🌟 White Sapote ‘Redlands’ (Casimiroa edulis) – Grafted, Fast-Fruiting Custard Fruit Tree 🌿🍮

Silky vanilla-custard flavor with hints of peach and banana—‘Redlands’ White Sapote is the rare, South-Florida–selected grafted cultivar prized for exceptional taste, early bearing, and reliable production. Back in stock in 3-gallon grafted size for optimal shipping and rapid establishment.

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🌿 Quick Facts (At-a-Glance)

Category	Details
Botanical Name	Casimiroa edulis ‘Redlands’
Plant Type	Subtropical fruit tree (grafted cultivar)
Sale Size	3-gallon pot (compact, grafted tree ideal for shipping)
Mature Size	Unpruned: 30–60 ft tall. Managed: keep 12–15 ft tall with annual pruning
USDA Zones	9–11
Sun	Full sun for best growth & fruiting
Cold/Frost	Young trees injured near 24°F; mature trees injured near 26°F
Growth Habit	Upright to spreading, evergreen to semi-evergreen canopy
Spacing	25 ft from structures or other trees

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Fruit Details – Why ‘Redlands’ Shines

• Flavor Profile: Exceptionally sweet, creamy, “vanilla custard” flavor with little to no bitterness near the skin.
• Fruit Size: Medium–large, about 2.5–4.5 inches across (often up to 1 lb).
• Flesh & Skin: Thin yellow-green peel; ivory-white, melting pulp.
• Seeds: 1–5 large seeds (inedible/toxic).
• Harvest Window: Typically late spring through summer in Florida.
• Fruiting Speed: Grafted ‘Redlands’ trees fruit in about 3–4 years (seedlings may take 7–8 years).

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🌱 Top Benefits & Uses

• Superior selection: Reliable fruiting & excellent flavor vs. variable seedlings
• Culinary delight: Smoothies, puddings, ice cream, or simply spooned fresh
• Nutritional value: Good source of Vitamin C, calcium, and fiber
• Ornamental appeal: Dense green canopy and creamy white flowers
• Low maintenance: Tolerant of drought and a wide range of soils once mature
• Wildlife value: Pollinator-friendly blooms attract beneficial insects

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Seasonal Behavior

• Evergreen to semi-evergreen in warm zones; may lightly drop leaves in cool or dry periods
• Spring–Summer: Active growth and fruiting season
• Fall: Some cultivars continue ripening fruit
• Winter: Protect young trees during frosts and brief cold snaps

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🌼 Companion (Guild) Ideas from GreenDreams

For fertility & soil building:

• Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan)
• Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea)
• Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia)
• Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides)

For pollinators & beauty:

• Firebush (Hamelia patens)
• Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)
• Edible Gingers & Turmeric beds

These companions enhance soil life, boost pollination, and create visual harmony in your edible landscape.

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Where to Plant

• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; avoid standing water
• Drainage: Raised mounds or berms recommended for low-lying areas
• Wind: Branches can be brittle—prune for structure and avoid high-wind zones

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🌳 Planting & Care

Watch our “High & Tight” Fruit Tree Planting Method on YouTube:

👉 https://youtu.be/RRQFY30qdA8?si=rRIcsbLlVAVYotfI

Planting:

• Dig a hole only slightly wider than the pot and at the same depth.
• Set the crown level or slightly above grade; never plant too deep.
• Backfill with native soil and organic compost blend.
• Mulch 2–6 inches deep, keeping mulch 8–12 inches from the trunk.

Watering:

• First month: 2–3 times weekly.
• Months 2–6: 1–2 times weekly depending on rainfall.
• Mature trees: Water only during prolonged droughts.

Feeding:

• Use a balanced organic fertilizer 2–3 times yearly with trace minerals.
• Supplement with compost, azomite, or seaweed sprays for micronutrients.

Pruning:

• Prune annually after harvest to maintain 12–15 ft height.
• Remove crossing limbs, open up the canopy for airflow and sunlight.

Pollination:

• Primarily insect-pollinated.
• Cross-pollination with other varieties can boost yield.

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🪴 Container & Indoor Growing

• Suitable for large pots (15–25 gallon) during early years.
• Requires full sun and excellent drainage.
• Move containers indoors or to a greenhouse during frosts.
• Not ideal as a long-term indoor tree due to light and pollination needs.

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⚠️ Cautions

• Seeds are toxic if eaten.
• Delicate peel—handle fruit gently to avoid bruising.
• Occasional pests: Scale insects, fruit flies, and minor leaf spotting.
• Cold sensitivity: Protect during hard freezes or extended cold.

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🌟 Is ‘Redlands’ Right for You?

✅ Ideal For:

• Home gardeners seeking fast, reliable fruit production
• Subtropical landscapes, food forests, and collectors of rare fruit trees
• Organic growers & permaculture enthusiasts

❌ Not Ideal For:

• Growers in USDA Zones below 9 without frost protection
• Locations with very limited space (canopy spread up to 25 ft)

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👩‍🍳 Culinary Uses

• Scoop fresh fruit for a pudding-like treat.
• Add to smoothies or ice cream for a tropical vanilla flavor.
• Chill before eating for best texture and sweetness.
• Avoid eating the peel or seeds.

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Origin Story

The ‘Redlands’ cultivar originated in the historic Redland agricultural district of South Florida, an area known for rare tropical fruit experimentation. Selected for its superior flavor, early fruiting, and manageable size, it has become a favorite among collectors and backyard orchardists.

White sapote itself hails from the highlands of Mexico and Central America, where it has been cultivated for centuries as a cherished “custard fruit.”

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Troubleshooting Guide

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Leaf drop in winter	Seasonal dormancy	Normal; new flush will appear in spring
Sparse fruit set	Poor pollination or nutrient stress	Add pollinator plants; feed with balanced organic fertilizer
Leaf burn or blackened tips	Frost exposure	Cover during cold snaps; prune after new growth returns
Sooty mold or sticky leaves	Scale insects / ants	Apply horticultural oil; manage ant populations
Fruit blemishes	Minor scab or bruising	Improve airflow; handle fruit gently
Slow growth in heavy soils	Poor drainage	Replant on mound; improve aeration with compost and mulch

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❓ FAQ

Is ‘Redlands’ self-fruitful?

Yes, but multiple trees may improve yield.

When will it fruit?

Usually within 3–4 years for grafted trees.

How tall will it get?

Easily maintained at 12–15 ft with annual pruning.

What temperatures can it tolerate?

Light damage around 26°F; protect young trees below 30°F.

Are the seeds edible?

No, the seeds are toxic and should be discarded.

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Shipping Information

• 3-gallon grafted trees are the best shipping size for quick establishment.
• 4” and 1-gallon sizes, when available, are best for Florida, Texas, and the Southeastern U.S.
• Shipping to northern and western states is possible, but plants may require recovery time after arrival.
• We ship Mondays via UPS Ground from Florida.
• Buyer discretion is advised during extreme heat or cold—we are not responsible for weather-related transit damage.

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📍 Local Pickup

GreenDreams Nursery & Farm

18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610

📅 Tues–Fri 9AM–5PM | Sat 8AM–3PM

🌿 Come explore our wide selection of edible and tropical plants!

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🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services

At GreenDreams, we do more than grow plants — we design, build, and restore ecosystems across Florida.

• 🌳 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
• 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar, and soil materials
• 🌾 Wholesale & regenerative solutions for large-scale projects

Let our team help you create your own thriving edible paradise — starting with ‘Redlands’ White Sapote! 🌿