Amidst monsoon delicacies like curry and fritters, jackfruit is a versatile, comforting and hearty meal packed with flavours. But did you know the flesh and seeds of jackfruit are also well known for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiabetic properties?

Jackfruit helps strengthen bones, prevents bone-related disorders like osteoporosis, anaemia, aids blood circulation, and supports thyroid gland metabolism.

If you wish to grow this superfood at home, we have got you covered!

Lucknow-based urban gardener Abhijeet Prajapati, who has been growing fruits and vegetables on his terrace for the last several years, shares tips on how you can cultivate jackfruit in your home.

“You can grow jackfruit in an open space of your house. But if you lack open space, you can still harvest jackfruit by growing its tree in a big container or a grow bag on the terrace,” he says.

Abhijeet says that jackfruit can be planted from seeds, cuttings or saplings bought from the nursery. It is to be noted that when planted from seeds, it may take about seven years for it to bear fruit. 

“But if you bring a grafted plant from the nursery and plant it, you will start getting fruits in about three years,” he adds.

He shares 10 tips to grow jackfruit on the terrace:

1. Take a big, strong container like a drum or a grow bag with a good drainage system.
2. Fill this container with the potting mix. To prepare potting mix, combine soil and cow dung in a 7:3 ratio.
3. The ideal time for planting is June to August.
4. Buy a healthy ripened jackfruit from the market and sow its seeds. In place of seeds, you can also directly plant its sapling in the container.
5. The seeds germinate in about a week but the cuttings may take more than a month to grow.
6. Jackfruit trees need ample sunlight. Ensure the plant is positioned where it can receive at least six to seven hours of sunlight daily.
7. When watering the plant, ensure that water does not stagnate in the container, while also retaining enough moisture in the soil.
8. It takes about a month and a half before your plant starts growing.
9. Add organic manure like liquid manure and vermicompost to the plant.
10. Make sure that pests do not attack the stem and leaves of the plant. Use organic pesticides like neem oil to check insect attack.

Now, what are you waiting for? This season, grow your own jackfruit tree.

Happy gardening!