How to Plant Jackfruit: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is one of the largest tree-borne fruits in the world and a highly rewarding tree to grow in tropical and subtropical regions. Whether you want to grow jackfruit in your backyard, farmhouse, or agricultural land, planting it the right way is crucial for healthy growth and high fruit yield.

This complete guide explains how to plant jackfruit from seed or sapling, ideal soil and climate conditions, watering schedules, care tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why Grow Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is popular not just for its sweet ripe bulbs but also for its raw fruit used as a vegetable and flour. Benefits of growing jackfruit include:

• Long-living, low-maintenance fruit tree

• High yield once established

• Nutritious fruit rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants

• Suitable for tropical climates like India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia

Best Climate for Growing Jackfruit

Jackfruit thrives in warm, humid tropical climates.

Ideal conditions:

• Temperature: 24°C – 35°C

• Rainfall: 1000–2500 mm annually

• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

Jackfruit trees do not tolerate frost or waterlogging.

Best Soil for Planting Jackfruit

Jackfruit grows best in deep, well-drained soil.

Ideal soil characteristics:

• Loamy or sandy loam soil

• Rich in organic matter

• Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.5

Avoid heavy clay soils that retain water, as jackfruit roots rot easily.

How to Plant Jackfruit: Step-by-Step Guide

Method 1: Planting Jackfruit from Seeds

Growing jackfruit from seed is common, but fruit quality may vary.

Step 1: Select Healthy Seeds

• Use fresh seeds from ripe jackfruit

• Do not dry the seeds; plant within 3–7 days

Step 2: Seed Preparation

• Wash seeds thoroughly

• Soak in water for 12–24 hours to improve germination

Step 3: Germination

• Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep in seed trays or pots

• Use well-draining soil mix (garden soil + compost + sand)

• Germination occurs in 10–20 days

Step 4: Transplanting

• Transplant when the seedling reaches 30–40 cm height

• Handle roots carefully; jackfruit has a sensitive taproot

Method 2: Planting Jackfruit Saplings (Recommended)

Planting grafted saplings ensures early fruiting and better quality.

Step 1: Choose a Grafted Sapling

• Buy from a certified nursery

• Age: 6–12 months

• Disease-free with healthy leaves

Step 2: Dig the Pit

• Pit size: 1 m × 1 m × 1 m

• Fill with:

  • Topsoil

  • Well-rotted cow dung or compost

  • Neem cake (optional)

Let the pit settle for 10–15 days.

Step 3: Planting

• Place sapling upright

• Cover roots gently without pressing too hard

• Keep graft joint above soil level

Step 4: Watering

• Water immediately after planting

• Keep soil moist, not soggy

Best Time to Plant Jackfruit

• Monsoon season (June–September) is ideal

• Ensures good root establishment with minimal irrigation

Spacing Requirements

Proper spacing allows healthy growth and airflow.

• Backyard planting: 25–30 feet apart

• Commercial planting: 10–12 meters between trees

Watering Schedule for Jackfruit Plants

• Young plants: Water 2–3 times a week

• Mature trees: Water during dry periods only

Avoid overwatering—jackfruit trees hate stagnant water.

Fertilizer & Nutrition Requirements

For Young Plants:

• Compost or cow dung every 3–4 months

For Mature Trees:

• Organic manure once or twice a year

• Vermicompost improves fruit yield

• Mulching helps retain moisture and improves soil health

Pruning and Maintenance

• Remove dead or diseased branches

• Shape tree during early growth

• Keep base area weed-free

Minimal pruning is required compared to other fruit trees.

How Long Does Jackfruit Take to Bear Fruit?

• Seed-grown trees: 5–7 years

• Grafted plants: 3–4 years

With proper care, a jackfruit tree can produce fruit for 40–50 years.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting in waterlogged soil

• Damaging taproot during transplanting

• Overwatering young plants

• Planting too close to buildings

Can Jackfruit Be Grown in Pots?

Jackfruit is not suitable for long-term pot growing due to its deep root system. Temporary pot planting is possible only during early seedling stages.

Final Thoughts

Planting jackfruit is a long-term investment that rewards you with nutritious fruit, shade, and sustainability. By choosing the right planting method, soil, and care routine, you can successfully grow a healthy jackfruit tree even as a beginner.

If you’re looking for high-yield varieties, choose grafted jackfruit saplings and plant them during the monsoon for best results.