Black Sapote not growing (forum)

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.
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Time: 21st June 2007 1:03pm

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About the Author Jared
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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.


Time: 21st June 2007 4:14pm

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About the Author Scott G
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Dekka says...
I have a Black Sapote seedling that sat idle for more than a year until the area where it was planted became flooded. I thought it would go to God but instead it took off and is going 'great guns'.
I don't think your lavender will enjoy wet feet, however.

Time: 22nd June 2007 8:00pm

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About the Author Dekka
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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

Time: 22nd June 2007 8:31pm

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Adrianna says...
My blacksapote just sits there hasn't moved since I put it in. What kind of fertilizer does it like, we have used lots of horse poo as mulch, not much water available due to drought, we only have tank water. any hints.

Time: 10th August 2007 7:29pm

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About the Author Adrianna Cooper
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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
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Time: 12th August 2007 1:39pm

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Bazza says...
For Jared,
Hello again this time i am adding Photos of Sapote (Black) Flowering/fruiting hopefully?
All The Best Bazza
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Time: 13th August 2007 1:33pm

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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 :)

Time: 13th August 2007 4:04pm

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jenni says...
I want to buy the black sapote, as my 4 kids love fruit & love chocolate.
We live in a central north area of newcastle of NSW. Do you think it wil grow well ?

Time: 14th August 2007 10:47pm

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siafu says...
Bazza,

Your closeup picture of the sapote flowers and fruitlets is of WHITE SAPOTE not Black Sapote.

Black sapote has simple leaves and different flowers. They aren't even related.


Time: 16th August 2007 8:31am

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About the Author siafu
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Dekka says...
Jenni, I got my Black Sapote from a mate at Kotara and I live at Wallsend (Both grown from seed.) His is doing slightly better than mine as it receives more sun and has been in the ground for longer. Medowie, no worries.

Time: 16th August 2007 9:27am

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About the Author Dekka
Newcastle
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Bazza says...
Dear Siafu,
Thank you for the info. If the firsr Sapote was a White then what is this one? Maybe the labels have been switched at some time!.

All The Best
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Time: 25th August 2007 4:41pm

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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.

Time: 26th August 2007 3:59am

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Bazza says...
For Siafu,
Thanks once again for the follow up info. I think i do know the type of this one but i will test your judgement first.!!

All The Best Bazza
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Time: 27th August 2007 12:38pm

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About the Author BazzaBundaberg1
Bundaberg Aus
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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.
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Time: 27th August 2007 3:30pm

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About the Author Scott G
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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.

Time: 25th September 2007 7:38pm

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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.

Time: 2nd October 2007 1:20am

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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.


Time: 15th November 2007 11:01am

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Sandy says...
hi melanie,
my black sapote, also has some blacck leaves, but still growing.
I was wondering what is causing it, too.Mine is next to a side fence, facing west.

Time: 16th November 2007 3:36pm

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Melanie says...
Maybe the afternoon sun is burning it, mine is the same.

Time: 17th November 2007 12:52pm

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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.

Time: 17th November 2007 5:46pm

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About the Author Sandy2
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Melanie says...
Are the leaves black on the tips or is it the whole leaf. When I first got my tree I thought it died cause it had no leaves on it at all. They are alot more stury than we think.

Time: 18th November 2007 5:54pm

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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.
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Time: 19th November 2007 6:45am

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Sandy says...
Melanie,
Mine is mostly all green leaves, but some of the leaves are half black.
It's still growing, despite the problem.

Time: 19th November 2007 1:32pm

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Melanie says...
Adrianna, well your new tree looks great you must be doing something right now.

Time: 19th November 2007 11:37pm

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Melanie says...
To Sandy, I don't think you should worry about the leaves they should be fine. Though Adrianna trees doing great.

Time: 19th November 2007 11:38pm

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Sandy says...
thanks Melanie,
I will keep watching it, as I would love to grow one here. never heard of them, until I saw them in Daleys Catalog.

Time: 20th November 2007 2:55pm

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Adrianna says...
what water are you using sometimes when using bore water it could be a little saline therefore causing leaves to get dry in the tips. I Could be wrong

Time: 20th November 2007 3:07pm

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About the Author Adrianna Cooper
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Marie says...
I Have a Black Sapote tree Planted in a Really large pot and is growing really well, but I don't know much about these plants. I bought the tree from Daleys about 3 years ago as a seedling. My question is how long before you get your first fruit?

Time: 21st November 2007 6:30pm

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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

Time: 22nd November 2007 1:05pm

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About the Author Scott G
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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.
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Time: 22nd November 2007 3:52pm

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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?
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Time: 8th January 2008 11:41am

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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.

Time: 8th January 2008 11:48am

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About the Author Correy
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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.

Time: 9th January 2008 2:20pm

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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.


Time: 10th January 2008 6:18am

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About the Author Adrianna Cooper
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Sandy says...
Hi Adrianna,
Thanks for that tip! I will try to relocate it, in a pot, and see if that saves it! I would hate to lose it, after all these months.
my coffee plant has new growth, as well as the guavas.
I'll check my Sapote later today, as it's hot 41C down here.
Kind regards,
Sandy

Time: 10th January 2008 1:17pm

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About the Author Sandy2
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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.

Time: 17th February 2008 2:44pm

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About the Author John10
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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.

Time: 19th February 2008 1:40pm

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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.
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Time: 9th March 2008 9:04pm

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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

Time: 12th March 2008 6:55am

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Benno says...
hey guys,
i have a black sapote I ordered from daleys a couple months back. i'm located in west melbourne. i'm curious as to what soil mix you would suggest i use for transplant into a large pot?
my sapote is doing well so far, the warmer weather seems to be encouraging it along..

Time: 13th March 2008 7:47am

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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.


Time: 13th March 2008 9:20am

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Sandy says...
Hi Benno, try a light loamy soil, mixed with a light blend potting mix and chook poo watered in with mix.PLUS lots of water! Mine is doing well, by our neighbours side fence. in a westerly facing area. Good luck!

Time: 16th March 2008 2:09pm

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About the Author Sandy2
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vicki says...
Bought a home 2 yrs ago that came with a small lopsided very scale infested Sapote tree. Have managed to kill the scale and get the tree looking happy again. The tree has had 2 growth spurts, had HEAPS of flowers but the flowers drop off, so no fruit. What am I doing wrong??

Time: 31st March 2008 11:49am

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Hervey bay
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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.

Time: 31st March 2008 6:10pm

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Sandy says...
Hi everyone, just thought I'd pop in a pic of the strawberry guavas I bought from Dakey's last year, doing well in pots. After all the rain this last week, most plants have recovered well. Black Sapote is still hanging on too.
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Time: 2nd April 2008 1:19am

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Ros says...
Hi all, I've been reading about Black Sapote's and I'm really keen to find one (or two) and give them a go! Does anyone know if they will grow in my climate? Also, would they grow inside in a pot? Thanks! :)

Time: 23rd May 2008 9:38am

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About the Author Ros
Wellington, NZ
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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

Time: 23rd May 2008 10:34am

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About the Author Larry
perth
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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..

Time: 3rd June 2008 10:15pm

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South Coast, NSW
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David Coulthurst says...









hi all
I have a black sapote tree and suddenly (over night) all the leaves fell off even though there wern't many leaves to start with and the ends of the small branches and the main stem is starting to get wrinkley and i have had no growth at all in the 4 months that i have had it planted. It is planted in the field in full sun with other tropical fruit trees (which are all going great including a white sapote as well) and i give it heaps of water every second day and liquid fertilizer about once every fortnight (seasol) as well as cow manure and slow release fertalizers. I live in Darwin, can anyone please help me?

Time: 8th September 2008 9:19am

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Darwin NT
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Will says...
Hi all, I moved my Sapote from a pot to the back side of a dam, it after 12 months is now 3 metres tall.
I read where they like a little clay in the soil.

cheers will

Time: 9th September 2008 1:04pm

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Mount Tamborine
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Debbie says...
Hi,
I wonder if someone could help me? I recently recieved my black sapote from daleys (it arrived in wonderful condition) I soaked it in water and seasol for approx 20 minutes then transplanted it into the gound the next day, I used plenty of manure and soil improver into the hole and mulched with bark. It is retriculated for half an hour a day and is protected by shade cloth, it has been in the ground for about 5 days, when today I noticed about 6 leaves had dropped off it and the new shoots at the end of the branches had shriveled. I am worried that it will not survive, even though the rest of the plant seems ok so far, do they suffer transplant shock? and will it come back fully? Could someone offer me some advice???
many thanks

Time: 15th September 2008 8:04pm

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About the Author debra
Geraldton western australia
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Bob says...
A great recipe for Chocolate mousse using Black Sapote....

Blend 1 ripe Black Sapote with 1 very ripe (Black Syrupy) Banana and 300ml of thickened cream. Bona Appetite.

