Native & adapted

White sapote

Casimiroa edulis

Also known as Casimiroa · Mexican apple · Sleepy sapote · Zapote blanco

A vigorous Mexican tree with creamy, custard-like fruit that tastes like vanilla and pear. One of the more cold-tolerant tropical fruits for Phoenix.

EdibleFruitingEvergreenFast growing

Landscape layersUpper canopy

Mature size

20–30 ft tall and 20–25 ft wide; can be held at 15 ft

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b

Plant spacing

20 ft from other trees and buildings

Frost

Mature trees survive brief dips to about 24°F; young trees damaged near 28°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 9b–11; mature trees handle brief dips to about 24°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Mostly fall into winter. Pick when the green skin turns slightly yellow and ripen on the counter.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Fast-draining soil; tolerates alkaline ground with compost and iron.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Open space with room for a large tree. Some afternoon shade helps fruit quality.

Cold hardiness

Cover while young

Established trees take occasional frost down to about 22°F, but young trees can be damaged at 30°F. Cover young trees on any frost night for the first few winters.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 22°F

Heat tolerance

Shade from late-afternoon sun

It grows in Phoenix in the right spot, but leaves burn in hot dry wind and the bark sunscalds. Avoid reflective west exposures and don't prune the canopy open.

Sources:

crfg.org , asu.edu

Right plant, right place

Will White sapote grow at your Arizona property?

A big tree with a heavy crop; dropped fruit gets messy. Keep it away from patios and pools.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Full sun to light afternoon shade; shade the trunk and young trees from summer sun.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate. Deep water once or twice a week in summer.

Fruit set

Pollination

Some varieties need a second variety for good fruit set; self-fertile ones such as Vernon or Suebelle are safest alone.

Harvest

How to use it

Eaten fresh and chilled, or blended into ice cream and shakes.

Planting & stewardship

How to help White sapote thrive

1
Prune each year to keep fruit within reach.
2
Pick fruit before it falls; it bruises easily.
3
Whitewash exposed bark to prevent sunburn.
4
Feed lightly in spring and summer.

Read the horticultural reference ↗