Natureboy

I checked the archives, but I didn't see anything specifically about this. I planted a grafted White Sapote in April 2010 - it was a spindly, whippy little thing. Now I've got a 6-7ft, bushy tree (I trim it back a few times a year) that appears to be very wind tolerant and fairly cool tolerant (survived 27F unprotected with no damage).

It is either a 'Redlands' or 'Younghans' cultivar (the tag was removed at some point and now I can't remember). I bought it from Pine Island in S. Florida, so it seems to be more of a Florida variety vs. California. Has anyone had experience with either of these varieties? Even if you haven't, how long does it typically take for a grafted White Sapote to flower/fruit? The caliper is about 2" just above ground level. I could post a pic, but just trying to get a general idea for now.

Thanks, Nate.

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Current varieties: Dwarf Namwah, FHIA-03 (Sweetheart), White Iholena, Maoli, Orinoco, Manzano (Apple), Praying Hands, Dwarf Brazilian, Pisang Raja, Rajapuri, Ice Cream (Blue Java), FHIA-01 (Goldfinger), Kandarian

Richard

You'll start getting regular crops when the base of the trunk is about 4 inch diameter. Feed it Avocado & Citrus food -- it is a member of the Citrus family that ended up evolving alongside Avocados and Guavas in the western hemisphere. When it does start producing regularly you have a different question: when is it going to stop?!

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Natureboy

Thanks, Richard. So, my next question is: once I start getting a cornucopia of fruit off this thing, how will the fruit taste? Of course, this is subjective and varies with cultivar, I'm sure. I've heard/read it's custard-like and sweet, with hints of banana, vanilla, lemon, and peach. Apparently, though, some folks have been disappointed by what they describe as a "bitter aftertaste". I would love to try the fruit if anyone in this area is growing a bearing tree... I have a Kary carambola (starfruit) that gets excellent fruit - I would be willing to trade!

__________________
Praying hands: a good way to thank God and a darn good banana, too!

Current varieties: Dwarf Namwah, FHIA-03 (Sweetheart), White Iholena, Maoli, Orinoco, Manzano (Apple), Praying Hands, Dwarf Brazilian, Pisang Raja, Rajapuri, Ice Cream (Blue Java), FHIA-01 (Goldfinger), Kandarian

Richard

All those descriptors are accurate except peach. Some cultivars are notorious for having a bitter skin, or an abundance of seeds, etc. In southern CA the variety "Suebelle" is liked by many people, but I don't know about its performance in FL. There are some favorites in FL that produce substandard fruit here. Getting the right cultivar for your environment seems to be important.

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venturabananas

I've only tried one ever in my life, last week, so take this for what it's worth. I like unusual fruit, but white sapote didn't do it for me. Maybe it will for you -- I think many people love them. Strange and funky, with hints of banana and coconut. I think it probably was the skin that put me off, it definitely had a different and not so delicious flavor. To my tastebuds, it wasn't even the ballpark with cherimoya, which shares some flavor characteristics. But it certainly wasn't bad, it just wasn't remarkably good.

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sunfish

Taste like chicken

with a hint of melon

venturabananas

Good one Tony.

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Natureboy

Wow, that's exactly what I was hoping for!!!

__________________
Praying hands: a good way to thank God and a darn good banana, too!

Current varieties: Dwarf Namwah, FHIA-03 (Sweetheart), White Iholena, Maoli, Orinoco, Manzano (Apple), Praying Hands, Dwarf Brazilian, Pisang Raja, Rajapuri, Ice Cream (Blue Java), FHIA-01 (Goldfinger), Kandarian

Natureboy

OK, so I searched back through emails and found that I do, in fact, have the 'Redlands' cultivar. Found a thread on GardenWeb where someone from Brevard County, FL (same county as me) claims that 'Redlands' is the best FL variety... hopefully they're right!
Whats your faverite tropical fruits??? - Tropical Fruits Forum - GardenWeb

__________________
Praying hands: a good way to thank God and a darn good banana, too!

Current varieties: Dwarf Namwah, FHIA-03 (Sweetheart), White Iholena, Maoli, Orinoco, Manzano (Apple), Praying Hands, Dwarf Brazilian, Pisang Raja, Rajapuri, Ice Cream (Blue Java), FHIA-01 (Goldfinger), Kandarian