Time: 2nd January 2009 9:39pm

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About the Author Bob6
Childers Qld
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Steve says...
Debbie - how's the black sapote? I noticed you posted a while back.
I was wondering if it was too wet.
My tree grew fast & is a heavy cropper with no pests or problems in the 8yrs it's been growing.
It gets no special treatment except all my trees are heavily mulched to the drip line & fertilized about three times per year.
It only received a little water when young as it was stressed with summer heat & drought conditions, but now relies only on rain & appears very healthy.

Time: 5th January 2009 9:49pm

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About the Author Steve12
Coffs Harbour
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Debbie says...
Hi Steve, thank you for replying to my post. I seem to be having some success with my Sapote now, the leaves have stopped falling and I have a lot of new growth, I am presuming that it was just suffering from a small amount of transplant shock when the leaves were falling off. The only problem I am having at them moment is the hot winds we are getting, (it is 30-40+ degrees at the moment. How long did it take for your tree to grow before it began to fruit? and should I let it fruit or remove the first lot? I have the plant in the chook pen along with 6 or 7 other fruit trees, they are all protected by wire from the chooks but it is great because they keep the weeds down and supply great fertilizer.


Time: 18th January 2009 2:03am

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About the Author debra
Geraldton Western Australia
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Steve says...
I can't recall exactly when it first cropped, but it was very earlier I think in the second year.
I wouldn't worry about removing the fruit unless the tree looks stressed.
I removed all the fruit in the first two years with my citrus trees, but it was during drought times & I wanted to give the roots a chance to establish.
With the Black sapote, it's never looked crook during wet or dry periods, never had any kind of pest or disease.
It's been the perfect fruit tree.

Time: 21st January 2009 1:00pm

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Coffs Harbour
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Correy says...
I have 2 different varieties of black sapote trees the ricks late and the bernicker.

They both fruited early. I pulled most of the fruit off except for one in the first 2 years and the one that I left looks to be ripening very nicely.

They take ages to be properly formed it is a real marathon for them to produce the fruit.

Both are looking very healthy.

Time: 21st January 2009 5:51pm

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About the Author Correy
Brisbane, Woolloongabba
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Lotte says...
Don't know what to say, except that my Black Sapote has not been fertilised in the 3 years we have lived here (Brisane), it's never been watered, there's grass growing right up to the trunk, yet it still produces almost pumpkin sized fruit year in, year out. I don't much like the taste of the fruit though - remind me too much of dog poo!

Time: 24th January 2009 2:30pm

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About the Author Lotte
Brisbane
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Steve says...
Lotte - Both mine & your trees seem to thrive on neglect - like I posted earlier, the perfect fruit tree...if you like the taste.
I find the taste bland, but in recipes they are used as a chocolate subsitute.
If eating just the fruit pulp, I find adding a little dash of liqueur makes a big differance to the taste.


Time: 14th February 2009 11:02am

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stu says...
My tree has been in 18 months. It is grafted. It is now about 5foot tall and dropped pea sized fruit this year. I wasn't too concerned due to it flowering the first time and the season we have had being very dry. Try the mulch from the tip at $11 a metre. Dead set kicked all my trees on when that was applied. Also try aminogro which is a foliar fertilizer. I hit my sapote when I did my citrus etc and it jumped. Get it from any rural buying type store.

Time: 19th February 2009 10:42pm

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About the Author stu
north coast nsw
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jessica says...
just wondering if anyone knows where i can buy the fruit so i can give it a try?
we're in eastern suburbs of melbourne... but if it's as good as everyone says we'll go just about anywhere to get it!!!... within reason!

Time: 21st February 2009 1:26pm

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About the Author jessica
melbourne- eastern suburbs
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Sandy says...
jessica,
Like you, I had a black sapote, but it has now died.
I have never tasted one either, and have not seen any fruit down here, to buy.
let me know if you find a place!

Time: 20th March 2009 2:14pm

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About the Author Sandy2
melbourne, Victoria
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Robyn says...
Hi

I have a black sapote growing very happily, so far anyway, no fruit yet. I have planted it on a north facing slope just on the edge of a large jacaranda tree which provides some protection. It LOVES water - the more the better, with all the rain lately it has nearly doubled it size.

Would definetly give it a go



Time: 12th April 2009 7:53pm

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About the Author msjekyll
Sydney north side
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Sandy says...
Hi, My Fig tree, I have growing in the same area as the black Sapote, is growing really well! So is the Yacon, both bought from Daley's. K1, coffee, plus 2 strawberry guavas, and 2 apple trees are ok. The hazelnut tree, Ennis, I have left, was going good before, now it looks bare, I guess the colder weather makes it look that way. Any hints for fertilising it?

Time: 16th April 2009 5:32pm

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About the Author Sandy2
melbourne, Victoria
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randey says...
hello sandy, i dont know if i should tell you about my black sapote. i live in perth ( a little more temperate than melbourne). the tree is 4 metres high and lives next to a brick wall and receives a handful of fertiliser once a year and i dont even know if the retic to it still works. even after all that neglect it has over 50 fruit on it. when the last fruit has fallen the new flowers start to appear within days. i think it has found its niche in the garden and if i do anything different to it it would probably pack up and drop dead. oh by the way the fruit looks and tastes like chocolate mousse. good luck .

Time: 16th May 2009 9:17am

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About the Author randey
perth
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Justin says...
You can taste it in Tropical Fruit World in Tweed Heads, if it's in season and they have a harvest. They also sell black sapote sauce, which you can try to give you an idea of the flavour, although personally I like the taste of the fruit better than that sauce. http://www.tropicalfruitworld.com.au/products/product.asp?productID=27
To be honest, I'm not sure if the fruit is one to be eating by iself. It's probably more suited to mixing with other ingredients (others may disagree). I like it mixed in with icecream.

Once I get my garden set up I want to try to grow a black sapote here in Melbourne too. Not sure if it will fruit, but you never know until you try.

Time: 20th May 2009 12:20pm

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About the Author Justin
Melbourne
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Justin says...
You can taste it in Tropical Fruit World in Tweed Heads, if it's in season and they have a harvest. They also sell black sapote sauce, which you can try to give you an idea of the flavour, although personally I like the taste of the fruit better than that sauce. http://www.tropicalfruitworld.com.au/products/product.asp?productID=27
To be honest, I'm not sure if the fruit is one to be eating by iself. It's probably more suited to mixing with other ingredients (others may disagree). I like it mixed in with icecream.
Have never seen the fruit anywhere in Melbourne.

Once I get my garden set up I want to try to grow a black sapote here in Melbourne too. Not sure if it will fruit, but you never know until you try.

Time: 20th May 2009 12:22pm

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About the Author Justin
Melbourne
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randey says...
i agree with justin. mix it with ice cream and instantly you have a dessert to die for. the same goes for red dragon fruit or for that matter any fruit

Time: 7th June 2009 8:57pm

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perth
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liz says...
your collection sounds good what variety black sapote is doing well for you and can you recomend other trees with tasty fruit for us and chooks

Time: 21st July 2009 11:07pm

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About the Author liz8
gingin wa
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randey says...
gee where to start. try daleys website for starters,also there a few nurseries around perth and the suburbs that carry a reasonable variety of tropical and sub tropical fruit trees. just remember that after all the work to get them established and fruiting the chooks are going to have to wait. why not do a trade with them , their poo for the scraps

Time: 22nd July 2009 7:58pm

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About the Author randey
perth
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karrynmac says...
My black sapote is in the garden on the right - only about 6.2ft - yet I get about 200+- fruit a season. I water weekly, when the fruit is setting you need to step the watering up, I use seaweed or fish liquid fert, I harvest all the seeds for sale on eBay. Easy to grow, 3years to first fruit, first season fruit will be sparse but every year after that you'll get more and more. This photo is from the Gold Coast, I left the tree there and have plans to start planting again here in the Darling Downs.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 18th August 2009 7:18am

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About the Author karrynmac
Darling Downs
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Sandy says...
Hi everyone, windy down here! I am not doing much ingarden at moment. My daughter is getting a flat in backyard, and everywhere is a bit of a mess! I'm thinking of buying a 2fruit citrus tree, to put in a large pot, might get a lemon with a orange, as I have a lime already.
Not much ground space left for anything else really! I'd like to have fresh citrus, but never grown one in a container, any hints on growing?

Time: 24th August 2009 2:35pm

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About the Author Sandy2
Melbourne, Victoria
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JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE says...
Hi Sandy,

You could grow dwaft citrus like orange or Meyer lemon in large pot. BTW, citrus trees have a very shallow root systems.

Good luck.

Time: 25th August 2009 7:28pm

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About the Author JUJUBE FOR SALE
Melbourne
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anonymous says...
Bazza,

I see you have a Seagrape - what are the fruit like? How many did you have to plant to ensure pollination (Seagrapes occur as male and female trees)

Time: 17th September 2009 6:27am

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About the Author UncleFugu
 
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Smokygrayson says...
Jenni - yes Black Sapote will grow in the northern NSW area. I have a black sapote that has grown over 1m in the past year since I planted it. It's in a quite moist area of my yard where bananas also fruit very well.

