Native & adapted

Jackfruit

Artocarpus heterophyllus

Also known as Jack · Nangka · Kathal · Mít

Produces the largest tree fruit in the world. In Phoenix it is an experiment for dedicated growers, needing afternoon shade and serious frost protection.

EdibleFruitingEvergreenFrost tender

Landscape layersLower canopy

Mature size

15–25 ft tall and 15 ft wide; can be pruned to about 12 ft

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a

Plant spacing

15 ft from other trees and buildings

Frost

Damaged at 32°F; young trees killed below about 30°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 10b–11; damaged at 32°F and killed below about 30°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Summer into fall. Ripe fruit smells sweet and gives slightly when pressed.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Fast-draining soil rich in compost. Phoenix soil is alkaline, so work in soil sulfur and organic matter and use chelated iron if new leaves turn yellow between the veins.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Warmest, most frost-protected corner of the yard with summer afternoon shade.

Cold hardiness

Cover on every frost night

Leaves are damaged at 32°F, branches at 30°F, and branches or whole trees can die at 28°F. Young trees need cover or a warm wall every frost night, and in Phoenix even established trees should be covered whenever frost is forecast.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 32°F

Heat tolerance

Needs afternoon shade

Built for the humid tropics, it cannot tolerate drought, and young plants need shade and sunscald protection. In Phoenix give it afternoon shade, wrap or paint the trunk, and water deeply through summer.

Sources:

edis.ifas.ufl.edu , hort.purdue.edu , tropical.theferns.info

Right plant, right place

Will Jackfruit grow at your Arizona property?

Fruit can weigh 30 lb or more. Prune to keep fruit low on the trunk and away from paths.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a.

Light

Sun exposure

Morning sun with afternoon shade from June through September, such as the east side of a house or under a taller nurse tree. Protect from frost on winter nights.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate. Deep water twice a week in summer; keep winter watering light.

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fertile.

Harvest

How to use it

Ripe pods are sweet and fruity. Young green fruit is cooked as a vegetable.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Jackfruit thrive

1
Cover the entire tree and use incandescent or holiday lights on frost nights.
2
Shade from afternoon sun during summer.
3
Prune yearly to keep it compact.
4
Support or harvest heavy fruit before it falls.

Read the horticultural reference ↗