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Jared starts with ...
This is my Black Sapote situated on an easterly aspect in Goonellabah in a frost free area.
I have 20+ different fruit trees and huge range of ornamentals which are all growing a good rate but this sapote has really done nothing it was planted almost half a year ago and the lavenders interplanted in the orchard area has grown taller then it.
What am I doing wrong? they get regular watering and feed with organic fertlizer and the area is regularly kept mulched.
Is the plant not really suited for this area or something? I know the Wollongbar tafe that I attend have one growing but I dont know what/if attention it gets as Im in the landscape area not ag-culture area.
This is my Black Sapote situated on an easterly aspect in Goonellabah in a frost free area.
I have 20+ different fruit trees and huge range of ornamentals which are all growing a good rate but this sapote has really done nothing it was planted almost half a year ago and the lavenders interplanted in the orchard area has grown taller then it.
What am I doing wrong? they get regular watering and feed with organic fertlizer and the area is regularly kept mulched.
Is the plant not really suited for this area or something? I know the Wollongbar tafe that I attend have one growing but I dont know what/if attention it gets as Im in the landscape area not ag-culture area.
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Jared
Goonellabah
21st June 2007
ScottG says...
I have a Black Sapote in a similar spot in my garden on the Gold Coast. It is a seedling and after 7 years is only 2m tall. But this year it produced its first fruit (poor quality because of lack of water). Mine has one or two growth spurts in the year and the drought has played a big part in limiting its size. It seems to me that they require LOTS of water (by Gold Coast standards) to flourish.
Yours may just not have had an annual growth spurt yet and/or still be recovering from the transplant.
I have a Black Sapote in a similar spot in my garden on the Gold Coast. It is a seedling and after 7 years is only 2m tall. But this year it produced its first fruit (poor quality because of lack of water). Mine has one or two growth spurts in the year and the drought has played a big part in limiting its size. It seems to me that they require LOTS of water (by Gold Coast standards) to flourish.
Yours may just not have had an annual growth spurt yet and/or still be recovering from the transplant.
ScottG
Nerang
21st June 2007
Dekka
Newcastle
22nd June 2007
Anonymous says...
Frost free Goonellabah? The climate is changing. Perhaps you live in my family's one time beautiful old farm house on top of the range where frosts drain away downhill. Just perfect for those westerlies to whip through the cracks on a winter night.
Seriously, give your tree time. Many trees spend ages sending down roots to a water table. Then they grow fast. The water table used to be 10m below the valley floor in Goonellabah. Possibly more now with the dry. I have 3 black sapotes. None have moved for the first few years. The drought has made this much worse by dropping the local water table by 10m
Frost free Goonellabah? The climate is changing. Perhaps you live in my family's one time beautiful old farm house on top of the range where frosts drain away downhill. Just perfect for those westerlies to whip through the cracks on a winter night.
Seriously, give your tree time. Many trees spend ages sending down roots to a water table. Then they grow fast. The water table used to be 10m below the valley floor in Goonellabah. Possibly more now with the dry. I have 3 black sapotes. None have moved for the first few years. The drought has made this much worse by dropping the local water table by 10m
Anonymous
22nd June 2007
Adrianna
Logan Village
10th August 2007
Bazza says...
For Jared,
Do not be concernd after only 6 months. My tree has been in ground for 5 yrs now and hopefuly bearing now for the first time even though it has flowered twice before. At the moment it is covered with hundreds of flowers turning to small (pea size) dark green fruit. As you may see from photo i have pruned the Sapote to suit the corner area maybe holding it back a season from fruiting?
All The Best Bazza
For Jared,
Do not be concernd after only 6 months. My tree has been in ground for 5 yrs now and hopefuly bearing now for the first time even though it has flowered twice before. At the moment it is covered with hundreds of flowers turning to small (pea size) dark green fruit. As you may see from photo i have pruned the Sapote to suit the corner area maybe holding it back a season from fruiting?
All The Best Bazza
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 | ||
Bazza
Bundaberg Qld
12th August 2007
Bazza
Bundaberg qld
13th August 2007
Correy says...
Those are fantastic pictures Bazza. I am very keen to get a black sapote, I tasted one from tropical fruit world and it was one of the best fruits I have tasted. I wouldn't say it was exactly like chocolate pudding but I could see why they would say that.
The one I had was about the same size as an apple but they are full of the pudding like flesh. I thought there would be seeds in them but there wasn't you could just eat the whole thing. Skin as well if you were keen...like me :)
Those are fantastic pictures Bazza. I am very keen to get a black sapote, I tasted one from tropical fruit world and it was one of the best fruits I have tasted. I wouldn't say it was exactly like chocolate pudding but I could see why they would say that.
