Chikoo / Sapota (Variegated, Graft) Fruit Plant

Sapota (Manilkara zapota), popularly known as Chikoo or Sapodilla, is a tropical evergreen fruit tree prized for its sweet, delicious fruits and excellent adaptability. It is a slow-growing yet long-living tree that develops a dense, rounded canopy and an extensive root system, making it an attractive addition to home gardens and orchards.

In tropical regions, a mature Sapota tree can grow up to 30 meters (100 ft) in height, while grafted varieties remain much shorter and are ideal for home cultivation. The tree produces small, bell-shaped flowers followed by round to oval fruits with smooth, grainy-textured flesh and a rich, naturally sweet flavor.

Sapota is also known for its milky white latex (chicle), which has traditionally been used in the production of natural chewing gum.

Benefits & Uses of Sapota

• Produces sweet, nutritious fruits rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and natural antioxidants.

• Contains natural tannins that are traditionally valued for supporting digestive health.

• Fruits are best enjoyed fresh and are also used in milkshakes, smoothies, desserts, jams, and ice creams.

• The tree produces natural latex (chicle), traditionally used in the manufacture of chewing gum.

• A highly productive fruit tree suitable for both home gardens and commercial cultivation.

Plant Care & Growing Conditions

Sapota thrives in warm, sunny, frost-free climates and grows well in fertile, well-drained soil. It adapts to a wide range of soil types but performs best in soils enriched with organic matter.

• Apply organic manure and balanced fertilizers regularly for healthy growth and higher fruit production.

• Water the plants every 30 days during winter and every 15 days during summer, depending on local weather conditions.

• Young trees benefit from balanced applications of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) during their early growth stages.

• Planting is generally recommended during February–March and August–October.

• Maintain a spacing of 9 meters between trees for proper canopy development and airflow.

Harvesting

Sapota fruits are ready for harvest when the skin changes from green to a light brown or potato-brown color, and the milky latex reduces significantly. Mature fruits can be easily plucked from the tree and will continue to ripen, developing their characteristic sweetness and soft texture.

Why Choose Sapota?

• Sweet, delicious fruits with excellent nutritional value.

• Long-living evergreen fruit tree with attractive foliage.

• Ideal for home gardens, orchards, and commercial cultivation.

• Produces high-quality fruits and natural latex.

• Thrives exceptionally well in Kerala's warm and humid tropical climate.

• Easy to grow, low maintenance, and highly productive.