Ackee (Blighia sapida) Seeds
Estimated delivery between March 27 and March 30.
Ackee (Blighia sapida) is a tropical fruit tree native to West Africa and widely cultivated in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, where it is the national fruit. Known for its bright red pods that split open to reveal creamy, edible arils, Ackee is a staple in Caribbean cuisine and is famously used in the dish Ackee and Saltfish. This evergreen tree not only produces nutritious and flavorful fruit but also serves as an ornamental addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.
Key Features:
Produces bright red fruit pods that open naturally when ripe
Edible, creamy arils commonly used in Caribbean cuisine
Fast-growing evergreen tree reaching up to 30-40 feet
Tolerant of warm, humid climates and drought-resistant once established
Provides shade and ornamental value with lush green foliage
Growing Information:
Light Requirements: Ackee trees thrive in full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.
Soil Preferences: Prefers well-draining, loamy or sandy soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
Planting Tips: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Sow seeds in moist soil, covering them lightly. Maintain temperatures of 75-85°F (24-29°C) for best germination.
Watering Needs: Requires moderate watering; allow soil to dry slightly between watering. Mature trees are drought-tolerant.
Benefits:
Culinary Delight: A key ingredient in traditional Caribbean dishes, offering a buttery texture and mild, nutty flavor.
Ornamental Appeal: Adds a tropical aesthetic with its glossy green leaves and striking red fruit.
Wildlife Friendly: Attracts birds and beneficial pollinators.
Shade Provider: Its broad canopy makes it ideal for creating shaded areas in gardens and landscapes.
Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering and maintenance.
Growing Zones: Ackee thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown in large containers and brought indoors during cold seasons.
How to Use in the Garden:
Edible Gardens: Perfect for tropical fruit orchards or as part of a sustainable food forest.
Ornamental Landscaping: Provides year-round greenery and colorful fruit for visual appeal.
Container Growing: Can be grown in pots for those in non-tropical regions, making it accessible for a wider range of gardeners.
Shade Tree: Its dense foliage offers excellent shade for patios, walkways, and garden seating areas.
Conclusion: Ackee (Blighia sapida) seeds offer a chance to cultivate a striking, fast-growing tropical tree that produces unique, flavorful fruit. Whether you want to grow it for its culinary benefits, ornamental beauty, or as a shade provider, Ackee is a valuable and rewarding addition to any tropical or subtropical garden. With proper care, your Ackee tree will thrive and yield delicious, homegrown fruit for years to come.
Dhara Seeds
Ackee (Blighia sapida) Seeds
Estimated delivery between March 27 and March 30.
Ackee (Blighia sapida) is a tropical fruit tree native to West Africa and widely cultivated in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, where it is the national fruit. Known for its bright red pods that split open to reveal creamy, edible arils, Ackee is a staple in Caribbean cuisine and is famously used in the dish Ackee and Saltfish. This evergreen tree not only produces nutritious and flavorful fruit but also serves as an ornamental addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.
Key Features:
Produces bright red fruit pods that open naturally when ripe
Edible, creamy arils commonly used in Caribbean cuisine
Fast-growing evergreen tree reaching up to 30-40 feet
Tolerant of warm, humid climates and drought-resistant once established
Provides shade and ornamental value with lush green foliage
Growing Information:
Light Requirements: Ackee trees thrive in full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.
Soil Preferences: Prefers well-draining, loamy or sandy soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
Planting Tips: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Sow seeds in moist soil, covering them lightly. Maintain temperatures of 75-85°F (24-29°C) for best germination.
Watering Needs: Requires moderate watering; allow soil to dry slightly between watering. Mature trees are drought-tolerant.
Benefits:
Culinary Delight: A key ingredient in traditional Caribbean dishes, offering a buttery texture and mild, nutty flavor.
Ornamental Appeal: Adds a tropical aesthetic with its glossy green leaves and striking red fruit.
Wildlife Friendly: Attracts birds and beneficial pollinators.
Shade Provider: Its broad canopy makes it ideal for creating shaded areas in gardens and landscapes.
Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering and maintenance.
Growing Zones: Ackee thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown in large containers and brought indoors during cold seasons.
How to Use in the Garden:
Edible Gardens: Perfect for tropical fruit orchards or as part of a sustainable food forest.
Ornamental Landscaping: Provides year-round greenery and colorful fruit for visual appeal.
Container Growing: Can be grown in pots for those in non-tropical regions, making it accessible for a wider range of gardeners.
Shade Tree: Its dense foliage offers excellent shade for patios, walkways, and garden seating areas.
Conclusion: Ackee (Blighia sapida) seeds offer a chance to cultivate a striking, fast-growing tropical tree that produces unique, flavorful fruit. Whether you want to grow it for its culinary benefits, ornamental beauty, or as a shade provider, Ackee is a valuable and rewarding addition to any tropical or subtropical garden. With proper care, your Ackee tree will thrive and yield delicious, homegrown fruit for years to come.
Non-GMO
Dharaseeds are Non-GMO and free from genetically modified organisms.
High Germination Rate
Tested for high viability to ensure successful sprouting.
Heirloom Variety
Open-pollinated seeds preserved for quality and authenticity.
Chemical-Free
Free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and additives.