Breadfruit Tree
Sold out
Original price
$128.00
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Original price
$189.00
Original price
$128.00
$128.00
-
$189.00
Current price
$128.00
Breadfruit Tree Overview
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Taste
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Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) has a starchy, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of freshly baked bread with a potato-like texture when cooked.
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The flavor varies by variety; for example, ‘Aravei’ is noted for its exceptional taste, while ‘Havana’ offers sweet flesh.
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Typically consumed cooked (boiled, roasted, or fried), as it is inedible raw, providing a nutritious, carbohydrate-rich food source with protein and amino acids, ideal for diverse diets.
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Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) has a starchy, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of freshly baked bread with a potato-like texture when cooked.
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Best Growing Environment
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Thrives in tropical climates with average air temperatures between 60-100°F, ideally in USDA Zones 9b to 11.
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Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.4, tolerating sandy, loamy, or slightly alkaline soils, and even rocky or saline conditions like those on atolls.
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Benefits from high humidity and protection from strong winds, with young trees needing shade to establish before transitioning to full sun.
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Thrives in tropical climates with average air temperatures between 60-100°F, ideally in USDA Zones 9b to 11.
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Botanical Name
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Artocarpus altilis, belonging to the Moraceae family, alongside mulberry and jackfruit.
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Artocarpus altilis, belonging to the Moraceae family, alongside mulberry and jackfruit.
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Common Names
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Breadfruit, ulu (Hawaiian), panapén (Spanish), fruta de pan, sukun, kolo, or ‘ulu, depending on the region.
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Breadfruit, ulu (Hawaiian), panapén (Spanish), fruta de pan, sukun, kolo, or ‘ulu, depending on the region.
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Average Height
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Reaches 65-85 feet in optimal conditions if unpruned, though it can be maintained at 25 feet through regular pruning for easier fruit harvesting.
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In containers, trees remain smaller, suitable for cooler climates where they are brought indoors.
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Reaches 65-85 feet in optimal conditions if unpruned, though it can be maintained at 25 feet through regular pruning for easier fruit harvesting.
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Growth Rate
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Fast-growing, especially in warm, tropical conditions, with significant height and canopy development within a few years.
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Trees propagated from root shoots or cuttings may fruit within 3-5 years, while seed-grown trees take 5-10 years.
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Fast-growing, especially in warm, tropical conditions, with significant height and canopy development within a few years.
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Sun Requirements
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Requires full sun for mature trees to maximize growth and fruit production, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Young trees benefit from partial shade to prevent stress, with container plants needing rotation to ensure even sun exposure.
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Requires full sun for mature trees to maximize growth and fruit production, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Cold Hardiness
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Not cold-hardy; temperatures below 40°F can damage or kill the tree, making it unsuitable for regions with frost unless grown in containers and moved indoors.
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Best suited for USDA Zones 9b-11, with minimum winter temperatures above 20-40°F.
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Not cold-hardy; temperatures below 40°F can damage or kill the tree, making it unsuitable for regions with frost unless grown in containers and moved indoors.
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Water Requirements
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Requires regular watering, especially during establishment (first year), with morning watering preferred to keep roots evenly moist out to the dripline.
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Mature trees have some drought tolerance but benefit from twice-weekly watering if leaves show wilting, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
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Mulching after watering helps retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
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Requires regular watering, especially during establishment (first year), with morning watering preferred to keep roots evenly moist out to the dripline.
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Planting Guide
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Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil, at least 20 feet from buildings or powerlines to accommodate its large size.
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Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root ball, amending soil with organic matter for better drainage and fertility.
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For container planting in cooler climates, use a large pot to manage weight and bring indoors when temperatures drop below 60°F.
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Space trees 25-40 feet apart to allow for canopy spread, and provide shade for young plants until established.
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Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil, at least 20 feet from buildings or powerlines to accommodate its large size.
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Fertilizing Times and Recommended Fertilizer
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Fertilize twice in the first year with a balanced, complete fertilizer (e.g., NPK 10-10-10) to support vigorous growth, applying in spring and mid-summer.
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For mature trees, fertilize once annually in spring with a balanced NPK fertilizer, watering thoroughly after application to aid nutrient absorption.
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Avoid over-fertilization; supplement with organic matter like compost or mulch to improve soil health long-term.
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Fertilize twice in the first year with a balanced, complete fertilizer (e.g., NPK 10-10-10) to support vigorous growth, applying in spring and mid-summer.
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USDA Zone
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Best suited for USDA Zones 9b-11, with optimal growth in Zones 10-11 (minimum temperatures 20-40°F), including regions like southern Florida, southern California, and Hawaii.
- In cooler zones (e.g., 9b), container planting with indoor overwintering is recommended to protect from cold snaps.
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Best suited for USDA Zones 9b-11, with optimal growth in Zones 10-11 (minimum temperatures 20-40°F), including regions like southern Florida, southern California, and Hawaii.