Artocarpus heterophyllus 'Black Gold'
fruitJackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Black Gold) is a large evergreen tropical tree that produces the biggest tree-borne fruit in the world, sometimes weighing over 50 pounds. The green, bumpy fruit is packed with sweet, golden, aromatic bulbs eaten fresh, while the firm unripe fruit is cooked as a meaty vegetable that has become popular as a plant-based pulled-pork substitute. Black Gold is a reliable Australian-bred variety with deep-colored flesh. The tree is fast-growing and frost tender, suited to tropical and warm subtropical climates.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 6 days
Harvest
~3 yrs
to first harvest
Difficulty
medium
Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
Spacing
25-30 ft apart
Planting Depth
Set at the same depth as the container, keeping any graft union above the soil line; do not bury the trunk
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Soil Type
Deep, rich, well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 10 – 13
When to Fertilize
Feed several times through the warm growing season
Fertilizer
Balanced fruit-tree fertilizer with micronutrients
Grow jackfruit in full sun in deep, rich, well-drained soil; it dislikes both waterlogging and prolonged drought. It is frost tender, so plant it only in frost-free or nearly frost-free areas, giving it plenty of room since it becomes a large tree. Space it 25 to 30 ft from buildings and other trees. Water regularly, especially when young and during fruit development, and feed through the warm season. Mature trees tolerate brief light frost, but young plants must be protected. Seedlings bear in about 3 to 4 years; grafted trees sooner.
Direct sow
Apr 15
Projected first harvest
Aug 13 · Year 4
Year 1
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Caterpillars bore into shoots and fruit; prune out and destroy affected growth and keep the tree vigorous
Cottony clusters on fruit and stems; rinse off, use horticultural oil, and control ants
Rhizopus and other rots in warm, wet weather; remove affected fruit and improve airflow
Harvest jackfruit for fresh eating when the green skin lightens and yellows, the spiny bumps flatten and spread, the fruit gives slightly to pressure, and it develops a strong sweet aroma and a hollow sound when tapped. For vegetable use, cut the fruit while young and firm. Expect copious sticky latex when cutting, so oil the knife and your hands first.
Ripe jackfruit is high in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, with sweet aromatic flesh. The unripe fruit is cooked as a fiber-rich, meat-like vegetable, and the seeds are edible when boiled or roasted.
The ripe pulp and the cooked seeds are edible. All parts of the plant exude a copious sticky white latex, so oil your hands and tools when cutting the fruit. Eat the seeds only after boiling or roasting, never raw.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4