Manzano is a red hog plum selection with apple-like, sweet, crisp fruit. (Spondias purpurea 'Manzano')
Shop this plant: Manzano Red Hog Plum Tree (Spondias) – 3 Gal
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day, for the best flowering and fruit.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential.
- Watering: Water regularly while establishing.
Sun
Full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day, for the best flowering and fruit.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential. South Florida's sandy and limestone soils work well if water never stands; plant on a slight mound in low areas and mix in compost at planting.
Watering
Water regularly while establishing. Established trees are drought tolerant and often drop leaves in the dry season before flowering.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Young trees: a balanced fertilizer with minor elements (such as 6-6-6 or 8-3-9) every 6-8 weeks from March through September, starting small and increasing as the tree grows. Mature trees: 2-3 applications a year (spring, early summer, late summer). Skip fertilizer from November through February. On alkaline South Florida soil, add chelated iron and manganese if new leaves are pale with green veins.
Pruning
Prune after harvest to keep the tree compact; hog plums are very tolerant of hard pruning and grow easily from cuttings.
Cold Protection
Mature trees tolerate brief dips near 28-30°F; protect young trees.
Container vs. In-Ground
Grows fast into a small tree; can be kept in a 15-25 gallon container with pruning.
Spacing
Plant 15-20 ft from other trees and at least 10 ft from buildings.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Flowers in the dry season; fruit ripens spring to summer, often in the first 1-2 years.
Harvest
Pick when fruit turn red and give slightly. Eat fresh or use in preserves.
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.
Scale and mealybugs
How to identify: Small bumps or white cottony clusters on stems and leaf undersides, often with sticky honeydew and black sooty mold.
Organic-first treatment: Prune heavily infested twigs, spray horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and control the ants that farm them.
Anthracnose and leaf spot
How to identify: Dark sunken spots on leaves and fruit, worse in rainy weather.
Organic-first treatment: Prune for airflow, clean up fallen leaves and fruit, and use copper fungicide during wet periods if needed.
Fruit flies
How to identify: Small punctures in ripening fruit that turn soft and rot from inside.
Organic-first treatment: Harvest on time, pick up dropped fruit daily, and bag developing fruit with mesh or paper bags.
Root rot
How to identify: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, dark mushy roots.
Organic-first treatment: Prevention is the cure: plant high in fast-draining soil, never let water stand, and cut back watering in cool months.
FAQ
Why is it called Manzano? Its flavor and crunch remind people of apple (manzana).
Is it self-fruitful? Yes.
Related Reading
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree More Than None
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes (and How to Protect Tender Ones)
- Which Fruit Trees Are the Lowest Maintenance in South Florida?
Ready to grow your own? Get the Manzano Red Hog Plum here.
