Durian is a popular fruit like
jackfruit. It is also called the king of fruits like jackfruit. Due to the
popularity of the fruit, many people want to grow the durian tree. But they
don’t know about durian growing and care tips. As a result, they can’t grow the
tree. So, today, in this article, I will share with you everything you need to
know about growing the durian tree. If you follow the tips in my article, you
will be able to grow and care for the durian tree properly and get good durian.
So, let's learn more about growing and caring for the durian tree.
Durian Tree
What Is a Durian Tree?
Origins and Features of the Durian Tree
The durian tree is native to Southeast
Asia. Mainly, it is grown in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Its scientific
name is Durio zibethinus. The leaves of this tree are wide and thorny. Its
fruit looks like jackfruit. However, a durian tree can grow up to 50 meters
tall naturally. It is a nutritious fruit but many people don’t like it because
of its unusual smell. However, many people as well as some people around the
world enjoy the fruit.
Unique Features of Durian Fruit
The unique feature of durian fruit is
its distinctive smell. Although the fruit is smelly, it is rich in nutrients.
It contains vitamins C and B6, potassium and fiber. The fruit has many health
benefits. However, some people like durian but others dislike it for its
distinctive smell.
How to Grow a Durian Tree
Selecting the Right Growing Conditions
To grow a durian tree successfully,
first, you have to consider the right growing conditions. The durian tree
requires a high level of humidity and plenty of rainfall with ideal
temperatures of 24-30°C (75-86°F). Before planting it, you need to fertilize
your garden soil with organic fertilizer so that the soil is well-drained.
Planting Your Durian Tree
When planting the durian tree, choose a
sunny spot away from other big trees. Then dig a hole twice the size of the
plant's root ball. Then fill one-fourth of the hole with organic fertilizer.
Then place the durian plant in the hole and fill the hole with soil. Finally,
water the roots of the plant well.
Durian Tree Care and Maintenance Tips
- Watering: The durian tree
grows well in moist soil. So, water the tree regularly. Don’t overwater. Notice
that there is no waterlogging. Let the soil dry out a little before watering.
- Fertilizing: Apply organic
fertilizer to your durian tree every 4-6 months. They need fertilizer rich in
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
- Pruning: Prune the
durian tree occasionally to grow well. Pruning allows sunlight to reach
all parts of the tree. As a result, it grows well.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out
for other pests including caterpillars. Use organic pesticides if necessary and
cut off the affected branches to prevent infection.
When and How to Harvest Durian Fruit
Signs Your Durian Fruit Is Ready for Harvest
Usually, the durian fruits mature within
3-5 months after flowering. Ripe durians fall from the tree naturally but in
commercial farms, they are cut when they reach peak ripeness to avoid damage. A
ripe durian will have a distinct aroma and a slightly soft exterior near the
stem.
Harvesting Durian
Wear gloves when handling durian due to
its spiky shell. Once harvested, durians should be eaten or processed quickly
because their strong odor can intensify over time. If you don’t consume it
right away, store the fruit in the refrigerator to slow down ripening.
FAQ
1. How tall is durian tree?
A durian tree grows 80 to 164 feet tall
(24-50 meters).
2. How long does it take for a durian tree to grow?
A durian tree planted from seed takes
about 7-10 years to bear fruit. And a grafted plant can start bearing fruit in
4-6 years.
3. What does a durian tree look like?
A durian tree is tall with a straight
trunk up to 164 feet (50 meters). Its dense canopy has large, oblong leaves
with glossy and dark green tops and silvery undersides. The branches spread
widely and clusters of small, pale-yellow flowers bloom directly on the trunk
or major branches. The fruit is large and spiky with a greenish-brown exterior
that hangs directly from branches or the trunk.
4. How long does it take for a durian tree to bear fruit?
Usually, a durian tree takes 7–10 years
to bear fruit when grown from seed. when grown grafted, it can start producing
fruit in 4–6 years.
5. How long can durian tree live?
A durian tree can live for over 80–150
years with good care.
6. What is the best fertilizer for durian tree?
The best fertilizer for a durian tree is
one rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) along with essential
micronutrients like magnesium, calcium and sulfur. A balanced NPK ratio such as
8-4-8 or 12-12-17 is commonly recommended for the tree’s growth stage. Organic
manure can help its growth.
In conclusion, growing a durian tree
and getting fruit from it needs good care and patience. If you are a fan of
this unique fruit, with proper care and patience, you can get good durian. So,
follow my guide to growing a durian tree and take care of it. Finally, you will
be able to enjoy your own grown durian fruit.
Are you thinking of
growing a durian tree? Start with these care tips to get a healthy durian. If
you have any questions, share them in the comments below.
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