Published Jun 09, 2023
Chiku is a tropical fruit that originated in Mexico and Central America. People also call it sapota or sapodilla in India. It has a sweet and pleasant flavor and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Chiku can grow in a variety of soils, but deep alluvium, sandy loam, and well-drained medium black soils with pH 6.0-8.0 are ideal. Shallow clay soils or high calcium soils do not support Chiku farming.
Chiku loves a warm and humid climate. It grows well up to an altitude of 1,000 m. Temperature range of 10-38°C and annual rainfall of 1250-2500 mm suit Chiku cultivation.
Chiku farming requires well-prepared land. Plowing 2-3 times followed by leveling brings the soil to a fine tilth. Pits of 1 x 1 x 1 m size are dug at a spacing of 8 x 8 m.
Grafting or air layering can propagate Chiku. Air layering is done during monsoons (July-August). Healthy and disease-free saplings are selected for planting.
Chiku trees start bearing fruits after 3-4 years of planting. The fruits mature in 6-8 months after flowering. The fruits are harvested when they turn brown and slightly soft.