Sapodilla Manilkara zapota
AKA: Nispero

Tikal Fruit on the tree.

Sapodilla trees are in great demand and we see no end to the fruits popularity. Sapodilla fruit average three or four inches in diameter and some are much larger. The shape varies from round to oval. The skin is soft, brown and a bit fuzzy. The sweet delicious flesh is also a brown color, very juicy and refreshing. It's texture is similar to that of a pear with a slight hint of cinnamon flavor. Try some mixed with yogurt for an amazing nutritious breakfast.

These trees can be maintained to a manageable height of 8-10 feet and produce abundant fruit yields for the backyard grower. Trees grow slowly but can reach a height of 50 feet.

The Sapodilla is salt and drought tolerant and is a good fruit tree for coastal areas. Trees grow best in well drained fertile sandy soils but are adapted to the rocky, calcareous soils of south Florida . For maximum fruit yield be sure to provide a location with plenty of sunshine. Keep the trees at least 20 feet away from your home or other large trees that will produce shade.

Planting the Sapodilla tree
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Making a large planting hole is really a good idea. The lager hole provides loose soil around the roots so they can spread out and grow. Be sure to spread the roots out slightly with your hand. Avoid buying and planting trees that have circling root systems that are root bound. Dig the planting hole 3 to 4 times the diameter of the root-ball and 3 times as deep as the container the tree came in. Plant level with the existing grade plus one inch higher. The tree will settle and sink down to the existing grade. Water the soil in, using the end of the garden hose. Be sure to get all air pockets and do not fertilize the tree when planting.

Tip: Always a good idea to add mycorrhizal fungi in the planting hole around the roots.


Water: 

Your newly planted tree should be watered after planting as explained above. Water the tree every other day for the first week or two depending on the time of year. After the second week you should water it once or twice a week for the first few months. Keep in mind that during the rainy season, watering is needed only if no rain for five or six consecutive days. This rule of thumb applies to young trees about 3 years old. 

Fertilzer

Once your newly planted tree begins to put out new growth you can fertilize it. Use about 1/4 pound of a balanced 6,6,6 or 10,10,10 for example.  Organic is best and Sapodillas will respond well to the organics. Be sure to read the fertilizer label and that it contains minor elements as well like these.  Iron 1.2%, Zinc 1.7%, Manganese 1.2%, Magnesium 1.0% and Sulfur 4.1%.

Apply the fertilizer every two months for the first year and a half or so.  After the second year, a half pound application of fertilizer works well. Remember your goal as a backyard grower is to keep the tree no bigger than 8- 10 feet tall. Fertilize out along the trees drip line. Smaller trees are easier to care for and harvest. 

From April to September apply a few foliage nutritional spray treatments
(Minor elements)

For best flowering and of course fruit yield, do not use nitrogen fertilizer after August. You don't want more vegetative growth.  Restricting the nitrogen will encourage the tree to flower.

Avoid fertilizer application during the winter months. Forcing new growth followed by a cold snap or freeze will set your tree back.

Varieties:
SAPODILLA/NISPERO:  
Alano, Tikal, Butterscotch, Silas Woods and Morena
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Below is a description for my favorite varieties. Many others are available. Named varieties are propagated by air layering AKA Marcotting. This method creates a clone of the mother plant. Roots develop on a selected branch and after a period of time severed and potted in a container. This is a fast way of producing quality Sapodilla and many other fruit trees that produce fruit quickly. Often times fruit is produced in just a year or two. Contrast that with a seedling that can take 6- 10 years. 

Alano has oval shaped fruits with a very sweet taste, similar to a blend of cinnamon and pear. These trees are heavy consistent producers of medium sized fruit typically weighing about nine ounces. Trees are less brittle and more compact than other varieties. Ripens from November to June.

Tikal was one of the first superior varieties grown in Florida commercially. The very tasty fruit ripens December to March. Fruit can vary from 9-11 ounces.

​Silas Woods and Butterscotch are dwarf trees producing delicious fruit. They are excellent for container growing.

​Tree Planting Video. Watch our video on planting a tree click here!

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​How do I know it's ready to eat?

Tip:
Fruit that is ready to pick becomes smooth and a bit shiny unlike the immature fruit that has a rough texture. 

After picking the fruit wait around four to five days and feel the fruit. Enjoy eating when the fruit is soft to the touch. Try placing some ripe fruit in the refrigerator and eat cold for a real treat!   
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Caution: 
Be sure to slice the fruit open and don't get the seed in your mouth. 
Sapodilla seeds have a sharp pointed end and this could become caught in your throat. The skin is not edible.

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