The one I had was about the same size as an apple but they are full of the pudding like flesh. I thought there would be seeds in them but there wasn't you could just eat the whole thing. Skin as well if you were keen...like me :)
Correy
Woolloongabba, QLD
13th August 2007
jenni
medowie
14th August 2007
siafu
Algarve, Portugal
16th August 2007
Dekka
Newcastle
16th August 2007
Bazza
Bundaberg Aus.
25th August 2007
Siafu says...
Hi,
Bazza, your new picture also shows a white sapote (Casimiroa edulis) or a similar species like the yellow sapote/matasano (Casimiroa tetrameria).
Black sapote is in a diferent genus ( Diospyros ). In fact, it is a tropical relative of the common persimmon.
The bark of the Black sapote is almot black, while the bark of the white sapote is grey with small white "bumps".
Moreover, black sapotes have simple leaves while white sapote has compound leaves, as shown in your picture.
Hi,
Bazza, your new picture also shows a white sapote (Casimiroa edulis) or a similar species like the yellow sapote/matasano (Casimiroa tetrameria).
Black sapote is in a diferent genus ( Diospyros ). In fact, it is a tropical relative of the common persimmon.
The bark of the Black sapote is almot black, while the bark of the white sapote is grey with small white "bumps".
Moreover, black sapotes have simple leaves while white sapote has compound leaves, as shown in your picture.
Siafu
Algarve, Portugal
26th August 2007
Bazza
Bundaberg Aus
27th August 2007
Scott G says...
For reference here are a couple of photos of my 7 yr old seedling Black Sapote. Branches as thick as a thumb were dead right the way through after a single frost. These photos were taken 5 weeks after the frost. There is still hope.
PS: It produced its first fruit last summer.
For reference here are a couple of photos of my 7 yr old seedling Black Sapote. Branches as thick as a thumb were dead right the way through after a single frost. These photos were taken 5 weeks after the frost. There is still hope.
PS: It produced its first fruit last summer.
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 |  Picture: 2 | |
Scott G
Gold Coast
27th August 2007
Sandy says...
I bought a black sapote from daley's and it's doing ok, along the fence, I am watching it, as the weather down here, is colder.
I have mine planted with lots of organic mulch and a medium loamy soil.
All our kitchen scraps, guinea pig poo and straw, cow manure all gets mixed in. Our black sapote, or choc pudding tree gets the afternoon sun, facing a brick wall on the garage.
Maybe try more mulching or manure.
I bought a black sapote from daley's and it's doing ok, along the fence, I am watching it, as the weather down here, is colder.
I have mine planted with lots of organic mulch and a medium loamy soil.
All our kitchen scraps, guinea pig poo and straw, cow manure all gets mixed in. Our black sapote, or choc pudding tree gets the afternoon sun, facing a brick wall on the garage.
Maybe try more mulching or manure.
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
25th September 2007
Jared says...
Unfortunately my sapote didnt live through the winter, we got only ONE frost all winter, which was mild when compared with most of the lismore region that got hit very hard, but it wasnt just the frost, that was just the last straw for the poor plant.
We think it may not have liked being in such nutrient rich soil, as that section had been prepared for the citrus trees, so had a lot of well rotted and dug in horse manure as well as homemade compost dug into it.
We also lost the lychee tree, but that was a combination of dog digging it out to chew on (need barbed wire to keep some plants alive with this dog) and then it had just started to revive from the dog adventure when the frost hit.
However all the other citrus (9 in total), stonefruit (3), mango tree and vegi patch etc, survived and are all doing well, most of them have their first crop just starting (i pinched the flowers off last year to get them some growth first).
We plan to get another sapote and plant it near the mango and stone fruits as the ground there wasnt as prepared as the citrus area.
Oh well, it is trial and error here, thats part of the fun of gardening.
Unfortunately my sapote didnt live through the winter, we got only ONE frost all winter, which was mild when compared with most of the lismore region that got hit very hard, but it wasnt just the frost, that was just the last straw for the poor plant.
We think it may not have liked being in such nutrient rich soil, as that section had been prepared for the citrus trees, so had a lot of well rotted and dug in horse manure as well as homemade compost dug into it.
We also lost the lychee tree, but that was a combination of dog digging it out to chew on (need barbed wire to keep some plants alive with this dog) and then it had just started to revive from the dog adventure when the frost hit.
