How to grow Black Sapote in Australia
Plant black sapote in full sun in deep, free-draining soil in a frost-free, sheltered spot. Water young trees regularly and keep them mulched, easing off once established.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 15 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 800 cm
- Time to harvest: 1825 days (about 5 years)
- Time to germinate: 21 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | October to February | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | October to February | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | October to January | Marginal. Warm, frost free coastal gardens only; plant Oct to Jan. Slow to fruit in Sydney and young trees are killed by frost. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Not viable. True tropical only. |
| Adelaide & SA | Not suited | Not viable. True tropical only. |
| Perth & WA | Not suited | Not viable. True tropical only. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. True tropical only. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Not viable. True tropical only. |
| North Queensland | September to March | Thrives in North QLD. Year-round warmth ideal. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Darwin ideal. Year-round warmth. |
Varieties
- Bernecker
- Ricks Late
Companion planting
Good companions
- Tropical fruit trees
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick when fruit turns from glossy green to dull olive and feels slightly soft, then ripen indoors until the flesh is dark and pudding soft. Clip with the calyx attached.
Storage
Ripen on bench until very soft. Freeze pulp for months.