Editing Diospyros mespiliformis (section)

== Cultivation ==
Jackalberry is suited to the dry to moist tropics. The species accounts place it in sunny sites with adequate water and little or no frost. Natural performance varies with habitat: trees occur in drier woodland as well as beside seasonal watercourses, swamps, and other sites with dependable moisture.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

=== Soil and water ===
Use a deep soil that holds moisture while draining freely. Recorded settings include moist red loams, loamy sands, volcanic soils, rocky ground beside seasonal watercourses, swamps, and termite mounds. A mildly acid soil around pH 5.5–6.5 is reported. Supplemental irrigation is most useful while a young tree establishes and through a dry season when the planting site lacks dependable subsoil moisture.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

=== Sun and humidity ===
Species accounts place jackalberry in a sunny position and describe it from open woodland and savanna as well as wetter riverine settings. Give an establishing tree strong light and enough water to prevent prolonged drought stress; the site should have enough room for the large crown.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-4|[4]]]</sup>

=== Seasonal changes ===
Flowering follows the rainy season, while fruit ripening commonly coincides with the dry season about six to eight months after pollination. In southern Africa, flowering is reported around October and November and fruiting from April through September. Maintain moisture through the rainy-season growth flush and do not allow young trees to dry severely as the dry season advances; local timing varies across the species' broad range.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>