Manilkara zapota, commonly known as sapodilla, is a tropical evergreen tree native to southern Mexico and Central America, valued for its sweet, brown, grainy fruit. Seeds germinate readily without treatment within 14-30 days and achieve high success rates (up to 80%). GA3 treatment can enhance germination performance and seedling vigor for commercial cultivation.
Before sowing
GA3 at 100 or 200 ppm strongly recommended to enhance germination rate and vigor. Alternative: mechanical scarification combined with warm water soaking for 3-5 days
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Remove fruit pulp from seeds and dry for few days before treatment. Soak in water for 24 hours, then treat with GA3 (100-200 ppm) or soak in warm water with daily changes for 3-5 days. Sow about 1cm deep in moist potting mix. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Maintain warm temperatures (25-30°C). Keep seedlings in bright area without direct sunlight initially. After 3-4 weeks, seedlings emerge and can be moved to well-lit location. Do not allow soil to dry out during early growth stages.
Sources: PFAF Plant Database, Propagate One, Garden Oracle, Tropical Plants Database, Sheffield Seeds, University of Florida IFAS
