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day during its growing season, which typically lasts from early spring to late fall. Since Sapodilla is native to tropical climates, it is important to ensure that temperatures will not be strikingly hot during the day, in order to prevent scalding or sunburn on the plant. Additionally, providing partial shade during periods of peak heat is a good idea to ensure the health of the plant.
pruning
For Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), pruning should be done when the tree is about 3 to 4 years old, and can continue until it is about 15-20 years old. The sapodilla tree produces a majority of its crop when it is in the range of 8-15 years old. Pruning should be done seasonally, in the summer and fall months. When pruning sapodilla, remove any weakened, diseased, crossed or overcrowded branches and those that are too close to the ground. Also look for dead, damaged shoots, or branches that are growing directly downward or inward, as these should be cut off to increase air circulation. In addition, remove any secondary shoots that are growing near the main branches, as these will reduce vigor and yield. Prune the sapodilla tree carefully, without removing too much of the canopy. This will help to preserve the shape and strength of the tree. When removing branches, make sure that they are cut back to a point where new shoots can grow, and that no branches are left stubbed. To keep the sapodilla tree healthy, fertilize it before and after pruning season.
