Sapota, Chikoo, Chiku Grafted Plant

Sapota, commonly known as Chikoo, is a tropical evergreen fruit tree scientifically called Manilkara zapota. Native to Central America, it is now widely cultivated across India for its sweet, brown fruits. Sapota belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is appreciated for its delicious flavor, long productive life, and relatively easy maintenance.

Chikoo Plant Details

What Does Sapota Contain?

Sapota is packed with nutrients and natural sugars that provide energy.

Sapota Nutrition (Per 100 g Approx.)

It also contains antioxidants, polyphenols, tannins, and natural sugars.

Health Benefits of Sapota

• Rich source of dietary fiber
• Supports healthy digestion
• Provides quick natural energy
• Contains vitamin C for immune support
• Rich in potassium for heart health
• Helps maintain healthy skin
• Contains antioxidants that protect cells
• Good source of natural carbohydrates

How to Grow Sapota (Chikoo) Plant

Step 1: Select a Healthy Plant

Choose a grafted sapota plant from a reliable nursery.

Benefits:

• Earlier fruiting
• Better fruit quality
• Higher yield
• Uniform growth

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

• Full sunlight (6–8 hours daily)
• Good air circulation
• Frost-free location

Step 3: Soil Preparation

Dig a pit about 60 × 60 × 60 cm.

Mix:

• 50% fertile garden soil
• 30% compost or farmyard manure
• 20% sand if drainage is poor

Step 4: Planting

• Place the sapling upright.
• Keep the graft union above the soil surface.
• Fill with prepared soil.
• Water thoroughly.

Step 5: Watering

• Young plants: 2–3 times weekly, depending on weather.
• Mature trees: Water deeply during dry periods; avoid waterlogging.

Step 6: Fertilizer

Apply annually:

• Well-rotted compost or manure
• Balanced NPK fertilizer based on the tree's age and local recommendations

Step 7: Pruning

• Remove dead and diseased branches.
• Maintain an open canopy for sunlight and airflow.

Chikoo Plant Care

Good care includes:

• Full sun
• Regular watering without overwatering
• Annual compost application
• Weed control
• Mulching
• Pest and disease monitoring
• Light pruning

Sapota Plant Soil Requirement

Best Soil

• Well-drained loamy soil (ideal)
• Sandy loam
• Red loam
• Fertile alluvial soil

Avoid heavy clay soils that remain waterlogged.

Soil pH

• Ideal: 6.0–8.0
• Best growth: 6.5–7.5

Potting Mix

For container-grown plants:

• 40% garden soil
• 30% compost
• 20% coco peat
• 10% coarse sand or perlite

Use a large pot with drainage holes.

How Long Does Sapota Take to Grow?

Growth depends on propagation:

• Grafted plant: Fruits in 3–5 years
• Seed-grown plant: Fruits in 6–8 years, sometimes longer

Trees continue increasing production as they mature.

How Much Time Does Chikoo Plant Take to Grow?

A sapota tree establishes within the first few years and reaches substantial size in 8–10 years. Mature trees can remain productive for several decades.

Chikoo Plant Not Growing? Common Reasons

If your plant is growing slowly, possible causes include:

• Insufficient sunlight
• Poor drainage or waterlogging
• Nutrient deficiency
• Soil compaction
• Improper watering
• Pest or disease problems
• Root damage after transplanting
• Very cold temperatures

Improving soil, watering correctly, and feeding with compost often helps restore healthy growth

How to Plant a Chikoo Plant

• Choose a sunny location.
• Dig a 60 × 60 × 60 cm pit.
• Mix topsoil with compost.
• Plant the sapling with the graft union above the soil.
• Water thoroughly.
• Mulch around the base, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

How to Grow Chikoo Plant at Home

Sapota can be grown in home gardens if there is enough space.

Tips:

• Plant in full sun.
• Use fertile, well-drained soil.
• Water regularly during establishment.
• Feed with compost every year.
• Protect young plants from frost.

Large containers can be used temporarily, but long-term growth is best in the ground.

Which Sapota Variety is Best?

Popular Indian varieties include:

• Kalipatti – High yield, sweet fruits, widely grown.
• Cricket Ball – Large, round fruits.
• PKM-1 – Productive and suitable for commercial cultivation.
• DHS-1 – Good fruit quality and regular bearing.

For home gardens, Kalipatti is often recommended because of its reliable yield and excellent flavor.

Chikoo Plant Cost in India

The price depends on the variety, size, and nursery.

Typical range:

• ₹150–₹500 for young grafted plants.
• Larger, well-established plants generally cost more.

Indian Names of Chikoo (Sapota)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can sapota be grown in pots?

Yes, young plants can grow in large containers with excellent drainage, but mature trees are best planted in the ground.

2. Does sapota need full sunlight?

Yes. At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily supports healthy growth and fruit production.

3. How often should I water a chikoo plant?

Water young plants regularly while keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mature trees need less frequent, deep watering during dry periods.

4. Which is better: seed-grown or grafted sapota?

Grafted plants are generally preferred because they bear fruit much earlier and produce more consistent fruit quality.

6. What fertilizer is best for sapota?

Well-rotted compost or farmyard manure combined with a balanced fertilizer program based on soil conditions is suitable for healthy growth.