Breadfruit - Artocarpus

The breadfruit tree (Artocarpus altilis) grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b to 11. It produces large, showy leaves and yellow round or oblong fruit. Whether planted outdoors in the ground or indoors in a pot, the fast-growing breadfruit tree thrives with little maintenance. Under ideal conditions the tree can grow to 66 feet or more.

1. Insert a garden stake in the soil, just beside the plant's stem. Cut two to three sections of wire long enough to tie the stem to the stake. Cut and place lengths of rubber garden hose over each piece of wire before tying the stem to the stake so the stem only comes in contact with the rubber hose and not the wire. Established breadfruit trees do not need a support.
2. Keep the tree in full sun. Turn potted breadfruit trees throughout the day, as they will grow toward the sun coming through a nearby window. Maintain temperatures between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Mist potted plants daily with water using a spray bottle. Breadfruit trees planted outdoors thrive in well-drained soil, so avoid over-watering.
4. Remove dead or damaged limbs whenever you see them. Doing so will eliminate most of the diseases and pests that affect the breadfruit tree.
5. Pick fruits from the tree when they are yellow to yellow-brown in color and release latex droplets through the skin.