Time: 22nd September 2009 11:53am

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About the Author Smokygrayson
Newcastle NSW
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Sandy says...
Thanks jujube,
Will think about that one, have to look for a good pot first, then decide what to put in it.
Wet as... down here and can't do much outside.

Time: 28th September 2009 5:26pm

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About the Author Sandy2
Melbourne, Victoria
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Wondering says...
Anyone! My Black Sapote is a Rick's late and for the 2 seasons it's been in the ground it has dropped it's flower buds, when it was first planted it struggled due to a too soggy clay area, so we lifted it and built it up on a mound. Seems to be doing better, but the leaves are yellowing with green veins, what type of deficiency is this? When should I fertilize and what should I use?

Time: 13th October 2009 11:20am

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About the Author LOS
Newcastle
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Justin says...
Recently I've seen black sapote fruit being sold in various places in Melbourne. One is David Jones in the city (occassionally), and also some Asian markets. They're from Tropical Fruit World, so I guess their trees are getting more established and producing enough fruit to distribute. Had a few of them in September and October.

Have just bought and planted a seedling black sapote from Daleys. Chose a seedling in the hope that it will tolerate the marginal climate of Melbourne. It's too early to comment on how it's doing, but if anything exciting happens I'll post it here.

Time: 19th November 2009 1:54pm

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About the Author Justin
Melbourne
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Adam T says...
Hi all! i've just placed an order in for 2 longans, 1 cherimoya and a black sapote. a bit ambitious for melbourne? i'm only trying my luck because i've actually raised jackfruit from seed and they've survived 1 winter already. I just placed some thick plastic bag over the top of them as soon as autumn gets a bit chilly. The plastic bags cooked some jackfruit, so i now make sure covered potplants are placed under semishade. i also swear by CHARCOAL! 2 handfulls of charcoal soaked in fish emulsion for about 2 days, and placed into the planting mix makes plants explode (into growth). i uploaded a pic of my coffee plant which got roasted one summer, and its now living happily indoors and flowering amazingly thanks to the charcoal.

Regards, Adam
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 16th December 2009 2:12am

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About the Author Adam T
Melbourne
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snow says...
I too have a sapote growing in Perth WA it is about 12 years old and flowers profusely in late spring early summer but all of the flowers fall this year it appears that I have one green ball about the size of a golf ball.
I have tried various fertilisers, dynamic lifter, NPK Blue, and furit and flower etc.
I even resorted a couple of years ago to cutting it back vigorusly and finally the one golf ball.
Thanks
Eric

Time: 12th February 2010 6:18pm

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About the Author snow
 
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Brad says...
I've never tasted one. Anybody know a grower or market that stocks the fruit?

Sorry snow - I can't specifically help as I don't grow these. General advice - flower drop is sometimes a sign of lack of polination, while fruit drop is sometimes lack of water.

Time: 12th February 2010 8:31pm

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About the Author Brad2
Como, Perth
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Debbie says...
I wrote to this forum a while ago worried about my black sapote, as it was yellowing and leaves were turning black and falling of. Since then my tree is about 1 1/2 metres tall and is beautiful and green , the trunk is very thick and it sems to be thriving (touch wood it will continue) I have it in the chook pen, so there are no weeds around it, and it is reticulated so it gets daily watering, I also have wire around it and shade cloth to protect it from our damaging winds and the harsh sun, I feed it occasionally with liquid fertaliser and bags of mushroom compost and farm manure, as yet I havent had any flowers or fruit, but I am waiting patiently for the day it happens. I have been reading this forum regularly and find it very interesting to see how other people are going with their black sapote's as well. I am considering buying more after the success of this one (might wait a bit longer though 'just in case')I have added some before after photos so you can see the difference in growth in just 6 months.

Time: 16th February 2010 1:50pm

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About the Author debra
Geraldton WA
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Debbie says...
oops for some reason my pictures didnt come out, sorry guys

Time: 16th February 2010 1:55pm

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About the Author debra
Geraldton WA
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snow says...
How do i improve the pollination?

I have tried nearly everything else in the way of fertilisers.

Time: 16th February 2010 5:49pm

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Brendan says...
Hi Snow,
Try some sulphate of potash, handfull / sq metre under the tree canopy. Also some composted cow manure (eg moo poo), mulch heavily out to & past the 'dripline' of your tree. I would also try some liquid potash, to speed things up.

Time: 19th February 2010 10:09am

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About the Author Brendan
Mackay, Q
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Wondering says...
Hi, my Rick's late now looks healthy enough, it got loads of flowers this year, but all dropped off. What pollinates black sapotes I have lots of bees around in the flowering gums, bottle brush etc.?

Time: 26th February 2010 11:19am

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snow says...
Hi Debbie,
My Sapote is about 12 years old and stands about three metres tall and would have been taller if I had not given it a severe pruning about two years ago because I had tried all the fertilisers and was getting masses of flowers and no fruit but...... believe it or not I have one round green golf ball looking fruit right at the top of the tree.

Time: 4th March 2010 5:38pm

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BJ says...
I have two Black Sapote seedlings, one in ground and one in pot. The one in ground is about 1.7m and the one in pot is a bit over 1.5m. They are fantastic looking trees, but I was wondering if I should perhaps dig the planted one out of the ground and replace it with a grafted variety? I love the tree, but dont really want to wait 5-plus years for the fruit to set... I already have a Jaboticaba and Beach Cherry to wait on! I could always transplant that one to my father's rainforest...

Time: 10th April 2010 8:09pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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Jo says...
I have the same problem as Dave Couthhurst had. I got my Black Sapote last week from Daleys. Over the past 2 days, all the leaves have fallen off. It is only about 1/2 a metre tall and in a pot facing north and protected. Can anyone offer any advice?

Time: 13th April 2010 9:22am

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About the Author Jo16
Sydney
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snow says...
Hi Brad,
Thanks for your advice, not sure if it helped but I did try a few things even a spray of Mangozeb and the other day I noticed that I actually have two fruit about the size of Golf ball and deep green very hard to spot in the foliage, but there for sure.
regards
Eric

Time: 27th April 2010 1:46pm

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snow says...
Brad,
I will share my large crop if it get ripe! stay tuned.

Time: 27th April 2010 5:32pm

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John Mc says...
Hey Jo,
Have you kept the water up to it? They just love water.

Time: 27th April 2010 8:59pm

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Adam T says...
My black sapote is doing well. i got mine in december 2009, and i immediately planted it into a large pot. The numerous posts on this blog about shedding leaves, sick plants and poor fruiting, worried me. so i made sure it got extra attention. the minute i got it, i cut 1/4 off the plant to make it sprout more branches. the gamble worked and it now has 3 healthy branches, that grew 60 cm in 4 months. it then grew about 20 flowers but i nipped them off to save the energy for branching. My tip is 2 cups of charcoal mixed during the potting process, chicken manure tea (monthly), AND MOST IMPORTANT: Pine Needle Mulch --> saved my plant during the summer. rarely needs watering thanks to the needles (always heaps of bugs and worms underneath). good luck from melbourne

Time: 28th April 2010 7:30pm

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About the Author Adam T
Melbourne
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Jo says...
Hi John Mc, I have been watering it, absolutely.
I have 3 branches that are going black. I thought it may have been getting a bit too much sun in the afternoon,but having been keeping a careful eye on the position, I don't believe this to be the case.

Time: 3rd May 2010 9:46am

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Sydney
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epiphany says...
As an aside to this...I'm wondering if anyone has had a seedling fruit & how it compares in favour to a named variety? I have a seedling black sapote that has done well this year (it did the black stalk thing when it first went in but it's recovered well & has put on some growth) & now also have a grafted Bernicker that is currently sitting in a pot. I'm wondering if I should replace the seedling with the Bernicker & give the seedling away to a friend or if I should keep both & grow the Bernicker in a large pot? Can anyone advise on the difference in taste? Thanks!

Time: 7th July 2010 8:08pm

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About the Author epiphany2
Melbourne
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BJ says...
Hi Epiphany, I have a similar conundrum, I have two fantastic looking seedling Black Sapotes powering along (one in ground, one in pot) for about 2 years now - about 1.7m tall. I also have younger Bernicker and Maher in smaller pots. I wanted to ask anyone weather its worth saving the two existing plants, as they are growing really well?

Could they be used to graft on pieces of the Maher for example?

I'd hate to just get rid of something that is growing so well, but if it is going to grow too large or produce really poor quality fruit, then It may find itself rotated into the green waste come spring.

Time: 8th July 2010 1:18pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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Jason says...
I don't know about what anyone else thinks but I've eaten quite a few black sapotes and they all tasted distinctly like mud to me. Pretty far from chocolate really :p. If you want Chocolate fruit a half dried Carob pod is infinatly better

Time: 8th July 2010 3:44pm

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About the Author Jason10
Portland, Vic
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BJ says...
Yes, some I have tasted were like mud, but in a smoothie they did taste very much like chocolate, even the mud varieties. I have tasted a few that were absolutley superb fresh, espcially with a little added brandy or cognac. Hence my dillema as whether to remove or graft the existing seedlings, which will more than likely be rubbish.

