Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

Here is the father of all Jackfruit - J33, Sultan or The Emperor!

The Sultan/J33 Jackfruit is famous worldwide due to its special genetic capability to produce an excellent mix of crunchy yet creamy taste. It has very little to no latex, making it convenient to prepare, the fruit itself is larger than average. The flesh is juicy, and very aromatic! The Brix or the sweetness level is 36 making this the sweetest of all Jackfruit!

The Sultan/J33 has been used as a basis of research for over 50 years and used in many countries like in Australia as a clone to produce another hybrid varieties of Jackfruit. The Sultan/J33 originated from Malaysia, but over the course of 30 years has been exported to many countries like Sri Lanka, India, Australia and other Southeast Asian countries and often enough renamed to something else after it was grafted onto local varieties of Jackfruit.

This variety is reasonably hardy and able to tolerate cold much better than any Jackfruit varieties we have seen.  Only last winter, we placed the new seedling of The Sultan/J33 in a cold room without overhead cover (approx. night temperature of 4'c, day temperature up to 22'c) and without heating for months and it still growing well. We also left the new young seedlings outdoor (approx. night 8'c temperature, day temperature of 27'c) for a week without any major damage and the plant keeps growing and thriving in the NZ climate. This is impressive and possibly the reason why this variety was selected as the first choice of rootstock for other jackfruit varieties in many other countries.

The Sultan/J33 variety is fast growing, produces fruit all year long and in abundance. In an ideal climate The Sultan/J33 Jackfruit produces fruit as early as 3 years old from seed. In Malaysia it produces fruit at under 2 years even! In our orchard overseas, we have never grafted any jackfruit plants simply because the plant grows wild and well and The Sultan /J33 variety especially is true to seed. 

The plant can grow up to 5m tall, but in NZ it will never reached this maximum height. The height can be easily managed by pruning once established. The plant will have no issues growing in a large pot.

Disclaimer: Although this variety seems to handle the cold temperature reasonably well, we strongly recommended the young plant to be nurtured and kept away from extreme cold, frost and heavy wind. Best is to keep it in a covered or semi covered area for as long as possible until the stems are fully browned and thicken before introducing to the outdoors. The plant will do very well in warmer areas.

Plant Care

• Soil: Jackfruit trees thrive in deep, rich, well-drained sandy loam soil but are quite adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including relatively poor soils. Ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.5.
• Watering: Young jackfruit trees need consistent moisture to establish their root system, especially during dry spells. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but produce better fruit with regular watering. Avoid waterlogging as jackfruit trees do not tolerate standing water.
• Temperature: Jackfruit is a tropical tree and does best in hot and humid conditions, typically between 25°C and 35°C. It can tolerate short periods of cooler temperatures but is sensitive to frost, which can damage the tree or kill young saplings.
• Light: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and fruit production. A sunny spot with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal.
• Fertilising: Feed young trees with a balanced NPK fertilizer (such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10) every three to four months during the growing season to support rapid growth. Mature trees benefit from being fertilized twice a year, once at the start of the growing season and again mid-season. Additional compost or well-rotted manure can help improve fruit yield and quality.
• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning. Remove dead or diseased wood, and thin out the center of the tree to allow light and air to penetrate, which helps reduce disease risk and improves fruit quality. Pruning can also help maintain a manageable size for easier harvesting.
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients as it decomposes. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
• Pest Control: Jackfruit trees are relatively pest-resistant but can be affected by pests such as jackfruit borer, fruit flies, and root-knot nematodes. Regular monitoring and appropriate organic or chemical controls should be used as needed.
• Flowering and Fruiting: The tree produces both male and female flowers on the same tree. Fruits grow directly from the trunk and larger branches, and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 kg or more. Fruit maturity is reached typically in three to eight months after flowering.
• Potting: Generally not recommended for potting due to its large size. However, dwarf varieties can be grown in large containers if space is limited, but they require careful management of watering and nutrients.
• Feeding Regime: In addition to regular NPK fertilization, applying potassium-rich fertilizers can enhance fruit size and sweetness. Ensuring adequate micronutrients like magnesium and zinc can also support healthy growth and fruiting.