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Successfully cultivating durian requires careful planning, suitable land preparation, and ongoing care. This article will guide you through the essential steps to planting durian, focusing on spacing, terrain-specific techniques, tree selection, and planting.
Proper spacing is crucial for durian trees to ensure adequate sunlight, air circulation, and nutrient availability. Generally, durian trees should be spaced 8-12 meters apart. For a 1-hectare plot, the calculation for the number of trees is as follows:
• Spacing of 10 meters: 100 trees/hectare
â—¦ Each tree requires 100 square meters (10m x 10m).
â—¦ 1 hectare = 10,000 square meters.
â—¦ Number of trees per hectare = 10,000 / 100 = 100 trees.
• Spacing of 8 meters: 156 trees/hectare
• Spacing of 12 meters: 69 trees/hectare
1. On Slopes: Create Contours

Planting durian on slopes necessitates creating contour lines to prevent soil erosion and retain organic matter. Contour planting involves the following steps:
• Identify the slope's contour lines (lines that run at the same elevation).
• Create terraces along the contour lines for access to the trees and to capture organic matter.
• Plant Vetiver grass along these contours to stabilize the soil and reduce runoff.
2. On Flat Land: Create Mounds

On flat land, durian trees are susceptible to waterlogging, which can damage their roots. To prevent this, create raised mounds for planting:
• Form mounds about 1 meter high and 1.5 meters in diameter.
• Ensure the mounds are well-drained to keep the roots above the water table during heavy rains.
Obtaining high-quality grafted durian trees from a trusted nursery is essential. Grafted trees are preferred because they produce fruit earlier and ensure better quality. Additionally, consider sourcing multiple varieties to enhance cross-pollination and increase fruit set.
Depending on your climate, an efficient irrigation system may be necessary to ensure consistent moisture levels, especially during dry periods. Drip irrigation is highly recommended for durian as it delivers water directly to the roots and conserves water.
Prepare the planting holes before transplanting the trees:
• Dig holes about 60 cm wide and 60 cm deep.
• Mix the excavated soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the planting medium.
Plant the grafted durian trees as follows:
• Carefully remove the tree from its container, ensuring not to damage the roots.
• Place the tree in the center of the prepared hole or on top of the mound (for flat land).
• Backfill with the soil-compost mixture, making sure the top of the soil in the root-ball matches the level of the ground (or the top of the mound).
After planting, water the trees thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering as durian trees are sensitive to waterlogging.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of each tree:
• Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
• Use materials such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, ensuring the mulch is kept a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Planting durian requires thoughtful planning and careful execution to ensure healthy tree growth and optimal fruit production. By following these steps—proper spacing, terrain-specific preparation, sourcing quality grafted trees, installing irrigation, preparing planting holes, planting correctly, watering, and mulching—you can successfully cultivate durian, enjoy its unique and delicious fruits and the economic value they bring.
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