As a side note, I bought some enormous ones from Rusty's Market and left them for ages to ripen up, but they didn't get soft at all, even after weeks of paper bag banana treatments. When I cut them apart they were whitish-yellow, and completely inedible!

Time: 8th July 2010 4:06pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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Ron says...
I have a tree here in Grafton possibly 5 years old bears fruit every year,and it's as tall as the house, I pick the fruit and take it inside to rippen (when it goes brown and soft and sqishy) cut it in half sprinkle sugar or sweetener over it, I admit it doesn't taste like Cadburys but it does taste very nice

Time: 8th August 2010 5:32pm

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About the Author Ron
Grafton NSW
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Beryl & Fred says...
We have one Black Sapote, Yellow Sapote, and White Sapote trees growing - not big enough yet to fruit, but we have had a ton [a crate of 99] of Black Sapote given to us. The fruit has to be really ripe to be eaten straight from the skin, but I have made Muffins, Cakes, IceCream, Sauces, and even dried the pulp - decadent - just to die for. I freeze the pulp [in 1 cup size containers], and when I want to make scones or muffins, I just thaw out and use. I am always being asked for my 'special' scones.

Time: 27th August 2010 8:24pm

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About the Author Fred1
Airville, Qld
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Hayden says...
These posts are really great! Thanks everyone you have inspired me and soon I will be down at the nursery on the look out for a black sapote!!! I will try and grow it in a pot.

Time: 1st October 2010 1:49am

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About the Author Hayden
Central coast nsw
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BJ says...
My seedling black sapote has been growing for a year in a pot. Its about 1.5m tall and is currently flowering quite alot. I wansnt sure if this was normal, so I went down to the local nursery to have a look and many of their plants are in flower now as well.

And I thought these things took ages to get to flower and fruit?


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Picture: 2

Time: 23rd October 2010 3:25pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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Wayne says...
Mow your lawn BJ, and when your done come do mine :-}

Time: 23rd October 2010 3:35pm

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About the Author Wayne
Mackay QLD
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John Mc says...
It will be interesting to see if it holds it's flowers and goes on to fruit at that age. Mine didn't, the flowers got to about that size in your pics and then dropped.

Time: 23rd October 2010 11:45pm

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paula-f says...
My 5 year old seedling tree dropped all it's flowers last year too, but I also have a grafted "maher" thats only been in for about a year, and that is covered in flowers at the moment, so I'm hoping this one sets a few flowers.....even just 1.

Time: 24th October 2010 10:01am

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About the Author paulaf1
SE Queensland
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Maree says...
I am glad I saw your post. I am thinking of trying to grow one in Wangaratta but I thought that we were too far down south. I would like to know what position they like and if they need morning or afternoon shade for example. How much protection do they need from frost? have not had any luck finding these things out on the net.

Time: 21st November 2010 1:03pm

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About the Author Maree2
Wangaratta
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Violet_Cactus says...
Jackie French has a mature black sapote tree growing in her garden in the Araluen valley near Braidwood, NSW.
The temperature in winter sometimes drops to well below zero and frosts are common. How she keeps that tree growing I have no idea. I wish I knew her secret.
I have some seedlings growing in pots under lights (seedlings are more fragile than mature trees, I know).I put them in out the garden here in Melbourne, - the weather was relatively balmy - and within a few days their leaves started turning black and shrivelling. They're back indoors now.
They may have to be indoor plants forever...

Time: 28th November 2010 11:51am

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About the Author VioletCactus1
Melbourne
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John Mc says...
Hi Violet_Cactus ,
Slowly does it. They seem to be very sensitive. Why don't you try very very filtered light and very gradually move them out into more and more light? BTW, are they from the same batch of seedlings you sent me? The leaves started to shrivel up a bit because of too much sun. I placed them into filtered light for a couple of weeks and now they're powering on in (almost)full sun.
Phil sent me some seeds as well. I germinated them in almost full sun right from the start and they're performing well with no signs of stress.

Time: 28th November 2010 2:02pm

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Violet_Cactus says...
Hi John, yes my seedlings are from the same batch I sent you. Thanks for the tip about filtered sunlight.
Right now they are really flourishing and doing well under lights, but eventually they'll get too big for indoors so I'll move them outside with great care when the weather really warms up.

Time: 28th November 2010 6:00pm

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About the Author VioletCactus1
Melbourne
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Ben says...
Hi All, i have just ordered a black sapote from Daley's, should arrive next week. Just wanted to canvas this forum about tips on whether to plant or pot it first.

If i plant it i am concerned it may be too sensitive still by the time winter rolls around. Hence will not tolerate the colder temps and potential frost.

Alternatively do i pot it first so it can mature a bit as a tree first, bringing the pot indoors whenever there might be risk of frsot during winter? And plant it out after a year or so in a pot?

Any thoughts on best approach??

Time: 1st December 2010 7:00pm

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West Ryde, NSW
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BJ says...
My seedling Black Sapote doesn't look like it will fruit this year. All flowers seem to be clusters of males, not a female to be found. It looks like it might make a decent pollinator tree, but I dont think my little Bernicker really needs one that badly.

Ben - keeping it in a pot and gradually introducing it to the climate might be a good way to go. Is yours grafted? If so, definately try the pot thing. The grafts seem to give up quite easily when young.

Time: 3rd December 2010 1:33pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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Nikki says...
My tree is about 3 years old and is starting to flower for the second time. The first time only had one flower which fell off quite quickly - I think this was due to a lack of water. I was getting excited that I might actually (finally) get to try the fruit however googling I think my tree may be male only... If this is so - I would like to get a female tree too but is there any way that I make sure I get a lady?

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Time: 13th December 2010 9:16pm

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About the Author Nikki3
Sydney
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BJ says...
Buy a grafted plant to ensure its femininity...

Time: 13th December 2010 9:31pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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Vanessa says...
Hi Everyone, I have a grafted Black Sapote about 2 years old and about a metre high growing in a pot. I don't know much about growing these trees, and there isn't much info about it either. But so far I've had good luck with it, since it survived an interstate move and it's still growing.

It's about to flower for the second time, it had quite a few flowers on it last year, but they all dropped off about 2 weeks later - not sure if that's due to the lack of water or pollination. Can I add anything to help the flowers stay on this year?

Also, it doesn't have much foliage on it, and the branches are very flexible, I'm not sure if it's meant to be like that or it's lacking something. But I would like it to have a bit more foliage on it, is there anything I can add to boost foliage growth?



Time: 20th December 2010 4:40pm

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About the Author Vanessa4
Adelaide
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Diana says...
Hi Vanessa,

I have found that they are very slow growing, and they like a _lot_ of water. They speed up and get more foliage if they are inundated. Mine is going great guns here at the moment.

Diana.

Time: 20th December 2010 7:31pm

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Lachlann says...
Ben, I suggest go ahead and put it in the ground, especially now when everything is so warm and damp, but take note of the troubles above so:-

1 Though they like water the roots of just about any tree will die from lack of oxygen if you make it soggy. Slightly damp is quite good enough. Mine has done well with only moderate water.
2 Don't use much fertilizer - you want its roots to go exploring for food - you don't want the leaves burnt with fertilizer.
3 The young trees don't like hot sun. These are rainforest plants. If in doubt put a piece of 50% shadecloth above while it is young. This will also keep off the mild frosts you might have.

Time: 20th December 2010 9:19pm

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About the Author Lachlann
South coast,NSW
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katrina says...
hi steve,
i am in the coffs harbour area too. have no luck with my black sapote. plenty of flowers at the moment but they just drop off. have you got more then one tree or other persimmons nearby ? do you hand pollinate or just let nature do the work ? my tree is about 2-3 years old and grafted.
thanks
katrina
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Time: 21st December 2010 9:11am

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About the Author katrine
coffs harbour
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Ben says...
Hi All, ended up planting it in quite a large pot. I thought this way i could move it inside if i thought it was at risk during winter. It's a seedling by the way, so not a grafted variety.

Although, so far it has not actually developed any new growth. It has only been about 3 weeks, but i have already started to see new growth on a cherimoya i planted in the ground at the same time.

It's currently situated in a westerly position so it receives the hot afternoon sun from mid-day on. Should i be doing anything to stimulate new growth...or just continue to be patient?!

Time: 1st January 2011 5:05pm

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About the Author bspargo
West Ryde, NSW
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Snow says...
Katrina,
my tree is about 12 years old and the flowers are exactly the same as your picture last October I had one round green fruit but it fell off.

This year it is once again covered in flower and I thought I saw a fruit the other day will keep you posted.
regards
Eric

Time: 18th January 2011 6:54pm

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Juanita says...
I have germinated around 50 guava (strawberry) seeds..paper towel/darkness..took about 6-8 wks.
Question: I now have leaves on a number of them however two growing very fast have branched out with a lot of leaves, the other ones are growing straight up with leaves. We have about 15 guava trees that are about 12-14 ft tall and my seeds came from them.
I'm just puzzled concerning these two.

