Jackfruit.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Tropical evergreen tree

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

30 to 70 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Spring to early summer

Care

Ensure the tree has plenty of space to grow and keep the soil consistently moist but well drained. Watch for yellowing leaves which can indicate overwatering or poor drainage issues. Protect young trees from frost as they are sensitive to cold temperatures.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Prune annually to maintain shape and remove dead branches.

Repotting

Repot young trees when they become root bound.

Soil

Deep, rich, well draining soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

15 to 35°C

Humidity

60 to 90%

Safety

People

The plant is generally non-toxic, but the sticky latex sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Children

The heavy, falling fruits pose a significant physical hazard to children playing under the tree.

Contact allergens

The sticky white latex sap can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

Airborne allergens

Pollen from the male flowers may trigger mild respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Edibility

The seeds must be cooked before consumption to neutralize anti-nutritional factors.

How to identify it

• Huge, spiky, green exterior fruit
• Glossy, leathery, dark green leaves
• Large, oval shaped foliage
• Thick, woody trunk structure

Height

10 to 20m

Spread

4 to 8m

Leaves

dark green, evergreen

Flowers

yellowish green, 1 to 5cm

Fruit

green, yellowish brown, Summer to autumn

Common problems

• Fruit rot — Fungal infection causing decay on developing fruits during high humidity.
• Stem borer — Larvae tunnel into the trunk, weakening the tree structure.

• Why are my jackfruit's leaves turning yellow?
• Why are my jackfruit's leaf tips turning brown?
• Why does my jackfruit tree have root rot?

Growing it

Propagation

seed, grafting, cuttings

When to plant

spring, early summer

Planting nitrogen fixing legumes nearby can help support the heavy nutrient demands of this large tree.

Grows well with

• Banana — They share similar moisture and shade requirements in tropical food forests.
• Turmeric — It grows well in the partial shade provided by the jackfruit canopy.

Similar species

• Breadfruit — It is a close relative with similar growth habits and tropical requirements.
• Cempedak — It shares a similar appearance and fruit structure but is generally smaller.

Science

Family

Moraceae

Genus

Artocarpus

Order

Rosales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Rainforests of South and Southeast Asia.

Conservation

This species is widely cultivated and not considered threatened in its native range.

It thrives in humid, tropical climates and relies on insects for pollination.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, provides habitat for birds and small mammals

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Uses

culinary fruit, timber production, ornamental shade tree, livestock fodder

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How long until it fruits?

Grafted trees typically start fruiting in 3 to 4 years, while seed-grown trees take 7 to 10 years.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It is not suitable for long term container growth due to its massive size.

Where the name comes from

The name Artocarpus comes from the Greek words for bread and fruit, while heterophyllus refers to its varied leaf shapes.

Good to know

• Jackfruit is a staple food in many tropical regions.
• The fruit has a distinct, strong aroma when ripe.
• It is the national fruit of Bangladesh.
• The wood is durable and often used for furniture.