I planted three of the four trees today. I decided not to plant the Java Plum “Duhat” based on a review at http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/57324/ that said the tree is a big problem, and the fruit’s not that great. Decide for yourself, or email me to let me know your thoughts on this tree.
Here’s what I found about the other three trees and how to plant them:
Papaya: like a palm, just one main trunk. Plant in dry location (south-facing). No frost. Grows 10-12 feet high. Likes being planted near the house to receive reflected heat. Plant in a mound, to prevent water logging. It doesn’t like to sit in damp soil. FYI: http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/papaya.html
Cherimoya: Likes sun, south-facing. Grows leaves only in April. Evergreen, to 30 feet tall, but can easily be restrained. Stake the young tree. Do not plant near a radiant wall or on a hot hillside, next to the slope. Protect from Santa Ana winds. Only water in April, non-soggy soil the rest of the year. FYI: http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/cherimoya.html
Mango: Self-fruitful. Grows to 30 feet. Shade tree. Does best at the top of middle of a slope. Needs staking. Plant at the north side of a house in the desert; it likes shade. On the coast, plant against a south wall, near pavement to provide maximum heat. Avoid wet soils. FYI: http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/mango.html