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How to Grow Jengkol

 

🌳 How to Grow Jengkol (Dogfruit) Successfully: A Complete Cultivation Guide

Introduction

Jengkol, also known as Dogfruit or Archidendron pauciflorum, is a tropical legume tree native to Southeast Asia — especially popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Despite its strong smell, jengkol is loved for its rich taste, high protein content, and unique aroma that makes it a favorite ingredient in traditional dishes.

For farmers, jengkol offers long-term profit potential because it is easy to grow, requires minimal care, and can produce fruit for decades. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing jengkol trees successfully.

🌱 1. Understanding the Jengkol Tree

Jengkol is a tropical evergreen tree that can reach up to 15–20 meters tall. It grows well in warm, humid climates and prefers deep, fertile soil with good drainage. The tree begins bearing fruit at around 5–7 years old and can continue producing for up to 30 years.

Ideal Growing Conditions:

  • Temperature: 25–35°C (77–95°F)

  • Rainfall: 1,500–2,500 mm per year

  • Soil Type: Loamy or clay soil with good organic content

  • Altitude: 0–800 meters above sea level

  • pH Level: 6.0–7.5

🌿 2. Propagation and Planting

Jengkol can be propagated using seeds or grafting. The seed method is common among local farmers because it’s simple and cost-effective.

Steps for Planting Jengkol:

  1. Seed Selection: Choose ripe jengkol pods. Extract seeds, clean, and dry them for one day.

  2. Nursery Preparation: Plant seeds in polybags with a mixture of soil, compost, and sand (2:1:1).

  3. Transplanting: Move seedlings to the field when they reach 30–50 cm in height.

  4. Spacing: Plant with a distance of 8 × 8 meters to allow good root and canopy growth.

💧 3. Maintenance and Care

Although jengkol trees are hardy, good care will ensure better fruit yield and quality.

Watering:
Water regularly during dry seasons, especially for young plants. Mature trees usually survive with natural rainfall.

Fertilization:
Use organic fertilizer such as compost or cow manure every 3–4 months. Once a year, add NPK fertilizer (15:15:15) to enhance fruit production.

Weeding and Mulching:
Remove weeds around the base of the tree to reduce competition for nutrients. Apply organic mulch to maintain soil moisture.

Pruning:
Trim old or damaged branches to shape the tree and improve sunlight penetration.

🐛 4. Pest and Disease Control

Common pests affecting jengkol trees include:

  • Leaf caterpillars – eat young leaves

  • Fruit borers – damage the seeds inside pods

  • Fungal diseases – cause leaf spots or root rot

Natural Solutions:

  • Spray neem oil or chili-garlic solution every two weeks.

  • Avoid waterlogging to prevent root diseases.

  • Maintain cleanliness around the plantation.

🌰 5. Harvesting Jengkol

Jengkol trees start producing fruit after 5–7 years. The harvest season usually comes once or twice a year, depending on the region.

Signs of Ripeness:

  • Pods turn dark brown or blackish.

  • The outer shell becomes slightly dry and easy to break.

After harvesting, store jengkol pods in a dry, airy place. The seeds can last for several weeks when kept in a cool environment.

💰 6. Economic Benefits of Jengkol Farming

Jengkol is not just a favorite food — it’s also a profitable crop. The demand for jengkol remains strong across Southeast Asia, and its high market price makes it a valuable long-term investment.

Each mature jengkol tree can produce 30–100 kilograms of pods per season, depending on age and care. With proper management, jengkol farming can generate consistent income for small-scale farmers.

🌿 Conclusion

Growing jengkol is a smart choice for tropical farmers seeking sustainable, long-term income. This tree is low-maintenance, environmentally friendly, and offers both culinary and commercial value.

With the right planting techniques, care, and patience, jengkol cultivation can become a rewarding agricultural business — turning strong-smelling seeds into strong profits!

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