However all the other citrus (9 in total), stonefruit (3), mango tree and vegi patch etc, survived and are all doing well, most of them have their first crop just starting (i pinched the flowers off last year to get them some growth first).
We plan to get another sapote and plant it near the mango and stone fruits as the ground there wasnt as prepared as the citrus area.
Oh well, it is trial and error here, thats part of the fun of gardening.
Jared
Goonellabah
2nd October 2007
Melanie says...
I have Black Sapote growing in Sydney. It's about 2 years old. I was wanting to know whats the best treatment of the tree besides keeping it shelted from the frost (which we don't have much).
It's doing quite well but some branches have turned black and fallen off, not sure if it's ok! Still has growth and have notice some new growth on it reasently.
I have Black Sapote growing in Sydney. It's about 2 years old. I was wanting to know whats the best treatment of the tree besides keeping it shelted from the frost (which we don't have much).
It's doing quite well but some branches have turned black and fallen off, not sure if it's ok! Still has growth and have notice some new growth on it reasently.
Melanie
Sydney
15th November 2007
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
16th November 2007
Melanie
Sydney
17th November 2007
Sandy says...
Could be!
I meant to say mine is planted on the western side of the garden, but actually gets the morning/midday sun. It's in shade rest of the day.
I have lots of compost in the soil, and I water it every second day. As we have water restrictions here.
never had a black sapote before, so unsure why the leaves are black.
Could be!
I meant to say mine is planted on the western side of the garden, but actually gets the morning/midday sun. It's in shade rest of the day.
I have lots of compost in the soil, and I water it every second day. As we have water restrictions here.
never had a black sapote before, so unsure why the leaves are black.
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
17th November 2007
Melanie
Sydney
18th November 2007
Adrianna says...
I have killed 2 trees they just slowly got smaller and died. I bought another one and tried a different site added lots of mushroom compost its on the NW side of the block in the orchard has a little protection from some large gums but it seems to be powering now. I have attached photo.
I have killed 2 trees they just slowly got smaller and died. I bought another one and tried a different site added lots of mushroom compost its on the NW side of the block in the orchard has a little protection from some large gums but it seems to be powering now. I have attached photo.
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 Picture: 1 | ||
Adrianna
Logan Village
19th November 2007
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
19th November 2007
Melanie
Sydney
19th November 2007
Melanie
Sydney
19th November 2007
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
20th November 2007
Adrianna
Logan Village
20th November 2007
Marie
Melbourne, Vic
21st November 2007
Scott G says...
From what I have seen, Black Sapotes need lots of water to flourish. While they seem to be reasonably hardy for a fruit tree but don’t expect good growth or good fruit without good water. I would assume good soil also helps.
I have grown my seedling (from fruit I ate) for the last 7 years. The first few years were a little tough on it in a pot. The soil in the pot got a bit hot in the sun and it occasionally got too dry. Next was the year of the transplant and it took a bit to get settled. The last 3 years have been drought. It produced 2 small poor quality fruit in its 7th year. That winter it got a rare freak frost that reduced it to a stump. But it appears to be on the mend.
It is growing in an area that also has a mango, pomelo, guava, wampi, grumichama, hill gooseberry, passionfruit, acerola cherry, white sapote and a camito. All of which have out performed it. But it is doing no harm where it is so it can stay.
From what I have seen, Black Sapotes need lots of water to flourish. While they seem to be reasonably hardy for a fruit tree but don’t expect good growth or good fruit without good water. I would assume good soil also helps.
I have grown my seedling (from fruit I ate) for the last 7 years. The first few years were a little tough on it in a pot. The soil in the pot got a bit hot in the sun and it occasionally got too dry. Next was the year of the transplant and it took a bit to get settled. The last 3 years have been drought. It produced 2 small poor quality fruit in its 7th year. That winter it got a rare freak frost that reduced it to a stump. But it appears to be on the mend.
It is growing in an area that also has a mango, pomelo, guava, wampi, grumichama, hill gooseberry, passionfruit, acerola cherry, white sapote and a camito. All of which have out performed it. But it is doing no harm where it is so it can stay.
Scott G
Gold Coast
22nd November 2007
Sandy says...
I have taken a pic of the cherries that are left, that came from our stella cherry tree.
here were 19 all together. I ate some earlier, yum yum. jucy and sweet! Hope we get some more soon. The tree is only about 3 years old. The black sapote I have does not use bore water, either tap or rain water.
I have taken a pic of the cherries that are left, that came from our stella cherry tree.
here were 19 all together. I ate some earlier, yum yum. jucy and sweet! Hope we get some more soon. The tree is only about 3 years old. The black sapote I have does not use bore water, either tap or rain water.
