Jamun / Njaval (Seedless, Graft) Fruit Plant

Syzygium cumini, known as jambul, jambolan, jamblang, or jamun, is an evergreen tropical tree in the flowering plant family Myrtaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions of Southeast Asia.
A slow-growing species, it can reach heights of up to 30 meters and live for more than 100 years. Its dense foliage provides shade and is also grown for ornamental value. The bark is rough and dark grey at the base, becoming lighter grey and smoother higher up. The wood is water-resistant and is used in railway sleepers and for installing motors in wells. It is also sometimes used to make inexpensive furniture and village dwellings, though it is relatively difficult to work with.
Syzygium cumini trees flower from March to April. The flowers are small (about 5 mm in diameter) and fragrant. Fruits develop by May or June and resemble large berries; they are described as “drupaceous.” The fruit is oblong to ovoid in shape. Unripe fruit is green, turning pink, then crimson red, and finally black when fully ripe. A variant produces white-colored fruit. The fruit has a sweet, mildly sour, and astringent flavor and is known for staining the tongue purple.

Fertilizing Jamun Trees

In the pre-bearing period, 20–25 kg of well-rotted farmyard manure or compost per plant per year should be applied. For bearing trees, this dose should be increased to 50–60 kg per plant per year. The ideal time for applying organic manure is one month before flowering.
For grown trees, apply 500 g N, 600 g P, and 300 g K per plant per year. This should be spread near the canopy of the plant and mixed into the soil by hoeing.

Harvesting Jamun Fruits

Seedling jamun plants start bearing after 8 to 10 years of planting, while grafted plants bear after 6 to 7 years. However, commercial bearing generally begins after 8 to 10 years and continues until the tree reaches 50 to 60 years of age.
The fruit ripens during June–July. The key indicator of ripeness is a deep purple or black color at full size. Fruits must be picked immediately upon ripening, as they cannot remain on the tree once mature. Harvesting is done by hand-picking while climbing the tree, often using bags slung over the shoulder. Care should be taken to avoid damage to the fruits. The average yield is about 80–100 kg per seedling tree and 60–70 kg per grafted tree per year.