Description

A beautiful multi-stemmed fruit tree that is sometimes single stemmed; production of fruit requires both male and female trees; typically round-topped with an open, erect habit; ripe, edible fruit have a green-yellow exterior and chocolate brown interior

Planting & Growing

Black Sapote will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 35 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more. This is a female variety of the species which requires a male selection of the same species growing nearby in order to set fruit.

This tree can be integrated into a landscape or flower garden by creative gardeners, but is usually grown in a designated edibles garden. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This species is not originally from North America.