Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones:
9b-11. Young plants need protection below 32°F (0°C). Older plants may be hardy to
20°F (-6.7°C).
Chill hours:
None.
Heat tolerant:
Yes.
Drought tolerant:
Yes, but less so at higher temperatures.
Sun:
Full sun to light shade.
Planting:
Locate these plants in full sun in well drained soil. Place 6' (1.8m) apart when grown for
fruit harvesting and given a severe winter pruning.
They can be grown in large containers and moved indoors in winter.
Soil:
Well drained, moderate to high organic content, pH 6.1-6.5 (mildly acidic). This plant is salt
sensitive.
Fertilize:
Use an organic fertilizer every other month. Avoid chemical fertilizers.
Water after becoming established:
Deep water weekly when fruiting. The soil must be
dry 2" (5cm) deep before watering again. Do not over-water.
Containers need more frequent irrigation.
Mulch:
Spread organic mulch over the root area, and 8" (21cm) away from the trunk, to provide
moisture retention and reduce heat stress.
First Year Care:
Protect from freezing.
Prune:
Severe early-winter pruning to a 3-4' (1-1.2m) height improves productivity.
Flowers appear on new growth.
Litter:
Leaf drop in late fall to early winter.
Propagation:
Hardwood cuttings, treated with IBA 2000 ppm concentration solution, and planted in July in
a humid mist chamber, root quickly.
Seed usually germinate in 15-20 days when fresh and tends to be true to parent.
Dried seed is not viable after 90 days.
Uses:
Edible fruit. The leaves are used as an animal fodder. The flexible wood has many uses.
The bark is used for soap and the bark fiber for making rope.
Comments
Another name for this plant is Phalsa or Falsa.
This fruit is widely grown in Asia and sold in farmer's markets and by street vendors.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would
like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.