Durian Farming

Durian thrives in humid tropical climates with high rainfall and warm temperatures. Ideal Temperature: 15–30°C

Sensitive to: Frost, strong dry winds, and prolonged drought

Grafted plants are highly recommended — they start fruiting in 3–4 years, have true-to-type characteristics, and produce higher-quality fruits.

Seed-grown trees take 7–8+ years to bear fruits and have mixed characteristics.

Well-drained, deep, fertile, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5) is good for Durian

Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils — durian roots are very sensitive to stagnant water.

Spacing - Grafted Trees: 4 m × 4 m

Dig 60 × 60 × 60 cm pits. Fill the pit with 10–15 kg well-decomposed FYM/compost, 2–3 kg neem cake, Small amount of topsoil + sand mixture

Plant during monsoon for better establishment.

Durian is drought-tolerant but very sensitive to excess water. Balanced moisture is key.

Young Trees (0–3 years), Water 2–3 times a week to keep soil moist.

Avoid overwatering — ensure good drainage.

Mature Trees can tolerate longer dry intervals but must avoid water stagnation.

During Summer, irrigate twice per week.

Critical stages: Flowering → fruit set → fruit development. Irrigate every 7–10 days to prevent fruit cracking and flower drop.

Drip Irrigation is Highly recommended

Mulching using 10–15 cm thick layer of Coconut husk pieces, Dry leaves or straw to maintains soil moisture, prevents weed growth and stabilize temperature

Common Pests are Mealybugs, Aphids, Fruit borer, Fruit flies and Leaf miners

Organic Control are Sticky traps, Pheromone traps for fruit flies

Neem oil 3% or neem kernel extract

Chilli–garlic extract

Insecticidal soap for soft-bodied insects

Don’t allow weeds around the base and Clean water channels to avoid stagnation

Apply 10 kg of FYM/compost in the 1st year and 15–20 kg from 2nd year

During Bearing Stage (4+ years) Apply FYM/compost 25–30 kg yearly around the basin

Grafted trees will start bearing from 3–4 years

A healthy mature tree yields 150–500 fruits/year and depends on climate, pruning, soil health

Fruit Development takes 90–120 days from flowering to maturity

Signs of Maturity are Segments/carpels become visible and bulge slightly

Skin turns pale green or slight yellow

Strong aroma begins to form

Fruit becomes firm but not hard