Ciku (Sapodilla)
Manilkara zapota
Sweet, brown-fleshed tropical fruit; grafted plants can fruit in containers.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun
Temperature: 22–34°C
🪴 Pot & Soil
Pot: 75–100 L pot; prune to 2–3 m; full sun.
Soil Mix: Loamy mix with good drainage; pH 6–7
💧 Watering
Schedule: Dry season: 2x/week; Rainy season: weekly if no rain
Amount: 4–6 L per watering
Consistent moisture; avoid standing water.
🧪 Fertilizing
Type: Balanced fruiting fertilizer with micronutrients
Frequency: Monthly
Dosage: 70–100 g/month for 75–100 L pot
🍓 Fruiting & Harvest
Start: 12–18 months (grafted)
Seasonality: Year-round
Duration: 4–7 months from flowering
Harvest Indicators: Skin loses latexy sheen; slight softness; latex turns brown on scratch test
Tips: Ripen at room temperature; pick mature but firm for better handling.
🌱 Propagation
Grafted plants preferred; air-layering works
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Scale/mealybugs: White oil 1–2%; prune ant bridges.
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Thin fruit for size; prune lightly after harvest.
📝 Planting Notes
Use heavy pot; stake when young.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Mulch 5 cm to conserve moisture
- Avoid excessive nitrogen
Note
Schedules are guidelines—adjust for your microclimate, pot size, and weather. During heavy monsoon rain, reduce watering and improve drainage.