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Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
22nd November 2007
Mark Wiersema says...
I was just wondering if the Black Sapote is able to grow in SA, if kept in a full north sun position with protection from wind, and set along side other Citrus for added protection in Winter?
I was just wondering if the Black Sapote is able to grow in SA, if kept in a full north sun position with protection from wind, and set along side other Citrus for added protection in Winter?
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Mark Wiersema
Mt Barker, SA
8th January 2008
Correy says...
Hi Mark,
For ideal conditions for a black sapote you need moist well drained soil in a warm and sheltered position. They are a bit tollerant to wind but are frost sensitive. Here is the tag for it:
http://www.daleysfruit.com.au/plant/Black-Sapote-Chocolate-Pudding-Fruit.htm
The Black Sapote is currently equal 3rd most popular fruit tree Daleys Sends to South Australia. Third to the Miracle Fruit and Ceylon Hill Gooseberry. It is equal third with the Sapodilla.
Hi Mark,
For ideal conditions for a black sapote you need moist well drained soil in a warm and sheltered position. They are a bit tollerant to wind but are frost sensitive. Here is the tag for it:
http://www.daleysfruit.com.au/plant/Black-Sapote-Chocolate-Pudding-Fruit.htm
The Black Sapote is currently equal 3rd most popular fruit tree Daleys Sends to South Australia. Third to the Miracle Fruit and Ceylon Hill Gooseberry. It is equal third with the Sapodilla.
Correy
Woolloongabba, QLD
8th January 2008
Sandy says...
Oh dear, alas, my poor old black Sapote "has gone to God", as Don Burke would say!
I nursed it, and fed it, and waterd it, but it has just about carked it. just 2 leaves left on that are green. rest are black and stems are looking brittle.
We have been on hols. to merimbula, for 2 weeks. Maybe something happened while we were not home.
Oh dear, alas, my poor old black Sapote "has gone to God", as Don Burke would say!
I nursed it, and fed it, and waterd it, but it has just about carked it. just 2 leaves left on that are green. rest are black and stems are looking brittle.
We have been on hols. to merimbula, for 2 weeks. Maybe something happened while we were not home.
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
9th January 2008
Adrianna Cooper says...
Hi Sandy,
Its sounds a little like colar rot did you make sure the root ball wasnt burried too deep up the stem. This happened to my Tamirillo i re potted it to deep it went real well for a couple of weeks then all of a sudden the leaves started to drop and then as you said gone to god.
Hi Sandy,
Its sounds a little like colar rot did you make sure the root ball wasnt burried too deep up the stem. This happened to my Tamirillo i re potted it to deep it went real well for a couple of weeks then all of a sudden the leaves started to drop and then as you said gone to god.
Adrianna Cooper
Logan Village
10th January 2008
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
10th January 2008
John says...
I found my black sapotes leaves went black when they were bruised, wind or heat effected and the frosts burnt them. To get growth out of them took aleast forty litres about 2 to 3 times a week. Due to my poor soils, i have to feed monthly, for which pot ash is more important for fast growth as is trace elements here where i am. I carnt wait for is fruit, if that happens for they are nice to eat. But its a nice tree to sit and watch while having a barbe.
I found my black sapotes leaves went black when they were bruised, wind or heat effected and the frosts burnt them. To get growth out of them took aleast forty litres about 2 to 3 times a week. Due to my poor soils, i have to feed monthly, for which pot ash is more important for fast growth as is trace elements here where i am. I carnt wait for is fruit, if that happens for they are nice to eat. But its a nice tree to sit and watch while having a barbe.
John
SB South Australia
17th February 2008
Sandy says...
My black sapote has come good. I pruned it back a little, and it has new growth, I have been givingit more "grey water" as well as from the hose. I added some chook manure to the soil as well, as it's clay underneath the dry topsoil. The Yacon I have is growing like crazy, just up from the fig tree, I have in.
My black sapote has come good. I pruned it back a little, and it has new growth, I have been givingit more "grey water" as well as from the hose. I added some chook manure to the soil as well, as it's clay underneath the dry topsoil. The Yacon I have is growing like crazy, just up from the fig tree, I have in.
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
19th February 2008
Scott G says...
6 months after a freak frost reduced my black sapote to a stump (see pics in a previous post above) it has recovered. Lots of rain (more than it has ever had) has done wonders for it. It now has more leaves and looks healthier than it ever has. The difference lots of water has made is really significant.