Time: 2nd May 2011 3:37am

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About the Author Juanita1
Volusia,Fl zone 9
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Sandra says...
Hi, I was wondering if someone could let me know what I'm doing wrong... My black sapote looks fantastic it's about 3 years old, lots of glossy green leaves. I have had some flowers and fruit however the fruit only gets to a maximum of golf ball size and splits. The splits seem to occur when the fruit is quite small. It seems to get enough water and is quite heavily mulched

Time: 22nd August 2011 5:41pm

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About the Author Sandra8
Townsville
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Sandra says...
Hi, I was wondering if someone could let me know what I'm doing wrong... My black sapote looks fantastic it's about 3 years old, lots of glossy green leaves. I have had some flowers and fruit however the fruit only gets to a maximum of golf ball size and splits. The splits seem to occur when the fruit is quite small. It seems to get enough water and is quite heavily mulched

Time: 22nd August 2011 5:42pm

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About the Author Sandra8
Townsville
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Sandra says...
Hi, I was wondering if someone could let me know what I'm doing wrong... My black sapote looks fantastic it's about 3 years old, lots of glossy green leaves. I have had some flowers and fruit however the fruit only gets to a maximum of golf ball size and splits. The splits seem to occur when the fruit is quite small. It seems to get enough water and is quite heavily mulched

Time: 22nd August 2011 5:42pm

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About the Author Sandra8
Townsville
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Mike says...
Sandra that is unusual for black sapotes I have that problem with mandarins,custard apples and other fruit during the wet season when their is a deluge, especially after a dry time.If it is when there is heavy wet season rain then only making sure they get enough water in the lead up will stop them 'over-inflating' and bursting.Is there any problem with the skin prior to splitting?

Time: 22nd August 2011 6:06pm

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John Mc says...
The fruit on my seedling tree is doing the same. The very first two black sapote fruit I've ever produced, slightly larger than golf balls, have split in all directions. I'm hoping next year, with more fruit on the tree, it might not be such a problem, that's my theory anyway. I'm leaving them on the tree hopefully to ripen, maybe I might get a small sample taste.

Time: 22nd August 2011 9:15pm

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About the Author JohnMc1
Warnervale NSW
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Karrynmac says...
Sandra - I find the first time the trees have fruit is usually just a teaser for the next full season. To yourself and John, don't molly coddle them, they do better with less care - keep them out of high winds and in summer keep the water up to them with a good natural liquid fertiliser. The split fruit is still fine to ripen off the tree to eat - if it is large enough. John - take the green fruit off the tree before it ripens at an appropriate size, and they will ripen over a period of days. Don't forget to dry the seeds for planting later. :-)

Time: 25th August 2011 9:24am

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About the Author Karrynmac1
Pittsworth
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John Mc says...
Cool, On a second look one approaching tennis ball size, so I'm assuming I could pick it any time from now? Should I wait till the calyx turns up? Jujube Lucy sent me a couple of beauties a couple of weeks ago and they have got me hooked well and truly. They were absolutely beautiful. I can't wait for mine to ripen. I might have to contact Cape Trib to see if they have a box ready to go.

Time: 25th August 2011 1:15pm

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Warnervale NSW
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Sandra says...
They seem to have this as soon as the fruit starts. We haven't had any stay on the tree long enough to see if they will reach maturity. The splits happen when they are really small and hard and some can be almost to the centre of the fruit. Where the splits occur it seems to try to mend itself and it turns a black colour. Next time I find one I'll take a photo and post it. Oh yeah, we live in Townsville so it's always warm, we have a bore so it gets plenty of water and has a thick layer of mulch at the base.

Time: 25th August 2011 5:51pm

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About the Author Sandra8
Townsville
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John Mc says...
Your description is like describing mine exactly. How many years has your tree been fruiting for?
Mine, for the first time last year, had a few fruit that got to marble size. This year it has held onto two fruits to tennis ball size, but for all the splitting. All the grafted trees are very slow, who knows when I'll see any production from them.

Time: 25th August 2011 6:30pm

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Warnervale NSW
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Bazza Smith says...
RE Black/White/Green

Time: 6th September 2011 2:59pm

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About the Author BazzaBundaberg1
Bundaberg
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Sandra says...
This is the second year that it's had fruit. At the moment there are lots of flowers, split golf ball size fruit and ONE that appears to be going ok it's a little larger than a golf ball and has no splits (fingers crossed) at the moment!!! I'll keep you posted. I would love some fruit, but it's such a beautiful tree I'd keep it anyway. The fruit would just be a bonus.

Time: 6th September 2011 6:53pm

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About the Author Sandra8
Townsville
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Ron says...
I have had fruit split after heavy rain but doesn't do it too often, same thing happens with my custard apples, but I have increased the water when it's been in flower, so it's accustomed to the heavy rain when the fruit matures, but didn't work last season but did the year before

Time: 8th September 2011 9:56pm

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About the Author Ron
Grafton
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katfb says...
i have yellow leaves ( lots of ) a few black marks not many - i feed i water well - about 3yrs never any fruit

Time: 28th November 2011 9:35pm

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About the Author katfb
dapto
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DARREN says...
Hi,
I have just started to eat my black sapote after 4 years of waiting. The fruit is beautiful soft and is just like chocolate mousse its very smooth and creamy only 5 large apple sized fruit this 1st time but already looking to next year!!!!

Time: 1st December 2011 5:14pm

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About the Author DARREN2
Blue haven
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Grant says...
Being a little naive i purchased my black sapote from Tropical Fruit World and planted it 14 months ago and it is now over 2m tall and beautiful. But today i discovered that it is not grafted (i can see no evidence of a graft), but is a seedling, it is now flowering for the first time.

The flowers are dropping with no fruit setting, which is to be expected i guess. Anyone have any idea how long it takes for a seedling to fruit, and are the chances of the fruit being good quality very high? I was also wondering if it is practical to try and graft a variety to my tree?
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Time: 6th December 2011 7:46pm

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Lennox Head
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DARREN says...
Hi grant,
If your tree has flowered and dropped off means your tree is not strong enough to carry fruit you will probably get fruit next year good luck!!
Darren

Time: 7th December 2011 6:16pm

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About the Author DARREN2
Blue haven
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M Nash says...
To Grant,
Your not Robinson Curoso mate.
I have the same tree, from the same place, bought at about the same time (2y). Mine is flowering now but I dont expect much from it. However Im looking forward to the groth spurt it will get with all this rain forcast for us in the NR

Time: 7th December 2011 7:39pm

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About the Author MNash1
Terranora Northern NSW
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Grant says...
Every time a heavy cloud comes over this tree puts out new leaves!! I have also discovered a Blk sapote a few streets over from me and is about 5m tall so i'm watching it pretty closely.

Time: 7th December 2011 7:58pm

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About the Author Grant
Lennox Head
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Phil@Tyalgum says...
Grant you should see the massive black sapote in the main street of Bangalow, just past the petrol station in a private house. Loaded with enormous fruit, it must be thirty feet tall.

Time: 7th December 2011 8:30pm

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About the Author TyalgumPhil
Murwillumbah
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Grant says...
Phil, i might have to make a trip through Bangalow then. Not sure if i can promise to stay on the right side of the fence though!

Time: 8th December 2011 7:33pm

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About the Author Grant
Lennox Head
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Grant says...
Looks like my B. S. is actually setting half a dozen fruit, pretty exciting stuff!!

Time: 30th December 2011 9:57am

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Lennox Head
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Phil@Tyalgum says...
Well done - what variety is it Grant?

Time: 12th January 2012 11:52am

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About the Author TyalgumPhil
Murwillumbah
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Grant says...
Looks like its a seedling so i'm not sure what variety it is. I'll wait and see what the fruit is like and if i'm feeling adventurous (and can find a suitable donor) i might try grafting something to it. I've heard the Mossman is a good thing, i've never grafted before so we'll see.

Time: 12th January 2012 1:24pm

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Grant says...
My B. S. fruit are plum size now and looking great but i'm wondering if those of you with more experience would recommend any sort of protection, ie mesh bags on fruit? bird netting the whole tree?

Time: 14th January 2012 8:32am

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Lennox Head
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Mike says...
Grant they seem to have fewer pests than many other green fruit are are very unpalatable until ripe.I have not had insect,bird or bat problems until they start to soften.

Time: 14th January 2012 10:28am

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Radi Debney says...
My Black Sapote was gift from my daughter and I have never seen tree or tasted fruit. Tree planted about 5 years ago in full sun in not particularly good soil and was watered when buffalo lawn got watered. It did nothing much for a couple of years until we flooded and then it shot up to about 3.5 metres. We dump grass clippings under it and it does not get fertilised or any other special treatment and is extremely healthy. It had a few flowers last year that did not amount to anything but this year has about 12 fruit now about the size of large passionfruit. How long should I leave them on the tree and how will I know when it is time to pick fruit? Any ideas re what to do with the fruit welcome. Cheers.

Time: 14th January 2012 9:21pm

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Radi Debney says...
Sorry, I didnt say where I was - Townsville. Sandra, dont give up, it seems to take a little while in our weather.

