When I was told that I could have fruit that tastes like chocolate, I jumped straight on the computer and ordered my very own black sapote tree. I also rushed out to the local farmers market and asked every fruit and veg vendor if they sold black sapote. To my astonishment, there was one vendor who happened to have some and he told me he had a tree in his backyard. He told me to wait a couple of days until the flesh felt soft to the touch and then give it a try. Did it taste like chocolate? Well, yes it did a bit. The color of the black sapote most definitely looks like chocolate pudding and the flavor does resemble chocolate.
| Common Names | Black Sapote Tree |
| Scientific Name | Diospyros nigra |
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil | Well-draining, Fertile |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Max Height/Length | 25-40 ft (7-12m) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Fruiting Time | Late Fall to Early Spring |
| Fruit Color | Green, Dark Brown, Black |
| Hardiness | Zones 10-11 |
| Climate | Tropical and Subtropical |
| Native Country | Mexico and Central America |
| Animal Toxicity | Fruit is Non-toxic, Seeds are Toxic |
| Maintenance | Low, Pruning for Shape |
| Lifespan | Decades |
| Common Pests | Aphids, Scale Insects, Fruit Flies |
| Propagation | Seeds, Cuttings, Grafting |
LIGHT
If you can, plant your tree in full sun to partial shade with a minimum of six hours of sunlight. The black sapote will tolerate shade, however, this may prolong growth and fruiting. I planted a black sapote tree next to a heading bush and as a result the black sapote only received approximately four hours of direct light each day. The growth was incredibly slow and I found the leaves were not as vibrant and happy. Once I relocated the seedling into full sun for a minimum of six hours, the growth increased drastically.
WATER
For black sapote seedlings, watering should be consistent for moist soil, particularly in warmer months. Do avoid overwatering and waterlogging your tree as they do not like soggy roots. See here for more posts about soil. In dry months, the addition of mulch around the surface of the soil can aid in water retention.
SOIL
As I mentioned, the black sapote does not like soggy roots and the best way to avoid this from happening is to create loamy soil with a combination of sand, silt, and clay. With the addition of some organic matter such as compost, your black sapote tree will be nourished with fertile soil which will promote health and growth.
The black sapote is a fun addition to any garden and the fruit makes for some fun culinary delights. Not only is it fun to eat but it has some excellent nutritional value too. With high vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The fruit is also very attractive and makes for beautiful ornaments in your home. We hope you give the black sapote a spot in your garden and we’d love to know what your experience is like; growing and eating this magnificent tree.