Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) 2L Pot

Manilkara zapota is a tropical fruit tree grown for its evergreen foliage and sweet brown fruit.

Sapodilla develops a slow-growing, branching habit with glossy green leaves. Mature plants produce small pale flowers followed by rounded or oval fruit with rough brown skin.

The fully ripe flesh is soft, sweet and lightly granular, with a flavour commonly compared with brown sugar, pear and caramel.

The tree also produces a milky latex known as chicle, which was traditionally used in the production of chewing gum.

In the UK, Sapodilla must be grown in a heated greenhouse, conservatory or warm indoor growing space.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Manilkara zapota
Common names: Sapodilla, Chikoo, Chicozapote, Naseberry
Plant family: Sapotaceae
Habit: Slow-growing evergreen tropical tree
Potential height: Approximately 2–4 metres in a large container, depending on pruning
Foliage: Glossy, oval green leaves
Flowers: Small pale cream or yellowish flowers
Fruit: Rounded or oval brown fruit containing sweet flesh
Position: Full sun or bright partial shade
Suitable for: Heated greenhouses, conservatories and large containers
Hardiness: Very tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Sapodilla in fertile, well-draining compost. Move the plant into progressively larger containers as it develops.

Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth but avoid frequent overwatering. Sapodilla is vulnerable to root problems when kept continually saturated.

Place the plant in a warm, bright and sheltered position. Protect it from cold draughts and sudden changes in temperature.

Feed regularly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Reduce feeding and watering during periods of slower winter growth.

Sapodilla is slow growing, particularly while young and during cool or low-light conditions.

Overwinter in a heated greenhouse, conservatory or warm indoor growing space. Keeping the plant above approximately 12°C is recommended, with warmer conditions preferred for active growth.

Fruiting in the UK

Sapodilla requires tropical warmth, strong light and plant maturity before flowering and fruiting.

Seed-grown plants may take several years to reach flowering size. Fruit production in the UK is unlikely without a large and consistently heated greenhouse.

Fruit production cannot be guaranteed.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one Sapodilla plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plant height, branching and leaf development will vary naturally according to the time of year.

Important Information

Seed-grown Sapodilla plants are genetically variable, and future fruit size, texture, flavour and productivity cannot be guaranteed.

Only fully ripe fruit pulp should be consumed. Unripe fruit contains sticky latex and may be unpleasant or irritating to eat.

Do not eat the seeds, leaves or other plant material. Sapodilla seeds are hard and may have a small hooked projection.