6 months after a freak frost reduced my black sapote to a stump (see pics in a previous post above) it has recovered. Lots of rain (more than it has ever had) has done wonders for it. It now has more leaves and looks healthier than it ever has. The difference lots of water has made is really significant.
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 | ||
Scott G
The Gold Coast
9th March 2008
Adrianna Cooper says...
Your tree lis looking great I know where you are coming from, my tree looks very much like your and yes I think it was all the rain we have had and also the mild summer we have had might have helped as well. We still need a lot more rain to carry us into the Autumn and Winter months
Adrianna
Your tree lis looking great I know where you are coming from, my tree looks very much like your and yes I think it was all the rain we have had and also the mild summer we have had might have helped as well. We still need a lot more rain to carry us into the Autumn and Winter months
Adrianna
Adrianna Cooper
Logan Village
12th March 2008
Benno
West Melbourne
13th March 2008
Scott G says...
I grew mine in a pot for a few years.
Black Sapotes are supposed to do well in a wide variety of soil types. If you are going to buy potting mix I would get the best stuff you can find (costing the most) and add plenty of water retaining granules. Cover with mulch. They love water. Some naturally grew in areas that got partially flooded.
Depending on how often you water it, you might consider putting a water tray under the pot. I'm not sure how susceptible they are to root rot though.
Most people's stories seem to agree with my scenario. Lots of water is the only way to keep them healthy. If your climate doesn't suit them then you need to treat them well to get something in return.
I grew mine in a pot for a few years.
Black Sapotes are supposed to do well in a wide variety of soil types. If you are going to buy potting mix I would get the best stuff you can find (costing the most) and add plenty of water retaining granules. Cover with mulch. They love water. Some naturally grew in areas that got partially flooded.
Depending on how often you water it, you might consider putting a water tray under the pot. I'm not sure how susceptible they are to root rot though.
Most people's stories seem to agree with my scenario. Lots of water is the only way to keep them healthy. If your climate doesn't suit them then you need to treat them well to get something in return.
Scott G
The Gold Coast
13th March 2008
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
16th March 2008
vicki
Hervey bay
31st March 2008
Scott G says...
My plant dropped its flowers for the first 2 years it flowered. That was in the drought. I am not sure if it was just too young to fruit or if it wasn't getting enough water.
I think it might have been a combination of both. They need loads of water to produce good fruit - especially if you are on sandy soil.
My plant dropped its flowers for the first 2 years it flowered. That was in the drought. I am not sure if it was just too young to fruit or if it wasn't getting enough water.
I think it might have been a combination of both. They need loads of water to produce good fruit - especially if you are on sandy soil.
Scott G
The Gold Coast
31st March 2008
Sandy
melbourne, Victoria
2nd April 2008
Ros
Wellington, NZ
23rd May 2008
Larry says...
Hi Ros,
I have got one in a wine barrel and it is doing very well. Make sure your drainage is good and give it heaps of water. Since i started flooding mine it has really taken off with new shoots and leaves, even in our current winter. Fertilise with blood and bone that has got potash included with it as this strengthens the cell walls and should help it against frost. I see that you are in new zealand so what i suggest is although you keep it outside make sure it is under cover. Mine is under a patio that has roof sheeting that still allows filtered sunlight through. Hope this helps
Hi Ros,
I have got one in a wine barrel and it is doing very well. Make sure your drainage is good and give it heaps of water. Since i started flooding mine it has really taken off with new shoots and leaves, even in our current winter. Fertilise with blood and bone that has got potash included with it as this strengthens the cell walls and should help it against frost. I see that you are in new zealand so what i suggest is although you keep it outside make sure it is under cover. Mine is under a patio that has roof sheeting that still allows filtered sunlight through. Hope this helps
Larry
perth
23rd May 2008
Lachlann says...
I plonked my black sapote in under a paperbark tree and it has taken off vigorously. I wonder if it is adapted to growing in semi-shade as a young tree and too much sun and high temperatures may be detrimental.
It has a mulch of paperbark leaf litter, even temperatures, moderate water and only gently fertilized with some osmocote in the planting hole. I plan on removing the paperbark when the black sapote needs the space..
I plonked my black sapote in under a paperbark tree and it has taken off vigorously. I wonder if it is adapted to growing in semi-shade as a young tree and too much sun and high temperatures may be detrimental.
It has a mulch of paperbark leaf litter, even temperatures, moderate water and only gently fertilized with some osmocote in the planting hole. I plan on removing the paperbark when the black sapote needs the space..
Lachlann
South Coast, NSW
3rd June 2008