How to Grow Chiku from Seeds Easily

Learn how to Grow Chiku from Seeds to enjoy fresh harvest in your garden. Read ahead to explore about easy steps to plant them!

Chiku, also known as Sapodilla, is a tropical fruit tree that produces sweet and flavorful fruits. Growing Chiku from seeds is a rewarding experience that allows you to savor its delectable harvest.

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Chiku Tree – Key Facts

Name	Chiku Tree
Common Names	Sapodilla, Sauh Menila, Naseberry, Nispero, Chicle, Chicle Gum
Origin	Southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Type	Evergreen Tree
Outdoor/Indoor	Outdoor
Soil	Well – Drained
Watering	Medium
Temperature	10-38 °C
Sunlight	5-8 Hours
Flowers	White in color
Blooming Season	Annual
Height	30 and 50 feet

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Chiku Tree – Information

The Chiku tree usually grows to be 30 to 50 feet tall when fully grown. It produces bell shape and white flowers. While they might not catch your eye, they play a crucial role in the tree’s fruiting process.

Cheeku is a tropical fruit with exceptionally sweet flesh, resembling a blend of pear, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. This sweetness is balanced with a smooth, grainy texture akin to that of a well-ripened pear, creating a pleasant eating experience.

Cheeku is not just limited to being enjoyed as a raw fruit; you can also enjoy it in desserts like pies, tarts, and ice creams, where its natural sweetness reduces the need for added sugars. In addition, it is also rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome addition to any diet.

Chiku trees are native to southern Mexico but widely grown in tropical regions of India, Sapodilla thrive in warm and humid climates in India, making them well-suited for regions like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and other parts of the country.

Botanical Name: Manilkara Zapota

Common names for the Chiku Tree in different Indian languages include:

Hindi: सपोटा (Sapota)
Bengali: সপোটা (Shapota)
Telugu: సపోట (Sapota)
Marathi: चिकू (Chikoo)
Tamil: சப்போடா (Sappota)
Urdu: چیکو (Chiku)
Gujarati: ચીકુ (Chiku)
Kannada: ಸಪೋಟ (Sapota)

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How to Grow Chiku from Seeds Easily?

Here’s how to grow chiku from seeds in easy steps:

• Gather mature Chiku fruits and extract seeds from them.
• Clean the seeds thoroughly to remove any pulp. Rinse them in water to ensure they are free from any residues.
• Soak the Chiku seeds in water for about 24 hours. This helps soften the seed coat and promotes better germination.
• Place the soaked seeds between moist paper towels or in a damp cloth.
• Keep them in a warm and dark location for about a week until you see sprouts emerging.
• Once the seeds have sprouted, plant them in small pots filled with well-draining soil. Use a mix of garden soil and compost.
• When the saplings reach a height of 6-8 inches and have several leaves, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground.

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Requirements to Grow Chiku Tree

Sunlight

Chiku plants need plenty of light to ensure they get 5-8 hours of direct sunlight every day for them to grow well and produce lots of fruit.

Soil

These trees like soil that drains well, so it doesn’t hold too much water. Mix garden soil with compost and cocopeat to make the soil rich in nutrients. It can be planted in various types of soil, including sandy loam to clay loam.

Watering

While Sapodilla trees are tough against drought, it’s a good idea to water them once a week if there’s no rain. This helps them stay healthy and happy.

Temperature

Chiku plants thrive in warm climates. So it’s essential to protect them from cold temperatures, especially in winter. The optimum temperature to grow a Chiku tree ranges from 10-38 °C.

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Chiku Tree Care

Fertilizer

Fertilize your Sapodilla tree regularly until it reaches 3 feet with a balanced fertilizer. After that, switch to monthly fertilization for optimal growth.

Pruning

Prune them to shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches to maintain overall plant health.

Pests and Diseases

Common pests affecting Chiku trees include aphids, scale insects, and mites. Monitor regularly and use natural or chemical controls as needed.

Chiku trees may be prone to fungal diseases. To prevent these conditions, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering.

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Harvesting

The tree will take anywhere between 5-8 years to produce fruits when grown from seeds.

In India, the fruit will be ready between late winter and early summer, though this can vary depending on the region and climatic conditions.

To check whether it is ready to be picked, look for a change in its skin color – it will turn to a deep shade of brown from green to eventually light brown. It will also be soft to touch, similar to how a ripe peach feels.

Additionally, a subtle, sweet aroma is a good indicator that the cheeku is ripe and ready to be enjoyed.. Once picked, you can store it at room temperature or you can also refrigerate it.