How do I grow sapota (chiku) and what spacing should I use?

Sapota (chiku) is a hardy evergreen fruit tree that bears almost year round in suitable climates and tolerates a range of soils with good drainage. Kalipatti and Cricket Ball are popular commercial varieties, with Kalipatti valued for sweet, good quality fruit. Traditional spacing is wide, often around 8 m to 10 m, giving relatively few trees per acre, though closer high density spacing with pruning is also used to raise early yields. Plant grafted plants for true-to-type fruit and earlier bearing. Sapota is fairly drought tolerant once established but responds well to drip and balanced nutrition. Manage bud borer and leaf webber. For the variety, spacing, and whether to attempt high density, confirm with your state horticulture department.