How to Grow Jackfruit from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Advantages of Growing Jackfruit from Seed

How to grow jackfruit from seeds offers many advantages. Below are the detailed advantages.
 

• Stronger and healthier trees: Jackfruit trees grown from seed have a deep taproot system that anchors them well in the ground and allows them to access water and nutrients more effectively. This results in healthier, more resilient trees that are less susceptible to pests and diseases.

• Tastier fruit: Jackfruit from seedlings is often said to have superior flavor and sweetness compared to grafted fruit. This is because the tree has more time to develop its root system and establish itself before producing fruit.

• Lower cost: Growing jackfruit from seed is a more economical way to start a jackfruit tree compared to purchasing a grafted seedling.

Disadvantages of Growing Jackfruit from Seed:

However, growing jackfruit from seeds also has certain disadvantages as follows:
 

• Longer time to fruiting: It takes several years, typically 7-10 years, for jackfruit trees grown from seed to produce fruit.

• Variable fruit quality: While jackfruit from seedlings is often praised for its flavor, there is a chance that the fruit may not be as good as the parent tree.

If you enjoy growing jackfruit from seeds, remember the following way to choose the seeds:
 

• In Veque opinion, Select large, healthy seeds from a ripe jackfruit. Avoid seeds that are cracked, damaged, or have signs of mold.

• If possible, choose seeds from a jackfruit tree known for producing good quality fruit.

How to Grow Jackfruit from Seed at home

The detailed step-by-step method of growing jackfruit from seeds is as follows:
 

• Prepare the planting site: Choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is about 12 inches (30 cm) wide and deep.

• Sow the seeds: Place 2-3 seeds in the planting hole, spacing them about 8 inches (20 cm) apart. Cover the seeds with about 2 inches (5 cm) of soil.

• Water the seeds: Water the planting site thoroughly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

• Protect the seeds: To protect the seeds from animals and pests, you can cover the planting hole with a wire mesh or cage.

• Care for the seedlings: Once the seedlings emerge, keep the soil moist and provide regular watering, especially during dry periods. Remove weeds around the seedlings to prevent competition for nutrients.
   

>>>Read More: How to grow cucumbers in pots from seeds on the rooftop
 

Additional Considerations for Growing Jackfruit from Seed for Quick Fruiting

Time to Fruiting:

It's important to note that jackfruit trees grown from seed take significantly longer to bear fruit compared to grafted trees. While grafted trees can start producing fruit within 3-5 years, seedlings typically require 7-10 years before they mature and produce their first crop.

Additional Tips:
 

• Plan your planting layout: Carefully consider the layout of your garden or orchard when planting jackfruit seeds. Since the trees can grow large and spread widely, ensure you have ample space for their growth without overcrowding other plants.

• Grafting for improved fruit quality: If the fruit from your seedling jackfruit tree doesn't meet your expectations in terms of flavor or quality, consider grafting branches from a superior jackfruit tree onto your existing tree. This technique can introduce desirable traits and potentially accelerate fruiting.

• Addressing food security concerns: Jackfruit trees can play a significant role in addressing potential food security issues. Their large fruit size and abundant yield can provide a valuable source of nutrition, particularly in areas with limited access to other food sources.

Planting in a Large Garden:

If you have a spacious garden, you can adopt a simpler approach by directly sowing jackfruit seeds in various locations throughout the area. Since jackfruit trees are known for their rapid growth, it's advisable to plant them near fences or borders to provide support and prevent them from encroaching on other plants.

After they establish themselves, you can select the healthiest and most vigorous tree and remove the others to optimize space and resource utilization. The remaining tree can then be pruned and cared for to enhance its productivity.

By following these guidelines and exercising patience, you can successfully grow jackfruit trees from seed and enjoy the bountiful harvest of this nutritious and versatile fruit.