Durian (Durio zibethinus)

An legendary ultra-tropical fruit tree celebrated for producing large, thorn-covered fruits filled with rich, custard-like golden arils that deliver an intensely complex, sweet, savory, and aromatic flavor profile.

Grafted dwarf and semi-dwarf cultivars (such as Musang King or Monthong) adapt well to humid tropical climates like Kerala and large container cultivation with routine tip pruning, coming into production in just 3 to 4 years compared to 8+ years for seed-grown trees!

Description

Durian / King of Fruits (Durio zibethinus) grows best in 6–8 hours of sunlight and thrives in warm, humid tropical climates with abundant rainfall. Water regularly, especially during the early growth stage and dry periods, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It prefers deep, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Protect young plants from strong winds and excessive direct sunlight during their early growth. Choose a spacious location, as the tree can grow large and requires suitable conditions for fruit production.

Recommended Planting Method for Best Results

For healthy growth and strong establishment, prepare a 2–3 ft deep pit. If available, place a layer of green leaves at the bottom. Mix 1.5 kg bone meal, 1 kg oil cake, 20 kg raw cow or goat dung, and 100 g urea with an equal quantity of soil, then fill the pit and cover it with soil.

Leave the pit for about one month, watering it daily so the mixture decomposes well. After one month, mix the contents again and add 100 g calcium or dolomite. Wait one more week, then plant the sapling.

If you need to plant immediately and cannot wait for the one-month decomposition period, do not add oil cake or calcium/dolomite; use only the soil, manure, bone meal, and urea mixture for planting.