Time: 14th January 2012 9:25pm

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Grant says...
Hi Radi, check out this video from Daley's i think it answer your questions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjVVnoBv7Rk I have only eaten them fresh which is great and my 8 month old loves them!!

Time: 15th January 2012 4:15pm

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Lennox Head
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Mark says...
I planted a Black Sapote for my mother back when I was still studying in '05 it still hasn't reached shoulder height (I blame the cotton tree - they tend to hog the water) no flowers no fruit.

Time: 27th February 2012 11:38pm

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About the Author Mark30
Yeppoon
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Gus says...
Hi Mark,
i have one that I had for eighteen months that i thought was slowly dying.
I pulled it out and shoved it in a big pot and put it in a fairly sheltered part of my garden and assumed it would just die.
The pot was far easier to keep moist, and in only a few months it has put on a bunch of leaves and about 6 fruit.
This tree is only about 3 foot high but is looking pretty good now.

Time: 27th February 2012 11:52pm

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kathy says...
black sapote yellow leaves no fruit about 5yrs old please can any one help

Time: 9th March 2012 10:56pm

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About the Author katfb
dapto nsw
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db says...
My black sapote 'Superb' is not growing.. Currently its in 40cm pot, sitting in alfresco where it gets sun only for couple of hours in late afternoon.. I'm watering it every alternate day but still no new growth, leaves are becoming dark blackish green in colour.. Its planted almost 4 weeks back, is it too early to see new growth? What else I can do to promote growth?

Time: 12th March 2012 10:40am

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About the Author Db
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db says...
Any help? I suspect its dying as colour is changing...

Time: 12th March 2012 7:46pm

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BJ says...
Introduce it to a bit more light. protect from wind. feed it with seasol every few days, but make sure it isnt overwatered. Unless the media is drying out quickly, you can decrease the frequency of watering.

Time: 12th March 2012 7:57pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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db says...
Thanks BJ, I'll follow it.. Lets see how it goes.. I hate slow growing plants ;)

Time: 12th March 2012 10:15pm

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randey says...
my black sapote is about 5m tall, is not fertilized and only gets surface watering. as soon as it has fruited it starts setting fruit again. i usually get up to 60-80 fruit per season with the fruit about the size of a large passionfruit. i try to pick them when the colour just starts to change and peel and de-seed them and freeze the pulp in zip-lok baggies. mixed in with a vanilla cake mix produces a cake to die for. also mixing it with partially melted ice cream and then re-freezing it. YUM.

Time: 16th March 2012 10:37pm

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Gus says...
How old is the tree Randey?

Time: 17th March 2012 10:58am

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Innaloo
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Snow says...
Randey where in perth are you located and do you have a Bore?

Time: 20th March 2012 4:24pm

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About the Author Snow3
Perth
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jik says...
FBO

Time: 2nd May 2012 5:51am

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kl
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Db says...
Couple of months back I posted above that my black sapote is not growing.. Well, there is still no sign of any new growth.. Since I planted it in 40 cm pot 3-4 months back, I regularly gave it Seasol (once in 2-3 weeks) for roots development, no other fertilizers apart from what is in potting mix..First couple of months it got shade most of the time, 2-3 weeks back I moved this pot in a spot where is gets morning sun till around 12:00pm... I took care not to overwater it.. In spite of my all efforts its still not growing and now it started to deteriorate, one-third of main stem has turned black, one leave has turned complete black and some others has black spots..

Is there anything else I can do to save it and promote growth?

Time: 29th May 2012 9:54pm

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About the Author Db
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John Mc says...
I wonder if it's not getting enough water? They love swampy conditions, so don't be afraid to water the hell out of it, they'd make an excellent indoor plant if they didn't get so large, you really can't overwater them.

Time: 30th May 2012 8:17am

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About the Author JohnMc1
Warnervale NSW
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Db says...
Well, I did give it lot of water in first couple of months, I was watering it once in 4-5 days and pot being under my alfresco soil remained wet/moist during that time (I think I added water crystals as well in potting mix)... It didn't showing any new growth so just 2-3 wks back it moved in spot to get morning sun.. so not sure whats causing it not to grow..

Time: 30th May 2012 9:31am

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Ron says...
All my fruit trees only get water when it rains, I have heavy clay soil, but my B.S fruits every year, some years the fruit is as large as a rock melon, so when the fruit rippens on the tree, it can be dangerous walking under the 6 to 7 meter high tree, as the fruit will drop and splatter on the ground, I try to pick it when the calyx starts to lift around the stem and take it inside to rippen,

Time: 1st June 2012 4:14pm

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About the Author Ron
Grafton NSW
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Db says...
I bought B.S Superb from Daley's around 6 months back and growing it in a pot. It has no new growth at all. Some of the leaves (only top side) and 1/3rd of main stem (its the only stem as tree doesn't have any side branches yet) has turned to complete BLACK.. What could be the reason? any solution?

Time: 9th July 2012 9:44am

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Grant says...
Hi DB, my only thought is whether it is getting enough water. My B. S. has been in (the ground) for around 18 months and it feels like it hasn't stopped raining for more than a couple of days straight. Being in a pot might be a different scenario but my tree behaves like it just cannot get too much water. It's now 3m tall with 11 fruit on it, that seem to take forever to ripen!!

Time: 11th July 2012 8:48pm

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Db says...
Grant, thanks for your reply. I don't think I'm under-watering it. I have added water crystals and Hydro-cell (biodegradable foam flakes to hold water, air and nutrients) into the potting mix. Pot is not mulched yet, so I can see top soil in the pot is always moist/wet, so I think its getting enough water (I water it once a week now a days being winter, in summer it got water after every 2-3 days), it regularly gets Seasol as well.. I think leaves and stem turning black could be some sort of disease which I'm unable to figure out.. Unfortunately I cannot move mine into ground due to space limitation..

Good to know that your tree is doing great, what do you feed yours with?

Time: 12th July 2012 8:23am

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amanda says...
I am not a fan of water crystals at all? anyone else..?
I have found they encourage root rot myself :-(

Time: 13th July 2012 11:52pm

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About the Author amanda19
Geraldton. 400km north of Perth.
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Db says...
Hi Amanda, I'm also not a fan of water crystals now, I purchased it only once till now and used it in my half of my fruit tree pots... Luckily those fruit trees don't seem to mind it at all and plants are thriving.. But my flower and veggie plants got root rot bcoz of water crystals that I used and they are dying, so I have decided not to use it again ever... Hydro-cell that I used seems to be good though but its costly...

Time: 14th July 2012 8:46am

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amanda says...
Are you using it/the crystals just in pots - or in the ground as well Db..?


Time: 14th July 2012 11:09am

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Geraldton. 400km north of Perth.
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Db says...
Just in pot. Most of my fruit plants are still in pot. I'm planning to move some in ground after this winter. Anyway, water crystals seems to be ok with fruit plants, I haven't seen root rot yet.

Time: 14th July 2012 1:18pm

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Grant says...
Db i feed mine with Bokashi juice and some organic 5 in 1.

Time: 14th July 2012 2:36pm

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amanda says...
The crystals usually disintegrate after awhile I think Db..(mine did anyway - maybe they were cheapies tho..)

Time: 16th July 2012 5:48pm

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About the Author amanda19
Geraldton. 400km north of Perth.
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Julie says...
Grant, what is organic 5 in 1?

Time: 17th July 2012 9:22pm

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About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
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John Mc says...
I'm guessing it's this one

http://www.searles.com.au/SoilMixesComposts.html

Time: 24th July 2012 2:52pm

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About the Author JohnMc1
Warnervale NSW
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Grant says...
Yes John that's the one

Time: 25th July 2012 2:04pm

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Lennox Head
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Db says...
Finally my BS-Superb started growing - took whole 8 months to see first growth... growing slowly though...

Time: 16th September 2012 10:09am

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VF says...
Good to hear Db, my Maher too is just starting to grow after doing nothing for ages. What colour is your new growth- mine is light green, and I don't know if this is normal or if I have a deficiency? (I've been having to correct a number of mineral def.'s for some other plants)

Time: 17th September 2012 6:11pm

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About the Author VF
Wongawallan
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Db says...
VF, new growth on mine is same like yours - light green. Plant was very sick since I bought it, probably I didn't choose healthy plant at the time of buying. More than half of the leaves turned black and half of one and only stem also turned black and is still black, not sure what's the issue. I thought it will simply die but i'm happy to new growth. Looks like it flowering as well as I can see tiny buds at each new leaves that are growing. Currently it's in pot, how abt yours VF? Does anyone know if they can grow and fruit well in heavy clay soil? If so, I can transfer it in ground if I can find space.

Time: 18th September 2012 7:53am

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About the Author Db
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VF says...
Ok, light green sounds good then. Sounds like your plant is recovering well, congrats on it flowering too! Mine's been in the ground since late Autumn. Soil is poor where planted(sandy-clay, more sand than clay though if that makes sense), but alot of gypsum, organic material (cheap bags of potting mix), top-soil (bought some) and organic fertiliser dug in and worked together and then let sit for a month under thick cane mulch. Has ended up being about 30cm high mound - texture of soil seems good, and no problems with drainage.

