Position
Select a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight. Although it is a small to medium-sized tree, it still needs enough space to grow to its full height (about 3-6m). Ensure there is room for it to spread out.
If you don’t live in a tropical area, you can grow the peanut butter tree in a large container and move it indoors during colder months.
Select a container large enough for the tree’s root system to grow (at least 60cm in diameter). Ensure the container has good drainage, and use a high-quality potting mix.
Soil
The Peanut Butter Tree requires rich, well-draining soil, though it can handle some drought conditions once established. While it can tolerate a variety of soil types, good drainage is essential to avoid root rot.
Watering
The peanut butter tree likes regular watering, especially when young, but don’t over-water. Once established, the tree can tolerate short dry spells, but it’s best to water it deeply during dry periods. Drip irrigation or deep watering is ideal to ensure water reaches the roots without staying on the surface, which can cause rot.
Fertilising
Fertilise the tree with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Well-rotted manure is also ideal to enrich the soil.
Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months of our slow-release all-plant fertiliser. The roots will absorb what they need.
Pruning
Prune the tree to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape it. Light pruning can encourage more branching and potentially better fruiting. Be careful not to prune too much, as the tree will naturally grow as a bushy shrub, and over-pruning may reduce fruit yield.
Mulch
Mulch is a good way of preventing weeds and reducing the rate of water evaporation from the soil.
Apply organic mulch to your tree all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Pollination
While the peanut butter tree is self-pollinating, it can benefit from the presence of bees or other pollinators.
Pests and Diseases:
The peanut butter tree is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but common tropical pests such as aphids, scale insects, or caterpillars can sometimes be an issue.
Treat promptly or preferably use preventative measures by spraying with agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control)
Harvesting
The fruit of the peanut butter tree ripens in about 4-6 months after flowering. When ripe, the fruit turns yellow to orange and becomes soft to the touch. Harvest the fruit by gently twisting or cutting it from the tree.
The taste is best when the fruit is fully ripe and soft. If you harvest it too early, the flavour may not develop fully.
