Durian tips and tricks

[Bangkok Black]

I am having a go at growing Duran from seed.

The seed has come from Durain I have bought from roadside sellers. So after enjoying the fruit I saved the seed pods, placed them in a container and covered them in water until they started to shoot then planted them into a small pot.

They are now about 6 inches high and with small leaves. This has taken about 2 months.

I think I am doing well so far. I water them well twice a day and keep them in a semi-shady area.

 

The question is at what height shall I try planting them at the small holding/farm my wife owns?

 

Do I need to plant them in a shady spot?

 

Will I need to treat the soil first? 

 

Any tips are welcome.

 

[drtreelove]

First of all, recognize that growing from seed you will not be guaranteed of fruiting and or that the fruit will be true to the variety that you ate and enjoyed. Vegetatively propagated, grafted trees are the only way to ensure the chosen variety. But you can have a good learning experience with soil preparation and management, planting, pruning, watering through the hot, dry season which is coming right up. 

 

If you decide to go for it, then I recommend that you first do some YouTube viewing to help prepare for what you are getting into,  the size of the trees, space and management that should be considered.  TM Durian Farmer from Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai is enthusiastic and shares a lot of good information on his YT channel. 

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tm+durian+farmer

He's not an organic grower, and in my opinion has some built-in problems that will develop with chemical management, crude pruning technique and watering practices that will exacerbate disease issues and early decline in the long run, but it's a good overview with some important information for durian growers. 

 

Personally I wouldn't be putting a lot of money into an unknown seedling variety, but if you are going all-out, consider a hemp grow kit for each of your seedlings, from Maruchu Bussan: https://maruchubussan.co.th/product/hemp-grow-kit/

At least get their potting soil and excellent hydrolysed fish fertilizer, Takumi Fish Amino Fertilizer .

Upgrade your six-inch seedlings, each into a 2 to 5 gal pot and grow in partial shade until a meter tall or more before planting out. They will need to be in full sun for the final location, but it looks like you will be planting in the ground during the hottest, driest time of year, so a diligent watering program will be vital, and maybe some temporary shade cloth coverings. 

 

Appropriate watering is critical, not too much or too little, and that takes some experience to get it right. Durian trees are highly susceptible to a fungus-like pathogen called a water-mold - Phytophthora spp root and crown rot. Avoid watering directly on the tree trunk and root crown, and avoid overwatering and excessive frequency. Cover cropping and/or mulching can help build soil organic matter content, soil aggregate structure, soil moisture retention, and nutrient cycling. 

 

I hope that helps, Don

[Bangkok Black]

Wo thanks.

Lots of detail there.

 

I am just having a go and am a total beginner to see if I can get any to grow.

So far 7 have started growing and a couple are around 7 inches high right now.

 

In the past, the Mrs. has bought mini trees from garden centres and just "plonked" them in any position on the plot of land she owns, with no thought given to shade or direct sunlight all day. Most have died, and only 2 are hanging on badly.

 

[NativeBob]

there are very basic requirements to soil. But you mentioned that your wife already has a farm, so there should be no problems. Also, quality of water and sunlight as well. 

Yes, you can grow anything from Thailand in Thailand, that's obvious ) 

We grew mango, Jackfruit even avocado in our garden, Not to mention chili and jalapeno. 

[Bangkok Black]

Its more a plot of land with stuff planted all over the place with no thought given rather than a farm 555.

Some of the plot is in the sun all day and some getting partial morning shade.

As for water supply there is one but its not great. 

I think a petrol generator or pump needs to be hooked up to a timer and pipped correctly around the fruit trees is the best solution.