Complete care guide for premium tropical seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.
Category
tropical
Price
KES 800
Time to Fruit
2-3 years
Detailed care instructions for growing your Zambarau seedling successfully
Requires 600-1,200mm annually. Zambarau is drought-tolerant and can survive in a wide range of conditions. Avoid waterlogged areas. Regular watering during establishment ensures healthy growth, but mature trees require minimal maintenance.
Full sun required for optimal growth and fruit production. Zambarau thrives in warm areas with moderate rainfall. Adequate sunlight is essential for healthy development.
Well-drained loam or sandy soils with pH 5.5-7.5. Zambarau can survive in a wide range of soils. Land Preparation: Clear the land and plough before rains. Dig holes 60cm x 60cm x 60cm. Mix topsoil with 20kg of well-decomposed manure or compost. Plant seedlings at the same depth they were in the nursery bag. Mulch immediately to conserve soil moisture.
20-35°C is ideal. Zambarau tolerates heat but is sensitive to frost. Unlike many exotic fruits that need heavy investment in irrigation, fertilizers, or pest control, Zambarau trees thrive with minimal care. They're drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and can survive in a wide range of soils. Best Zambarau-Growing Regions: Eastern (Machakos, Kitui, Makueni), Coastal (Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu), Rift Valley (Baringo, Kajiado), Western (Busia, Siaya).
Apply balanced NPK fertilizer during growing season. Use organic manure (20kg per planting hole) mixed with soil at planting. Apply NPK 8-8-8 quarterly during active growth periods. Zambarau requires minimal fertilization once established.
Space trees at 4m x 4m or 5m x 5m (160-200 trees per acre). This spacing allows for proper growth and management while maximizing yield per acre. The spacing ensures adequate airflow and reduces disease pressure.
Grafted seedlings start producing in 2-3 years. Plant at the start of the rains — March-May or October-November. The story of Zambarau is far from over, it might just be the hidden gem for farmers looking to diversify. Today, Zambarau fruits retail at around KSh 400 per kilogram in some markets, especially where supply is low. That's a price that competes strongly with many 'modern' fruits. For a hardy tree that requires little maintenance once established, that should get any farmer thinking twice before overlooking it. In fact, many of the older trees across Kenya have survived for decades without much attention.
Phase 1
Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly
Phase 2
Regular watering, fertilizer application
Phase 3
Pruning, maintenance, pest management
Phase 4
Harvest and ongoing maintenance
Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.
Protect plants during cold periods with covers or windbreaks. Choose appropriate planting locations. Consider frost-resistant varieties. Water plants before expected frost to help protect roots.
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Remove affected leaves and maintain good air circulation. Control ants that protect aphids.
Improve soil drainage immediately. Avoid overwatering. Apply fungicides and ensure proper spacing for air circulation. Remove affected plants to prevent spread.
Min Temperature
10°C
Ideal Sunlight
6+ hrs
Water Frequency
Regular
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Order this premium Zambarau seedling today and begin your agricultural success story