How to Plant a Mamey Seed

The mamey sapote tree (Pouteria sapota) is a tropical fruit tree from Mexico and Central America, but with a wider distribution through warm regions such as Florida in the U.S. The tree develops with a wide trunk and an open crown of large, 1-foot long leaves hanging from small branches. White flowers bloom on the tips of these twigs in summer, fall or winter depending on the plant variety. This 40-foot tall tree develops slowly, taking seven years to become productive when planted from a seed.

Mamey sapote fruit
Mamey sapote seeds
2 cutting boards
Small pots
Seed starter mix
Water
Clear plastic film
Pots, different sizes

Instructions

- 1
  Gather mamey sapote seeds from a ripe fruit. Complete this step when you're ready to plant, as these seeds don't store, losing their capacity to reproduce within about one week.
- 2
  Place the seeds between two cutting boards. Press gently on the top cutting board to crack the seeds. According to the University of Florida, mamey sapote seeds that have a thin crack in their coat germinate faster.
- 3
  Fill small pots with seed-starter mix. The pots have to be deep enough to accommodate a 2 1/2-inch long seed.
- 4
  Plant the seeds and cover them with a layer of seed starter mix.
- 5
  Water the soil uniformly. Don't allow the seeds to dry out during germination.
- 6
  Cover the seeded pots with a piece of clear plastic film. Remove it as soon as the seedling sprouts.
- 7
  Transfer the seedlings to bigger pots as they grow. Transplant the saplings outdoors when they're 2 feet tall.

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