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Hog Plum-Yellow

Hog Plum-Yellow

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$75.00 - $75.00
$75.00
$75.00 - $75.00
$75.00
Yellow Hog Plum Tree Overview
  • Taste
    • The Yellow Hog Plum Tree produces small, oval fruits that turn vibrant yellow when ripe, offering a unique blend of tangy and sweet flavors reminiscent of a green apple crossed with a mango.
    • The juicy, slightly fibrous flesh surrounds a large, spiny seed and can range from tart and acidic when unripe to mildly sweet with a musky undertone when fully ripened.
    • Often enjoyed fresh, in juices, jellies, or pickled, the fruit’s versatility and nutritional value—rich in vitamin C—make it a tropical delight.
  • Best Growing Environment
    • This tree flourishes in warm, tropical to subtropical climates with well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soil enriched with organic matter and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
    • It prefers a sunny location with good air circulation, ideally sheltered from strong winds to maximize fruit production and minimize bloom loss.
    • While native to tropical Americas, it adapts well to frost-free regions and can be grown in containers in cooler climates if brought indoors during cold spells.
  • Botanical Name
    • The botanical name for the Yellow Hog Plum Tree is Spondias mombin, a species within the Anacardiaceae (cashew) family known for its tropical fruit-bearing relatives.
  • Common Names
    • Commonly called Yellow Hog Plum, it’s also known as Yellow Mombin, Hog Plum, Jobo, Ciruela Amarilla (Spanish), Taperebá, or Cajá (Brazilian Portuguese).
  • Average Height
    • In its native jungle habitats, the Yellow Hog Plum Tree can reach heights of 50 to 70 feet, though it typically grows to 15 to 25 feet in cultivated settings.
    • With pruning, it can be maintained at 10 to 15 feet, making it suitable for smaller gardens or container growth.
  • Growth Rate
    • The tree exhibits a fast growth rate, often adding 1 to 2 feet per year in ideal conditions, and can begin producing fruit within 1 to 2 years when planted in the ground.
    • Growth slows in less optimal climates or if not pruned regularly to manage its size.
  • Sun Requirements
    • Full sun is optimal, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for maximum growth and fruit yield, though it tolerates partial shade with reduced productivity.
    • A spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade can enhance fruit quality in extremely hot regions.
  • Cold Hardiness
    • The Yellow Hog Plum is frost-tender and prefers temperatures above 50°F, thriving in warm climates but suffering damage below 32°F.
    • It’s best suited for frost-free zones, though potted trees can survive colder areas if moved indoors during winter.
  • Water Requirements
    • Young trees need regular watering—daily for the first week post-planting, then weekly when the top 2 inches of soil dry out—until established (about 1 year).
    • Mature trees are moderately drought-tolerant but perform best with 1 inch of water weekly, increased during fruiting or in sandy soils, while avoiding waterlogged conditions.
  • Planting Guide
    • Plant in fall or early spring in a well-drained, sunny spot; dig a hole 3 to 4 times the diameter of the root ball and as deep, ensuring the root crown sits at soil level.
    • Mix native soil with compost (up to 50-50 ratio), backfill, and apply a 3-inch layer of mulch (e.g., wood chips) in a 4- to 6-foot diameter, keeping it 6 inches from the trunk.
    • Space trees 20 to 30 feet apart for full-sized growth, or 10 to 15 feet for dwarfed or pruned specimens, ensuring ample air circulation.
  • Fertilizing Times and Recommended Fertilizer
    • Fertilize every 3 months during the growing season—March, June, and September—using a citrus-specific fertilizer (e.g., 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 with micronutrients like zinc) at rates recommended by the manufacturer (typically 1 pound per year of tree age, up to 8 pounds).
    • Apply evenly 8 to 12 inches from the trunk, water thoroughly afterward, and avoid fertilizing after September to prevent tender growth susceptible to cold damage.
    • Add finished compost to the base anytime for extra nutrients, pulling back mulch during application.
  • USDA Zone
    • The Yellow Hog Plum Tree grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 when planted outdoors, though it can be cultivated in Zones 4 to 11 in containers with winter protection indoors.