Black Gold is a grafted jackfruit with deep orange, sweet, aromatic flesh. Jackfruit produces the largest tree-borne fruit in the world and thrives in South Florida heat. (Artocarpus heterophyllus 'Black Gold')
Shop this plant: Black Gold Jackfruit Plant Grafted 24+ Inches
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained soil; jackfruit is very sensitive to flooding.
- Watering: Regular water while young; established trees need water only in dry spells.
Sun
Full sun.
Soil
Well-drained soil; jackfruit is very sensitive to flooding. Plant on a mound in low spots.
Watering
Regular water while young; established trees need water only in dry spells.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Balanced fertilizer with minor elements every 2 months March-September for young trees; 3-4 times a year for mature trees.
Pruning
Prune after harvest to keep the tree at 15-20 ft and branches within reach. Fruit grows on the trunk and main branches.
Cold Protection
Damaged below about 32°F; young trees can be killed in the upper 20s. Protect with frost cloth.
Container vs. In-Ground
Best in the ground. Can stay in a large pot while young.
Spacing
20-25 ft apart.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Grafted trees often fruit in 2-4 years. Fruits ripen mainly in summer.
Harvest
Ripe fruit gives a dull hollow sound when tapped, smells sweet, and the spines flatten. Wear gloves and oil your knife; the sap is sticky.
Common Pests and Diseases
Start with organic, low-impact fixes: good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit and leaves, and soaps or oils before anything stronger. Always follow label directions.
Fruit rot (Rhizopus)
How to identify: Soft, dark rot on young fruit.
Organic-first treatment: Remove infected fruit and improve airflow.
Scale and mealybugs
How to identify: Clusters on stems and fruit.
Organic-first treatment: Horticultural oil; control ants.
Fruit flies
How to identify: Damage to ripe fruit.
Organic-first treatment: Harvest promptly; bag fruit if practical.
FAQ
How big do the fruits get? Often 10-40 lb or more.
Is Black Gold self-fruitful? Yes.
Can I keep it small? With yearly pruning you can hold it around 15 ft.
Related Reading
- Grafted vs. Seedling Fruit Trees
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes
Ready to grow your own? Get the Black Gold Jackfruit here.
