Santol Tree 25G

Santol Tree – Sandoricum koetjape (25 Gallon Pot)
Add a taste of the tropics to your edible landscape with the exotic Santol Tree, a Southeast Asian fruiting tree known for its unique sweet-sour fruit and lush, tropical foliage. This 25-gallon specimen is ready for planting and will quickly grow into a large, fruit-bearing tree that’s both productive and visually striking.

A proud member of the Meliaceae (mahogany) family and classified in the Magnoliopsida class (dicots), the Santol is perfectly suited to South Florida’s warm, wet summers and mild winters. It grows as a large, upright tree with thick, glossy leaves and produces round yellow-to-golden fruit that’s soft, aromatic, and full of culinary possibilities.

Santol fruit has a tangy outer pulp and a sweet, cottony interior surrounding the seeds. Often used in jams, desserts, or eaten fresh, it’s a staple in tropical markets—and a rare treat to grow in your own backyard.

Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Sandoricum koetjape

• Common Name: Santol

• Family: Meliaceae (Mahogany family)

• Class: Magnoliopsida

• Pot Size: 25 Gallon

• Mature Height: 30–50 feet

• Spread: 20–30 feet

• USDA Zones: 10–11 (ideal for South Florida)

• Foliage: Large, compound leaves with a lush tropical appearance

• Fruit: Round, yellow or golden fruit with juicy, aromatic pulp

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

• Evergreen in tropical zones

Sunlight Needs:

Plant in full sun for best fruiting results. Santol trees require a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce healthy foliage and abundant fruit.

Watering Requirements:

Water regularly during the first 12–18 months to help establish strong roots. Once mature, the Santol is moderately drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce watering needs.

Soil Preferences:

Prefers rich, well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). In South Florida’s sandy soils, amend with compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and water retention. Avoid areas with standing water or poor drainage.

Fertilization:

Feed with a balanced tropical fruit tree fertilizer 2–3 times per year—spring, summer, and early fall. Use an organic mulch or compost around the base to nourish the soil and support long-term growth.

Pest & Disease Resistance:

Generally hardy in South Florida conditions. Monitor for occasional scale or aphids, especially in new growth. Promote airflow with proper spacing and avoid overwatering to reduce disease risk.

Maintenance & Pruning:

Minimal pruning needed. Trim to maintain shape and remove any damaged or crossing branches. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Mulching around the base helps suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.

Why It Works in South Florida:

• Thrives in heat, humidity, and seasonal rainfall

• Produces rare, flavorful tropical fruit not commonly found in stores

• Grows into a handsome shade tree with broad foliage and upright growth

• Perfect for backyard food forests, tropical fruit collectors, and permaculture gardens

• Provides year-round structure and seasonal harvests with minimal effort

Jupiter Farms & Nursery