How To Grow Coco plum: Best Tips And Advice

Understanding the Coco Plum Plant

The coco plum is an evergreen tree native to the West Indies and coastal regions of Central America. This plant produces a yellow plum-sized fruit and has distinctive purple flowers. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates where temperatures rarely drop below freezing.

The coco plum has green, oval-shaped leaves and can grow up to 30 feet tall, though it is often pruned to a more compact size. This fast-growing tree requires well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5 to 7. Due to its tropical origins, the coco plum needs full sun exposure for at least 6 to 8 hours per day to produce fruit.

According to Wikipedia, the coco plum has many common names including Icaco, abajeru, and icaco In Puerto Rico. Coco plums have been cultivated for hundreds of years and were even grown on plantations during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, they are commonly grown in home gardens and the fruit is used to make juices, jams, and wine. The oval shaped pits of the coco plum are also edible when roasted, though the flesh of the fruit is quite tart and acidic when raw.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Plant

Choosing an ideal location is crucial for successfully growing a coco plum tree. This tropical plant requires full sun exposure for at least 6 to 8 hours per day, so select a spot in your garden that gets plenty of direct light during the day. The coco plum can tolerate light shade, but fruit production and growth will be reduced.

The coco plum also needs protection from strong winds, so choose a spot that offers some shelter. While young trees should be staked, mature coco plums can withstand moderate wind with proper pruning and root establishment. However, very windy sites should still be avoided.

According to Wikipedia, the coco plum requires well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5 to 7. Heavy, poorly draining clay soils should be avoided or amended with compost before planting. The root system of the coco plum is sensitive to standing water and root rot can easily develop if soils do not properly drain.

Here are some of the characteristics of an ideal planting location for a coco plum tree:

• Full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours per day.
• Protection from strong, constant winds.
• Well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5 to 7.
• Space for the tree to grow to its mature size of 15 to 30 feet tall and wide. Coco plum trees should be spaced at least 20 to 25 feet apart.
• Avoid planting in low-lying areas where frost may settle. While mature coco plums can tolerate very light frosts, flower buds and new growth are susceptible to frost damage.

Providing the right location and conditions for your coco plum tree is essential for its health and productivity. With the proper site selection and care, a coco plum can thrive and produce fruit for 15-20 years or more. Carefully considering the needs of this tropical plant before planting will set you up for long term success.

Preparing the Soil for Planting

Preparing the soil before planting a coco plum tree is essential for its health and vigor. Coco plums require well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5 to 7. The soil should be loose, crumbly, and able to retain some moisture while still draining well. Dense, heavy clay soils will need amendment to provide proper drainage and aeration for the roots.

According to Wikipedia, the soil pH greatly influences the availability of essential nutrients in the soil. For coco plums, a pH between 5 to 7 is ideal. Test your soil’s pH before planting and amend as needed to adjust the pH to the proper range. Soils that are too alkaline or acidic can be amended by adding elemental sulfur or lime respectively.

In addition to pH, the soil should be enriched before planting by adding compost or rotted manure. Aim for 2 to 3 inches of organic matter tilled into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. Compost and manure provide nutrients as they break down and help improve soil structure, drainage, and fertility.

Here are some steps to prepare the soil for planting a coco plum tree:

1. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to determine if any amendments are needed. The ideal pH range is 5 to 7 for coco plums.
2. Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to loosen the soil and improve drainage. Remove any weeds before tilling.
3. Add 2 to 3 inches of compost or rotted manure and till into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil.
4. For heavy clay soils, add horticultural grit or coarse sand to improve drainage and aeration. Till to a depth of at least 12 inches.
5. Rake the soil to create a smooth, even surface before planting. Remove any large clumps or stones.
6. Consider having a soil test done by your local extension office to check pH and nutrient levels. They can provide recommendations for any soil amendments needed to suit the needs of a coco plum.
7. Moisten the soil before planting but do not saturate it. The soil should be damp but still crumbly, not soggy.

With the proper preparation, your soil will provide an ideal environment for your new coco plum tree to become established and thrive. Taking the time to improve drainage, pH, and fertility before planting will set your tree up for healthy growth.

Planting Your Coco Plum Tree

Once you have selected an ideal location and prepared the soil, you are ready to plant your coco plum tree. Coco plums can be purchased as small potted plants, bare root trees, or air layers. For the best chance of success, choose a healthy plant that is specifically suited for growth in your climate zone.

According to Wikipedia, the planting depth for a coco plum should match the depth it was at in the nursery container. The root ball should sit level with the ground and not be planted too deeply. Water the tree thoroughly before planting and do not add soil amendments to the planting hole.

For spacing, plant coco plum trees at least 20 to 25 feet apart. This tropical tree can grow quite large, up to 30 feet tall and wide at maturity. Proper spacing will allow for maximum light exposure and air circulation as the tree grows.

Staking the tree after planting may be required, especially for young trees or those in windy locations. Use wooden or bamboo stakes that reach up to 2/3 the height of the tree. Attach the tree to the stakes loosely in at least three places around the trunk. Stakes should remain for at least one growing season before removal.

