How to grow White Sapote in New Zealand
White sapote, sold in New Zealand as casimiroa, is an evergreen tree from the highlands of Mexico and Central America with green, apple-like fruit and creamy, sweet flesh that tastes of peach, banana and pear. It takes only mild frosts, so it can only be relied on in warm, sheltered, frost-light gardens. Our regional calendar treats it as a tree for a large pot that can be sheltered in winter.
At a glance
When to plant by region
| Region | When to plant | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to November | Marginal. Grafted trees grow outdoors in warm, sheltered, frost-light gardens. Plant in spring and protect young trees from frost and wind. |
| Auckland | September to November | Marginal. Grafted trees grow outdoors in warm, sheltered, frost-light gardens. Plant in spring and protect young trees from frost and wind. |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | Not suited | Not a reliable outdoor fruit here. Grow it in a large pot that can be sheltered over winter. |
| Central North Island | Not suited | Not a reliable outdoor fruit in New Zealand. Grow it in a large pot that can be sheltered over winter. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | Not suited | Not a reliable outdoor fruit here. Grow it in a large pot that can be sheltered over winter. |
| Nelson & Marlborough | Not suited | Not a reliable outdoor fruit here. Grow it in a large pot that can be sheltered over winter. |
| Canterbury | Not suited | Not a reliable outdoor fruit here. Grow it in a large pot that can be sheltered over winter. |
| Otago & Southland | Not suited | Not a reliable outdoor fruit here. Grow it in a large pot that can be sheltered over winter. |
| Central Otago | Not suited | Not a reliable outdoor fruit here. Grow it in a large pot that can be sheltered over winter. |
Where to plant
White sapote needs full sun and shelter, in free-draining soil rich in organic matter. It grows in most soils, including clay, as long as they drain. It takes mild frosts, but trees can be damaged or killed at about minus 3 to 4°C, and young trees need protection from heavy frost and strong wind.
Nurseries in New Zealand sell grafted trees for warm, frost-light gardens, mainly in the north. Our regional calendar treats Northland and Auckland as marginal: worth a try in a warm, sheltered, frost-light spot. Elsewhere, grow it in a large pot that can be moved under cover for winter.
Choosing a variety
Buy a grafted, named variety, which fruits in three to four years. Varieties sold in New Zealand include:
- Luke: mild, sweet fruit picked as the skin turns from green to a lighter green.
- Sue Belle: richly sweet, musky fruit that turns from green to yellow when ready.
- Te Puna: richly sweet, musky fruit, also picked as it turns from green to yellow.
How to plant
- Dig in compost and sheep pellets, and dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill and firm gently.
- Water in slowly and deeply, and keep watering through the first year while the roots establish.
- Mulch around the base, keeping it off the trunk.
Watering and feeding
Water deeply and slowly, especially in the first year. The tree needs moist soil through summer for good fruit, but too much water in heavy soil leads to root rot.
White sapote needs less fertiliser than citrus. Feed lightly from spring to the end of autumn with sheep pellets or a liquid feed, and give an annual dressing of dolomite lime in spring.
Pruning and care through the year
- Prune in summer if the tree throws a lot of long, whippy growth. Trimming encourages branching, which then bears fruit, and keeps the tree to a manageable size.
- Plant bee-friendly flowers nearby. The tree is self fertile, but pollinated fruit is larger.
- Cover young trees with frost cloth on cold nights.
Harvesting
Fruit ripens from about May to July. Pick while it is still firm and the skin is changing colour, from green to a lighter green or to yellow depending on the variety. Picked too early, the fruit tastes astringent and unpleasant. Twist gently to pick, and handle carefully, as the paper-thin skin bruises easily.
The fruit softens quickly once picked. Eat it when it gives to gentle pressure, or use it in smoothies, ice cream and desserts.
Growing in pots
In most of New Zealand a large pot is the safer way to grow white sapote, as it can be moved to a sheltered, frost-free spot in winter. Use a big container of free-draining potting mix, keep it moist in summer, and prune in summer to keep the tree compact.
Companion planting
Bee-friendly flowers nearby improve pollination and fruit size.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
White sapote is seldom bothered by pests and diseases. Scale and aphids are occasional, and wet soil causes root rot.
Pests to watch for
- Scale Small brown or white bumps on stems and leaves, sometimes with sooty mould.
- Aphids Small insects on soft new shoots.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot Yellowing leaves and decline in wet, heavy or overwatered soil.
Common questions
Can I grow white sapote outdoors in New Zealand?
Only in warm, sheltered, frost-light gardens, mostly in the north. It takes mild frosts, but trees can be damaged or killed at about minus 3 to 4°C. Elsewhere, grow it in a large pot that can be sheltered in winter.
How long does a white sapote take to fruit?
A grafted tree usually fruits after three to four years.
When is white sapote ripe?
In New Zealand, from about May to July. Pick when the fruit is still firm but changing colour, then let it soften on the bench. Picked too early, it tastes astringent.
Do I need two white sapote trees?
No. Grafted white sapote is self fertile, though bees improve pollination and pollinated fruit is larger.
Is casimiroa the same as white sapote?
Yes. Casimiroa is its botanical name and the name it is usually sold under in New Zealand. It is also called Mexican apple.
Sources we checked: Kings Plant Barn: Casimiroa grow well guide; Incredible Edibles: Casimiroas; UF/IFAS EDIS: White sapote growing in the Florida home landscape.