How to grow Jackfruit in Australia
A large tropical tree needing full sun, deep, well-drained soil and a frost-free climate with plenty of space. Water young trees regularly and deeply while they establish, then keep soil moist during fruiting.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 20 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 1000 cm
- Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 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 | Warm coastal gardens only. Hinterland and Lismore basin frosts kill young trees, so plant in a sheltered, frost free spot. |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | Not suited | Not viable in Sydney. Needs true tropical conditions. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Not viable in Melbourne. 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. Plant year-round in wet season. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Thrives in Darwin. Plant during wet season. |
Varieties
- Black Gold
- Cheena
Companion planting
Good companions
- Tropical fruit trees
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Ready when the skin yellows, the spines flatten and a sweet aroma develops with a hollow sound when tapped. Cut the heavy fruit from the branch with a sturdy knife.
Storage
Ripe segments fridge 3 to 5 days. Freeze pulled flesh for months.