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View Full Version : Should I transplant this jackfruit seedling to the ground now?


Want Them All
08-28-2009, 11:37 AM
Currently in a 8" x 8" pot, has been there for about a month, got the seed from a great tasting jackfruit. I know that the jackfruit tree from seeds takes a loooong time to bear fruit, but that's not my intention here. I just want to see how long and how large I can get this tree to become, sort of like a fun challenge. :ha: It's about 4" tall in these photos. Should I move it to another larger deeper pot, or go to the ground at this time?

Thanks,

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/P8277870.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/P8277871.jpg

Richard
08-28-2009, 12:32 PM
No, I would wait until its roots are full developed in the pot -- and hopefully not rootbound. Also, I know that it is broiling hot there right now but cool weather and winter is approaching. The young plant will not want to be soaking wet and cold at the same time.

Want Them All
08-28-2009, 12:35 PM
So you would suggest keeping in a pot until spring next year (around March 2010)?

Thanks,

Richard
08-28-2009, 01:12 PM
So you would suggest keeping in a pot until spring next year (around March 2010)?

Thanks,

Yes, that is one precious gem you have there.

supermario
09-01-2009, 08:38 AM
Yes, that is one precious gem you have there.

I agree with Richard. I would even keep it in a pott until it is at least 3 ft tall. The younger it is when it goes in the ground, the tougher it is going to be for the little guy. Think of it as sending your 13 yr old out to get a job and fend for himself. He may pull it off, but I wouldn't recommend it. :)

As Richard mentioned, you do not want the plant to get rootbound, so turn it over on your hand and let the soil and plant come out of the pott to see it's roots. The plant and soil should come out easily into your hand in one large bundle. If there is a tight bundled mess circling the bottom, it may not be too late.. trim some roots and put into a larger pott. Repeat this process until the plant is at least 3 ft tall. Then, gradually accustom it to full sun before planting it in the ground.

I think 8" x 8" should be good for another 2-3 months...but make sure to turn it over and check the roots every few weeks. I believe Jackfruit grows pretty quickly, but could be wrong. Let the roots be your indicator.

Want Them All
09-01-2009, 05:15 PM
I think I used potting soil by Earth-Gro, bought at Home Depot when I started this. Now that it's become more mature, should I switch to a different soil when repotting? There are many brands of potting soil it gets confusing.

Thanks,

supermario
09-01-2009, 06:55 PM
I think I used potting soil by Earth-Gro, bought at Home Depot when I started this. Now that it's become more mature, should I switch to a different soil when repotting? There are many brands of potting soil it gets confusing.

Thanks,

I would stick to the same potting soil that you've used up to now. No need to fix what isn't broken. :)

Once it is 1 ft tall, if at any point the plant is in the same pott for more than 2 months.. you should then consider some fertilizer as well. What you use is up to you. I personally use 1:1:1 ratio, slow-release fertilizer for most of my ornamentals and potted plants.(example: 15-15-15)

Here is a link to growing Jackfruit here in FL:

HS882/MG370: Jackfruit Growing in the Florida Home Landscape (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG370)

Also some info from California

JACKFRUIT Fruit Facts (http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/jackfruit.html)

Unfortunately, I don't think there is much info for growing it in potts. :(
At least you'll know what to do once it's in the ground. :)

chong
09-02-2009, 12:43 AM
My experience with Earth Gro is excellent. It's a lot better than the other one (Fison's Sunshine Mix) that I used quite a bit before that costs three times as much. I still use Fison's but only for plants that I intend to send out of state. Fison's is a soilless medium similar to what Agristarts use for their TC plantlets.

Want Them All
09-02-2009, 01:31 PM
I'm telling you the manufacturers want to confuse the consumers. Yesterday I went to Home Depot looking for some mulch/compost/planting soil mix to prepare for my planting bed. Will be getting a few plants this weekend. As I walked the aisle, I saw Super Soil, Miracle Gro, Earth Gro, and at least 3 other brands. They all have different varieties of their soil: potting mix, planting mix, indoor, outdoor, topsoil, some bags have compost in them, some don't, some with special nutrients for certain types of plants. My head was hurting after reading all the numbers. Maybe after the plants are established, just give 'em some Osmocote (14-14-14). :ha: