Sapote: Tropical Delights

Sapote trees and their close kin—Black Sapote (Diospyros digyna), White Sapote (Casimiroa edulis), Mamey Sapote (Pouteria sapota), Green Sapote (Pouteria viridis), and their many cultivated selections—form a remarkable family of fruit-bearing evergreens treasured across the Americas and beyond. Their flavors range from creamy and custard-like to bright and tropical, earning them a beloved place in backyard orchards and homesteads from Florida to Hawai‘i.

Native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America, these trees have been cultivated for centuries in warm climates where their generous harvests and handsome, full canopies provide both nourishment and shade. Most thrive best in Zones 9–11, though some cold-tolerant selections may withstand brief dips into the upper 20s when mature.

Sapote trees favor full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture during the heat of summer. Once established, they become sturdy, reliable producers that handle heat, humidity, and seasonal dry spells with quiet resilience. Regular feeding in spring and midsummer supports vigorous growth and fruiting. A light annual pruning helps shape young trees and encourages strong branching.

Though each species has its own character, all share a certain generosity—rich fruit, glossy evergreen leaves, and an old-world sense of abundance. Whether grown in the ground or kept in large containers, sapotes make a rewarding addition to any warm-climate garden or backyard orchard.