Time: 18th September 2012 11:12pm

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About the Author VF
Wongawallan
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Grant says...
Picked my first ever BS fruit 2 weeks ago and ripened in 13 days, was begining to think i had picked too early but it ripened over night as i read somewhere. Tree is a seedling and has been in for 2 years almost exactly. The fruit was the best i have tasted! Very happy, i'll try and post a pic.

Time: 25th September 2012 1:47pm

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Grant says...
Here's some shots of the first of (hopefully) many
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3

Time: 25th September 2012 6:07pm

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Gus says...
Wow that is a whopper. How long was it on the tree for? Very jealous
I have fruit on my tree that are a bit smaller than a tennis ball and have been there for a very long time.

Time: 25th September 2012 6:52pm

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About the Author gus
innaloo
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Grant says...
Yeah Gus they seem to take forever, the fruit set in December last year.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 25th September 2012 8:57pm

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John Mc says...
Mine are all over the place. Some cv's are in flower now and are all sizes up to reasonably large. I'd say I'll start picking mine in a month or so and will continue picking them right through summer.

Time: 25th September 2012 10:39pm

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Warnervale NSW
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Gus says...
I think mine probably set fruit close to a year ago. Much smaller than yours though.

Time: 25th September 2012 11:27pm

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katrine says...
Hello everyone, just wonder if someone in my area (Coffs, Grafton)has some black sapotes for sale ? I would love to buy some.

Time: 10th October 2012 12:12pm

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About the Author katrine
coffs harbour
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John Mc says...
Daley's have some seedlings on special @ $11.75 each. I'd go for a grafted variety @$34 each, you will most probably be picking fruit next season, instead of 3 to 4 years with a seedling.

Time: 10th October 2012 12:38pm

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Warnervale NSW
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katrine says...
I actually do have 3 sapote trees already, one had 9 little fruit this year (already gone..yumm...)I just would like to buy some more fruit this year, if someone might sell some? On one tree I've got, the fruit just will not set and the other one is still a seedling.

Time: 10th October 2012 1:09pm

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About the Author katrine
coffs harbour
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BJ says...
Chester @ Forbidden Fruits will sell fruit. Bernicker is the tastiest. I picked up a few kilos on the weekend when he had a stall at the BOGI fair.

Time: 10th October 2012 2:07pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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VF says...
Katrine, there are several farmers markets a bit north of you, with Kyogle and Lismore possibly being within range as not much further than Grafton. Try http://www.bigvolcano.com.au/active/markets.htm#weekend for further info. As BJ above says F/F sell fruit - I know I've seen them at Bangalow market, they may be elsewhere too.

Should mention that the Byron Bay markets have a great variety of seasonal tropical fruits.

Time: 10th October 2012 2:26pm

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About the Author VF
Wongawallan
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Ron says...
Katrine, I have a few excess fruit on a very large tree here in Grafton, email me on rbriggs@aapt.net.au and I can give you my address

Time: 16th October 2012 1:50am

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About the Author Ron
South Grafton
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snow says...
My problem is how to get the fruit to set.

The tree is about 12 years old and has beautiful lush rich growth gets covered in flower but nothing ever sets.

It sits between a Longan and mangoe and both have given some grea crops all get the same water and fertiliser regime but no fruit! :-(

HELP

Time: 16th October 2012 4:38pm

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About the Author snow
Connolly Perth
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katrine says...
I have the same problem like Snow. My biggest tree is about 4,5 years old now. It is I think a Rick's late (??) It is covered in Flowers, lots and lots, but no fruit sets. Do you have a picture from your tree snow ?



Time: 17th October 2012 11:51am

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About the Author katrine
coffs harbour
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Brenda says...
Hi all, I have a black sapote from Daley's approx 2 years old, twice now the leaves have turned black and fallen off! I want it to grow branches, can I cut it shorter to so it is a trunk only, and hopefully new growth will happen? It is still in a pot and under a shade sail as we get frosts here in Warwick. After reading a lot of the posts here, I am wondering if I should plant it, am hesitant as we lost a black sapote that was planted last year from frost, even though we had covered it. HELP! Thanks, Brenda
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Picture: 1

Time: 3rd November 2012 1:06pm

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Warwick Qld
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Hayden says...
Hi everyone,
I have had my black sapote for almost 3 years and it is growing in a big pot. The tree has grow very well to about 2.5m and most of the leaves are green, only a few have gone black which i think is from too much sunlight.
My problem is that i can't get the tree to fruit! It has plenty of flowers but i was wondering if the flowers are not getting polinated of if it is caused by a nutrient defiency.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Hayden

Time: 4th January 2013 4:41pm

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About the Author hayden3
central coast, NSW
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John Mc says...
Hope you don't have a male oriented tree Hayden. A friend of mine from Buttaba (Hi Kathy) has such a tree. I don't know if a young male flower producing tree will eventually produce female flowers, I haven't had that experience, maybe someone here might know.
In any case, a three yo tree in our climate, will drop most, if not all it's flowers anyway. Is it possible to plant it out?
I'd be Googling for male V's female flowers and match them up to what you have.

Time: 6th March 2013 8:17am

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About the Author JohnMc1
Warnervale NSW
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Ernie says...
Hi Jarod, I planted my sapote about 3 years ago, its now around 3 meters tall and bearing fruit and is very healthy, I pay no special attention to it, it get the same treatment as my other fruit trees, jusr lucky I guess....Ernie

Time: 6th March 2013 3:55pm

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Donna says...
Hi Guys im from Perth i was wondering if i can pot a black sapote and if i can what soil/mulch is best etc etc as im currently building a house and dont have much garden front and back?

Also can you pot lychee trees? and can anyone suggest other fruiting trees that can survive in pots as well


Cheers :)

Time: 3rd June 2013 9:01pm

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About the Author Donna
Maddington
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Alema says...
Hi bazza, looking at your black zapote picture it looks like a mango tree, sometimes the nurseries put the wrong label on plants

Time: 10th June 2013 10:51am

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Alema says...
Hi bazza, looking at your black zapote picture it looks like a mango tree, sometimes the nurseries put the wrong label on plants

Time: 10th June 2013 10:51am

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Patrick-in-Geelong says...
Hi, my sapote is developing black areas on leaves, both old and new growth. It's been in full sun but the weather has been cool. Any ideas of cause and treatment? A few people have posted a similar problem but I'm finding it hard to puck a solution - is it cold temperatures? too much sun? not enough sun? not enough water? Anyone had experience fixing this? Cheers Patrick

Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3

Time: 11th August 2013 9:24pm

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Geelong West
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SalsaTree says...
Hi Hayden and John Mc,
My query follows along the line of Hayden's theme about determining the sex of a tree and pollination queries. Any advice you could offer to help me bring this tree to fruit would be most appreciated. Do BS rely on pollination via bees? Could I cross-pollinate? How does one acquire the right pollen? Or are BS a type that self pollinates? Perhaps, I just have to get lucky with a female tree? Or can I persuade it to change sex? This BS was germinated in July 2011; it is just on 2.1 yo. It is in a mighty big pot on an east-facing balcony in Brisbane's CBD. It's a seedling from fruit plucked off my sister's tree and v'dear to me. It hasn't flowered yet, but is sporting some promising buds this spring. It seems happy, healthy and brimming with glossy green leaves. I'm a little worried that expecting it to fruit may be wishful thinking however, since it is solitary on a balcony. I'm thinking of ferrying it to a garden plot during flowering, or collecting pollen from a garden centre's sapote in flower to cross pollinate it.
What are your thoughts John Mc?
Hayden, how is your BS going?

Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3
Picture: 4
Picture: 5
Picture: 6

Time: 24th August 2013 1:58pm

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About the Author SalsaTree
Brisbane CBD
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SalsaTree says...
On a separate point, the same tree (as above) also has these spots. They appeared about 1 year ago and if I look underneath I can see a drop of clear liquid on the underside of the leaf (corresponding precisely with the dots on top of leaves as shown in photos).
I have no idea what these dots are. Could they be glands? Sap sucking parasites? Insect bites? I cannot see a pest on it even with a magnifying glass. Could it be something on the root ball? Way more questions than answers I know, but I will appreciate advice as I worry that ignoring it will allow some kind of disease to take hold. Thanks : )
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3

Time: 24th August 2013 2:11pm

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About the Author SalsaTree
Brisbane CBD
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SalsaTree says...
To those that are having trouble with black mould on leaves - don't confuse it with bark forming as I first did. Keep an eye on it and if it is not the fresh green growth growing its bark layer...it could be mould. Bark grows up the trunk and out the branches systematically. Black mould is comparatively random. I have had little patches of which I stayed its progression with 1:20 mix of milk:water. Just rub it over with a cotton ball (on dusk or an overcast day). I use a similar method to control scale on other plants 1:20 mix of hand dish washing liquid:water. That is...the greater portion is water. I have only used the milk method twice on the sapote. On my ferns, mondo grass etc I may soap it every few weeks until the scale problem is under control. I inherited scale from other tenant's plant debris blowing onto my patio. I once sprayed pyrethrum but many worms evacuated the pots over the following days. I think the soap provides a better balance and let's worms furnish the soil and the good microbes take out the less helpful ones. Hope this I is helpful for some : )

Time: 24th August 2013 3:03pm

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Brisbane CBD
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SalsaTree says...
Hello Patrick in Geelong,
Your plant looks sick. It's going to need some TLC to bring it back. Looks like a systemic issue of unknown origin, but I suspect it has to do with water or temperature. Plant will be happiest between 15-25 degrees, you could simulate/support this with a bit of muscle. If it were mine, this is what I would do.
1. Gently prune off all black leaves (take pressure off plant)
2 Cut off dying top (to remove black but not too far)
3 Repot in fresh potting mix (if suspect about soil)
4 Raise the pot, using pot feet in between pot and base (this will ensure adequate drainage).
5. In winter water once/twice weekly alternating.
6. Water thoroughly until there is water running out and into the saucer/brace under pot.
7. Check to ensure pot is elevated above the water pooling in saucer.
8. Consider putting sapote in a hothouse or observatory like enviro while immature.
9. Alternatively, transport pot/plant outside each morning and bring inside each night (like a dog).
If you a lucky it may survive, certainly many posts suggest such miraculous recoveries. If you get it pulls through the winter, you can pat yourself on the back with the knowledge that you won't need to be so labour intensive in future. As it matures, it will toughen up and be more resilient. good luck!

Time: 24th August 2013 3:40pm

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About the Author SalsaTree
Brisbane CBD
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peetah says...
hi the trunk and the branches of my black sapote are turning black. could it be mould or bark forming? is it normal?

Time: 24th August 2013 7:32pm

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About the Author peetah
pooraka
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Alema says...
My black sapote has glossy leaves and black trunk it is about 40" tall and many branches. This was the second year of flowering, some were single flowers others were cloister but like last season many flowers but no fruits. Do any one knows how long I will need to see fruits

Time: 2nd September 2013 10:02am

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Patrick-in-Geelong says...
Hi SalsaTree, thanks for those suggestions, I really appreciate them. I think you're right, it seems to be a temperature/water thing though I'm not sure which one is more the issue. I brought the plant inside so it has been marginally warmer and certainly more protected and I've only put it outside on calm, warmer days. Inside, it isn't in direct sunlight, and I've been giving it a cup of water every day. Whilst the black doesn't seem to have disappeared from any leaves that had it before, there has been plenty of new growth and it is ALL free of the black patches! So I'm counting that as a tentative win. I will remove all the affected areas now as per your suggestion (though the black is definitely no longer spreading) and see how it goes over the next few weeks. Thanks again! I hope others who have had this problem can also get their plant through these challenges.

Time: 2nd September 2013 1:47pm

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About the Author PatrickinGeelong1
Geelong West
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2485 says...
If you ever want improve the drainage of any plant you will have to add extra potting mix sand/ lawn topping sand/washed filling sand to soil to increase the drying time of soil.The finer the sand the better.Do not use beach or playpit sand may have salt.I have found growing these plants for every bucket of potting mix you will have to add 20 percent sand.Good luck

Time: 21st September 2013 3:44pm

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Db says...
My 1.5 yr old BS in pot is growing very well now.. It has set 20 fruits in last season but they are not growing much and are only 1-2 inch size so far in last 1 yr.. New season growth has already started with new flowers.. How long it takes to fully develop fruit?

Time: 3rd October 2013 9:19am

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About the Author Db
Brisbane
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denise1 says...
I heard of a black sapote die after a fertilizer dump. It was fertilized heavy because the previous fertilizing caused some dieback which was misread as a call for more fertilizer needed rather than less. If you have leaf dieback then maybe you have to stop fertilizer and later give regular small doses. Maybe this happens a lot with many kinds of fruit trees in many different situations.

Time: 4th February 2014 6:16pm

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About the Author denise1
auckland NZ
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Waterfall says...
Those with Black Sapote, how do you rate the taste?
I have mine in a prime position in the front yard but now that I have ran out of space I am thinking of replacing it with something known to taste great.

Its a seedling and has been in the ground 1 year. I have some potential replacements already sitting in pots that need a home, these include a nam doc mai mango on dwarf rootstock, 1 of 2 Achacha and 1 of 2 Mexican garcinia.

Thoughts?

Time: 16th April 2015 9:32pm

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About the Author Waterfall
Waterfall
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Markmelb says...
Your quite correct - putting chocolate on their name is wrong - more lke a blande weird coloured persimmon as they are and my fruit in Melb grow soooo slowly - one ive left on almost 2 years - actually I went more to the White Sapotes for taste - and Jaboticabas for fast to be eating size (have only tried a friends yet)and Acerola for very fast and quite nice sub acid cherry guava like flavour

Time: 16th April 2015 10:08pm

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About the Author Markmelb
MT WAVERLEY,3149,VIC
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Waterfall says...
I think the nam doc mai will take its place and I will just keep the BS in a pot.

Time: 17th April 2015 2:47pm

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About the Author Waterfall
Waterfall
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Markmelb says...
Forgot to say My BS are in pots anyway. - NDM a better choice or custard apple - My NDM in pot is flowering now - see pic on my edibles page


Time: 17th April 2015 3:31pm

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About the Author Markmelb
MT WAVERLEY,3149,VIC
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Waterfall says...
I picked up a NDM last spring when I visited Byron Bay, it had flowers on it at the time and set a couple of fruit but I knocked them off as I wanted to prune the tree for lower branching.

This evening I removed the BS from the ground and planted the NDM in its place. We got 25mm of rain today and I was surprised how dry the soil was deep down. This is the problem with sand I guess.

I think the BS will do better in the pot since I can keep the water up to it more which is what they prefer.

It's a shame my edibles page does not link to my username properly but yes I already have a paxton prolific custard apple, cherimoya, rollinia and soursop.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2

Time: 17th April 2015 9:10pm

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Waterfall
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Brett26 says...
Hi All i have a black sapota tree which gave me my first fruit last season, this season i have about 15 flower but they darken in colour and i have had 3 fall of so far whats wrong ??? any help is appreciated as i too think this is a great eating fruit

Time: 29th November 2015 10:36am

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About the Author Brett26
Brisbane
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MIke T1 says...
Mmmmm maybe excess water or a nutrient deficiency.Are the leaves properly coloured?

Time: 13th December 2015 11:38am

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cairns
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randey says...
the flowers are doing exactly what they are supposed to do. many fruiting trees will shed excess flowers, ie mangos, mandarins etc. it is all about self pruning of sorts. imagine a mature fruit tree having all of its flowers grow into fruit. the tree would be so loaded that the branches would snap under the weight not to mention that the fruit that did grow would be smaller in size due to distribution of energy (water & nutrients) to all fruit. because your plant is still small any flower loss is deemed to be catastrophic. believe me it isn`t. as the tree grows with each successive flowering more and more flowers will be seen to set. and yes i have a black sapote which was last year cut back to around 25 feet. the last of the fruit has just been picked and frozen and next years crop is in the process of flowering. and yes my tree is losing flowers but still setting many fruit. dont despair, they will get better with maturity almost like some of we humans. good luck

Time: 14th December 2015 1:42am

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About the Author randey
east cannington,6107,WA
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SueG says...
My black sapote is about 4 years old (?) and has had a tough life. My SE Queensland coastal “fruit forest” garden is left for 6 months at a time without any attention (no water, fertiliser, pruning....nothing). Then it gets a couple of months of grey water and maybe some dynamic lifter or manure and some fresh mulch. The rest of the time it survives on moisture in the ground conserved by the thick layer of natural eucalypt litter and chop and drop mulch. Considering this, my garden has done pretty well. Defying all odds I have only lost one or two plants and get small crops of fruit sporadically. Now, the black sapote....it is planted in a dryish part of the block quite near a large white gum (plus a macadamia, olive, fig, feijoa, lemon myrtle and avocado). All of these are doing well except the black sapote and the ava. I figure the black sapote has a nutrient deficiency (see pic of leaves) but I dont know what it is. The ph of the soil where the black sapote is, is 6.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 10th November 2018 4:04pm

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About the Author SueG
Russell Island
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Markmelb says...
New BS leaves are yellow green for quite a while until fully grown then go dark green in a couple months - quite normal fools alot.

Time: 12th November 2018 7:26am

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About the Author Markmelb
MOUNT WAVERLEY,3149,VIC
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Neil says...
My Black Sapote is about 8 years old and is now at least 7-8 metres high. It fruits yearsly, sometimes poorly but it's covered in new fruit now. It always looks very healthy and is in sand 300m from the beach here near Hervey Bay.

I water it from a bore, but have not fertilised it at all.

Neil

Time: 20th November 2018 3:30pm

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About the Author Neil
Toogoom
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