White Sapote – 1 Seed

White Sapote (Casimiroa edulis) is also called casimiroa and Mexican apple. It is a species of tropical fruiting tree in the family Rutaceae, native to eastern Mexico and Central America south to Costa Rica. It is a medium to large tree which can grow up to 50+ feet high. The small flowers are formed in large groups and may occur off and on a few times per year, with fruit ripening 6-8 months later.

The fruit are apple sized with a white or yellow creamy, custard-like pulp that has an excellent sweet flavor with hints of banana, vanilla, or peach. The fruit is 5–10 cm in diameter, with a thin, inedible skin turning from green to yellow when ripe. The seeds contain a glucoside with a narcotic effect and should not be eaten raw. They are typically removed before consumption.

Growing White Sapote

Indoor Sowing: Spring and Summer.

Direct Sowing: Spring and Summer.

• Scarify the coat of each seed before planting to help speed up germination.
• Plant the seeds in a soil-free medium.
• Place the seed with the pointed side up 1.25cm from the surface of the soil and water deeply.
• Water thoroughly and deeply while germination occurs, which can take 4 weeks or longer.
• Once the seedlings outgrow their pot, transplant them to a bigger pot.
• Water often, although trees can withstand short periods of drought.
• The plant likes bright sunlight but does not require strong direct sunlight to thrive.