'Black Gold' Jackfruit
Artocarpus heterophyllus
“In the ground three years and still alive in 85142 — that alone is a result. Slow, but surviving. The long game.”
Background
'Black Gold' is an Australian selection of jackfruit (species native to the southwest Indian subcontinent, the world's largest tree-borne fruit), widely sold in the US by Florida specialty nurseries. It is reported as somewhat more cold-tolerant than common jackfruit seedlings and is marketed as a vigorous but prunable tree. The exact breeder/selection history is obscure — nursery trade cultivar rather than a documented breeding program release.
Distinguishing traits
Vigorous evergreen tree (can be pruned to 8-10 ft, naturally 20+ ft). Fruit narrow in shape, 14-20 lb, dark green rind with sharp fleshy spines that do not flatten at maturity. Deep orange, very soft flesh with strong flavor and aroma; flesh separates easily from the fruit. Ripens in fall in Florida; self-fertile.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- None needed.
- Cold hardiness
- Tolerates light freezing to ~30°F for short periods (mature plants); young plants must be protected. Zone 9-11 with frost protection.
- Heat tolerance
- Tropical species; 120°F desert heat with low humidity is stressful — Matt's 3-year survival in 85142 is exceptional. Deep watering, thick mulch, and wind protection help; young trees benefit from partial shade on extreme afternoons.
- Water
- Regular, consistent moisture; very sensitive to drought. Deep watering 2-3x/week in summer; never let root zone fully dry.
- Soil
- Moist, rich, well-draining soil; high organic matter. Avoid caliche pockets and waterlogging.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun when established; protect young trees from reflected heat off walls and give afternoon shade in the first years.
Where to buy
- Top Tropicals
- Sow Exotic
- Happy Groves
Sources
- https://toptropicals.com/store/item/2734.htm
- https://www.happygroves.com/product-page/black-gold-jackfruit-artocarpus-heterophyllus