Chikoo Plant

The Kalapati (or Kalipatti) chiku plant is a popular grafted variety of sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) known for producing exceptionally sweet, round-to-oval fruits with a rich, caramel-like flavor.

KEY PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

• BOTANICAL NAME: Manilkara zapota.

• FRUIT QUALITY: Sweet, malty flavor with a soft, slightly grainy or creamy texture and brown skin.

• GROWTH HABIT: Evergreen tropical tree with dense, glossy green foliage. It can reach 30–40 feet in the ground, but stays smaller when pruned or grown in containers.

• FRUITING TIME: Grafted varieties begin bearing fruit within 1 to 2 years after planting.

CARE AND GROWING REQUIREMENTS

• SUNLIGHT: Requires full, bright sunlight for 6 to 8 hours daily.

• SOIL: Thrives in well-drained sandy-loam or loamy soil rich in organic matter.

• WATERING: Needs regular watering for young plants (about twice a week), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot.

• CONTAINERS: Suitable for large containers or grow bags starting at 18×18 inches if space is limited.

• BEST PLANTING SEASON: June to September (monsoon) or February to April (spring).