Potted Breadfruit Trees – Can You Grow Breadfruit In A Container
Breadfruit is a staple food in many tropical countries, where it grows as a native tree. Since it is used to very warm climates, it can’t grow outdoors in zones where temperatures fall below freezing. If you live in a temperate zone and still want to try your hand at breadfruit cultivation, you should consider growing breadfruit trees in containers. Keep reading to learn more about container grown breadfruit care and requirements.
Growing Breadfruit in a Pot
Can you grow breadfruit in a container? Yes, but it’s not going to be the same as growing it in the ground. In the wild in their native southeast Asia, breadfruit trees can reach 85 feet (26 m.) in height. That’s simply not going to happen in a container. Since breadfruit trees also take many years to reach maturity and begin to bear fruit, there’s a good chance you won’t ever reach the harvest stage. That being said, they are interesting trees that can be grown as ornamentals. While your tree isn’t going to reach its full 85 feet (26 m.) in height, it should grow well in a pot. You never know, you just might get some fruit.
Container Grown Breadfruit Care
The key to growing potted breadfruit trees is space. Try to plant your tree in as big a container as you can manage – at least 20 inches (51 cm.) in diameter and height. There are some dwarf varieties of breadfruit tree available, and these perform much better in containers. Breadfruit trees are native to the tropics, and they need lots of moisture. Opt for a glazed or plastic container that retains water better, and water very regularly. Never let the pot stand in water in its saucer, however, as this can drown the plant. Potted breadfruit trees need lots of light and warm weather. Keep them outdoors in the summer while temperatures are above 60 degrees F. (15 C.). These are their ideal conditions. When temps start to fall below 60 degrees F. (15 C.), bring your tree indoors and place it in a very sunny south facing window. Breadfruit trees will die if exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees F. (4.5 C.) for more than a couple hours.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
The only child of a horticulturist and an English teacher, Liz Baessler was destined to become a gardening editor. She has been with Gardening Know how since 2015, and a Senior Editor since 2020. She holds a BA in English from Brandeis University and an MA in English from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. After years of gardening in containers and community garden plots, she finally has a backyard of her own, which she is systematically filling with vegetables and flowers.
-
Gifts For Bird Lovers, Birders and Birdies To Attract More Feathered Friends To Your Yard!
If you’re looking to bring more birdies to your garden, these gifts for bird lovers should definitely be on your wish list. Grab some avian attractions to get your gardens all aflutter
By Janey Goulding
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday Display
Whether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Breadfruit Winter Protection: Can You Grow Breadfruit In Winter
In these tropical locations, providing winter protection for breadfruit is generally unnecessary. Gardens in cooler climates, however, may wonder can you grow breadfruit in winter? Click here to learn more about breadfruit cold tolerance and winter care.
By Darcy Larum
-
Breadfruit Seed Propagation: Learn About Growing Breadfruit From Seed
If you?re ambitious, you can definitely try growing breadfruit from seed, but keep in mind the fruit won?t develop true to type. If you?re interested in planting breadfruit seeds, click the following article for more information on breadfruit seed propagation.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Does Breadfruit Have Seeds – Seedless Vs. Seeded Breadfruit
Breadfruit is an extremely popular tropical fruit that is gaining some traction in the rest of the world. But not all breadfruits are created equal. One of the major divides is between seeded and seedless varieties. Learn more about seedless vs. seeded breadfruit varieties here.
By Liz Baessler
-
Common Breadfruit Diseases – How To Fix Unhealthy Breadfruit Trees
If you have the right climate for breadfruit tree, it's a great decorative and useful addition to the landscape. Your breadfruit may get damaged by disease, though, so be aware of what may strike it and what to do with a sick breadfruit tree. This article can help.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Breadfruit Harvest Time: Learn When And How To Harvest Breadfruit
Picking breadfruit is easy if a tree has been properly pruned and trained low. Even if it's not, however, a breadfruit harvest is well worth the effort. Learn about when to pick and how to harvest breadfruit in this article. Click here for more info.
By Amy Grant
-
Breadfruit Pruning Guide: Learn About Trimming Breadfruit Trees
Breadfruit, like all fruit trees, benefits from an annual pruning. The good news is that pruning a breadfruit isn't all that difficult. If you're looking for tips on cutting back a breadfruit tree then you've come to the right place. Click this article for more information.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Breadfruit Propagation Methods – How To Propagate Breadfruit Trees
Although breadfruit trees are long living trees that reliably produce fruit for decades, many gardeners may find that having one tree is simply not enough. Click this article to learn how to propagate breadfruit trees.
By Darcy Larum
-
Bugs That Eat Breadfruit: What Are Some Pests Of Breadfruit Trees
Although generally considered problem free trees to grow, like any plant, breadfruit trees can experience some specific pests and diseases. In this article, we will discuss the common pests of breadfruit. Click here to learn more about bugs that eat breadfruit.
By Darcy Larum