Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a large, majestic evergreen tree that produces the world's largest tree-borne fruit, with sweet golden bulbs when ripe and a versatile vegetable when young. A long-lived, hardy tropical species, it thrives across India's warm, humid regions with minimal care once established. The fruit emerges directly on the trunk and main branches, a striking feature. Both fruit and timber are valuable, and the dense canopy gives generous shade. Drought-hardy when mature and remarkably productive, jackfruit is a rewarding heritage tree for spacious Indian gardens, farms and orchards.
Specifications
| Family |
Moraceae |
| Native region |
Western Ghats of India |
| Mature height |
8-20 m |
| Mature spread |
6-10 m |
| Growth rate |
Moderate to fast |
| Foliage |
Evergreen, large glossy dark green leaves |
| Flower colour |
Greenish on trunk and branches |
| Flower season |
Spring |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and humid subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun, 6+ hours daily |
| Watering |
Regular when young; drought tolerant once mature |
| Soil / mix |
Deep, rich, well-drained loam; dislikes waterlogging |
| Temperature |
20-38C; frost sensitive when young |
| Humidity |
Moderate to high |
| Fertilizer |
Compost and balanced NPK 2-3 times a year |
| Pruning |
Light pruning to shape and remove deadwood |
| Repotting |
Plant in ground; large pots only for young trees |
| Propagation |
Grafting or air-layering; seed for rootstock |
| Pests & problems |
Fruit borer, mealybug, shoot borer; use neem |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic; fruit and seeds edible |
| Difficulty |
Easy to moderate |
Uses
Ripe fruit is eaten fresh and the bulbs and seeds are cooked; young green jackfruit is a popular vegetable and meat substitute. Provides shade and valuable timber.
Growing tips
In India, choose grafted plants for earlier fruiting and give the tree ample space and deep, well-drained soil. Water young trees regularly; mature trees fruit reliably with little care and bear directly on the trunk.