Ulu (Hawaiian and Ma'afala)

Image Source: Mkwek (2011) Wikimedia Commons
https://hawaiihomegrown.net/reports/250-tips-on-growing-and-harvesting-breadfruit

‘Ulu is best when grown between 500-1500’ elevation, but as we know, grows down to sea level as well. Hawaiian ‘ulu is seedless, dense, and firm with starchy texture, making it ideal for fries, chips and au gratin dishes or for cooking the traditional way: roasted in the fire. Ma’afala ‘ulu is smaller and less dense than it’s Hawaiian cousin, resulting in a lighter option that’s ideal for mashes, patties and blended dishes.                                                             

Planting Instructions: "Dig a hole the same depth of the container and twice as wide as the container. Add a small amount of slow-release fertilizer, such as 8–8–8 slow release fertilizer, to the bottom of the hole and cover with soil. To prevent injury to the delicate root system, carefully cut off the container rather than pulling the plant out.

Place the breadfruit tree in the hole, add soil no higher than the level of the plant in the pot, top dress with compost, and water well. Mulching young plants is beneficial by helping keep the soil moist and adding a steady supply of nutrients. It also helps control weeds around the root system. Use of herbicides to control weeds around the base of the tree can damage the tree if it comes in contact with the surface roots or young trunk. Young trees need to be protected from cattle, goats, horses, and pigs that will eat the bark and tender shoots. Keep trees mulched. Provide a complete fertilizer at the beginning and end of the fruiting season to maintain the health and vigor of trees, especially trees that are 10 or more years old.

Young trees can be pruned and shaped as they grow to keep the tree to a convenient size for harvesting and for the space where they are planted. Consult a professional arborist about topping large mature trees.

Young plants prefer partial shade. It is best to plant at the onset of the rainy season, but if the weather is dry, water as needed for the first 1–3 months of establishment. "

Source: Breadfruit Institute (n.d.) https://hawaiihomegrown.net/reports/250-tips-on-growing-and-harvesting-breadfruit