Sapodilla 7G - Urban Abundance

Sapodilla Tree (Manilkara zapota) – 7-Gallon Pot
Available in Jupiter, FL. at Urban Abundance.

Sweet, cinnamon-kissed, and deeply tropical—Sapodilla, also known as Nispero or Chico, produces rich, brown-skinned fruit with a caramel-pear flavor beloved throughout the tropics. A member of the Sapotaceae family, Sapodilla is a tropical evergreen fruit tree, perfectly suited for South Florida’s climate, soil, and long growing seasons.

Sold in a 7-gallon pot, this tree is mature enough for transplanting and will reward patient growers with delicious fruit, shade, and year-round greenery.

Sunlight Needs: Full sun is essential—6 to 8+ hours daily for optimal fruiting and growth.
Watering Needs: Moderate. Water consistently but allow the topsoil to dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established.
Soil Requirements: Well-draining sandy loam with compost. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.0–7.5) preferred.
Growth Habit: Slow to moderate grower, eventually reaching 25–40 feet if unpruned. Dense, rounded canopy.
Fruit Timing: Ripens typically from late winter through spring, with variations depending on cultivar and conditions.
Heat Tolerance: Excellent. Handles South Florida heat with ease.
Cold Tolerance: Moderate. Young trees are frost-sensitive; protect for first few winters.
Special Features:

• Produces incredibly sweet, soft fruit rich in fiber and minerals

• Evergreen foliage and dense canopy add landscape value

• Low maintenance once established

• Long-lived and adaptable to many tropical garden designs

South Florida Notes: Plant Sapodilla during the cooler, drier months (October–March) for easier establishment. Protect from frost during the first 1–2 years. Mulch well to retain moisture and support shallow roots. Space generously for airflow and growth.

Next steps after purchase:

• Transplant into a full sun location with good drainage

• Mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch away from the trunk

• Water 2–3x per week while establishing, then reduce to 1x/week

• Fertilize 3x annually with a fruit tree blend

• Prune lightly after fruiting to manage size and shape

• Monitor for sapodilla-specific pests like leaf miners—treat early if needed with organic sprays

This is a tropical evergreen fruit tree—providing continuous foliage year-round and reliable seasonal fruiting when mature.