Here are some key steps for planting your coco plum tree:

1. Dig a hole that is at least two to three times the width and depth of the root ball. Do not amend the soil in the planting hole.
2. Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring it sits level with the ground. Do not bury the root ball.
3. Backfill the soil around the root ball, tamping down gently with your foot as you go to remove any air pockets.
4. Create a watering basin around the base of the tree to help direct water to the roots. Water the tree thoroughly after planting.
5. Consider staking the tree, especially for the first growing season. Attach the tree to the stakes loosely in three places.
6. Mulch around the base of the tree with 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
7. Water the coco plum regularly to keep the soil consistently damp for the first year after planting. Never let the soil dry out completely.
8. Fertilize the tree once new growth starts to appear. Use a balanced, slow-release tree fertilizer. Follow the directions on the product packaging.

With careful planting and follow-up care, your coco plum tree will establish itself quickly and start to produce new healthy growth. Taking the time to properly plant your tree will give it the best possible start.

Caring for Your Coco Plum Tree

Proper care and maintenance are essential for the health and productivity of your coco plum tree. This tropical plant has some specific requirements to thrive, including regular irrigation, fertilizer, and pruning. By providing care tailored to the needs of a coco plum, your tree will produce an abundance of fruit for many years.

According to Wikipedia, irrigation is crucial especially for the first few years after planting while your coco plum tree is establishing itself. Water the tree regularly to keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. Never let the soil dry out completely. During very hot or dry weather, coco plums may need watering 2-3 times a week. As the tree matures, irrigation can be slightly reduced but should still provide about 1 inch of water per week.

Fertilizer should be applied once new growth starts to appear in early spring. Use a balanced, all-purpose tree fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as 10-10-10). Follow the directions on the product packaging for how much and how often to fertilize. Excess nitrogen can reduce fruiting, so do not over-fertilize your coco plum.

Pruning a coco plum tree is mainly done to control size and shape, as well as to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure. Coco plums produce fruit on new growth, so avoid heavy pruning. Remove any crossing, dead or damaged branches and prune the tree to a rounded shape. Limit pruning to less than 25% of branches at a time.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when caring for a coco plum tree:

• Water the tree regularly, especially for the first few years after planting. Never let the soil dry out completely.

• Fertilize the tree once new growth starts in early spring before flowering. Use a balanced tree fertilizer and follow directions on product packaging.

• Prune the tree minimally to control size and shape and improve air circulation. Limit pruning to less than 25% of branches at a time.

• Monitor for common pests like scale, mealybugs, and spider mites and apply insecticidal soap spray if necessary.

• Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture in the soil. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

• Consider applying an foliar spray of iron, magnesium, and manganese for healthy leaf growth if your tree shows signs of deficiency. Have your soil tested to determine any lacking nutrients.

• During extended periods of drought or dry weather, wrap the trunk of young trees to prevent sunburn damage to the bark. Remove the wrap once temperatures cool and humidity increases.

With the right mix of irrigation, fertilizer, pruning, and pest control, your coco plum tree will thrive and produce an abundance of its tart and tangy fruit. Providing care tailored to the specific needs of this tropical plant is key to its health and productivity.

Harvesting Your Coco Plum Fruit

Once your coco plum tree is mature and producing fruit, it’s time to harvest! Coco plums will ripen on the tree and are ready to pick when the fruit is slightly soft and has turned from green to yellow. The ripe fruit will have a distinctive tropical aroma and the flesh inside will be a deep orange color.

According to Wikipedia, fruit is ideally harvested once fully ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor. However, some fruit drop will likely occur if all fruit is left to fully ripen on the tree before harvesting. Check your coco plum tree regularly once fruit starts to ripen and pick fruit once it’s fully yellow and slightly soft. Gently twist or cut the fruit from the stem, being careful not to damage adjacent fruit or branches.

The ripe fruit will continue ripening slightly after picking, so harvest fruit that is mature but still firm enough to transport and store well. Under-ripe green fruit will not ripen properly after harvesting and the flavor and aroma will be impaired. Only harvest what you are able to use within a week, as the fruit decays rapidly after ripening.

Here are some tips for harvesting coco plums:

• Check the coco plum tree regularly once fruit starts ripening and pick fruit once it’s fully yellow and slightly soft.

• Harvest the fruit by gently twisting or cutting it from the branch, being careful not to damage adjacent fruit.

• Pick fruit that is ripe but still firm enough for transporting and storing for up to 1 week. Under-ripe or overripe fruit will not have as good of flavor and aroma.

• Try not to drop fruit onto the ground when harvesting, as it can cause damage and reduce usable yield and quality.

• Only harvest what you will be able to use within a week. Coco plums decay rapidly after ripening and will not store for long.

• Consider wearing gloves when harvesting, as the sap from branches and stems may irritate the skin.

• Rinse freshly picked coco plums under cool running water before eating or processing.

• Process harvested fruit quickly by making juice, jam, wine or preserves. The fruit can also be frozen for longer term storage.

• Share your bountiful harvest with friends and family! Coco plums produce plenty of fruit and are meant to be enjoyed.

With regular monitoring, you’ll get a feel for the perfect time to harvest your coco plums. Picking fruit at its peak ripeness ensures maximum flavor and enjoyment of your tropical bounty. Harvesting, processing and sharing the fruit from your coco plum tree is a rewarding part of cultivation. Enjoy!