Casimiroa, commonly known as White Sapote, is a delightful addition to your garden, offering both beauty and delicious fruit. Its glossy, evergreen foliage provides shade and visual interest, while the fruit adds a tropical touch to your outdoor space. With its low-maintenance care requirements, Casimiroa is the perfect choice for gardeners who appreciate the beauty of nature and the pleasures of homegrown treats.
Planting Calendar
Casimiroa are best planted in spring and summer.
Harvest In
3-4 years
The grafted self fertile Casimiroa should fruit after 3 -4 years. You can harvest the fruit between May and July. Pick fruit while they are firm, and the colour has begun to change to a lighter shade of green. The fruit continues to ripen off the tree, but avoid picking too early, as the flavour can be unpleasant. Handle the fruit carefully, as it bruises easily.
Prepare
Casimiroa is native to highlands in central America and so can withstand mild frosts. The green fruit look a little like a green apple but have creamy pale flesh with a mild, sweet flavour. The blossoms are a beautiful pale green, with a fragrant sweet smell.
Position
Casimiroa does best when planted in a sheltered position in full sun.
Soil
When planted into the ground Casimiroa prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well.
Pollination
Although Casimiroa are self-fertile, plant along with plants that attract bees, this will improve pollination giving a better crop of fruit. Pollinated fruit will be larger than fruit that is unpollinated.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil. Moist soil is needed during summer for good fruit production.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. Apply a annual application of Dolomite Lime in spring.
Protecting
Protect from strong winds and frost when young.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.
Spraying
Casimiroa are generally pest free so spraying should be needed.
Pruning
Summer pruning might be required when there is lots of whippy growth, and trimming will encourage more branching, which will mature and bear fruit. By pruning the tree, you can control its height and spread. Casimiroa can grow 5x5m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Casimiroa?
Casimiroa, also known as the white sapote, is a fruit tree known for its delicious, custard-like fruit. It's an attractive tree with glossy leaves and white or greenish-yellow fruit.
How do I plant a Casimiroa tree?
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
How often should I water my Casimiroa tree?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil. Moist soil is needed during summer for good fruit production.
How do I prune a Casimiroa tree?
Summer pruning might be required when there is lots of whippy growth, and trimming will encourage more branching, which will mature and bear fruit. By pruning the tree, you can control its height and spread.
What pests and diseases affect Casimiroa trees?
Casimiroa trees are generally hardy but can be affected by pests like aphids and scale insects. They are also susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Regular inspection and appropriate treatment can help maintain a healthy tree.