Luc's Garcinia, locally known as Limoncillo, is an exceptional tropical fruit tree native to Mexico, where it is prized for its delicious fruit. This species was introduced to the world by grower Luc Vleeracker, after whom it is named.
It is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that grows 3-6 meters when planted in the ground. It grows very slowly and will not exceed 150 cm in a pot even after 10 years. Therefore, it is an ideal choice for potted plants. In the first years, it prefers partial shade, then it can acclimatize well to full sun or bright diffused light. It has a spreading growth, large, dark emerald green, waxy leaves and is very decorative. It is more resistant than its relative achacha and can withstand colder conditions. Small seedlings can withstand temperatures around -1 °C for a short time, but we recommend protecting them from frost.
It bears fruit approximately 6–7 years after sowing. The fruits are round, depending on the cultivar, at least the size of a tennis ball, with a smooth skin that turns from bright yellow to orange when ripe. They have a great sweet taste of Italian Gelato ice cream, the flesh is different from most Garcinias because it is not like juicy cotton wool, but is mostly creamy and juicy, the flesh is yellow like the skin. The size is twice as large as Achachairu. The pulp is sweet and sour with a pronounced lemon-citrus component, soft and creamy, often compared to the taste of achachairu or mangosteen, but even more elegant and balanced. The fruits have relatively small seeds and thus provide a significant amount of pulp. They are consumed fresh, they are excellent in jams, desserts, preserves, sauces or drinks.
Lucova garcinia is self-pollinating, so more plants are not needed for a successful harvest. We grow the plants in a deeper pot, as they form a strong main root.
This species is very popular among tropical fruit growers around the world. It is considered one of the hardiest and tastiest garcinias, able to thrive even in less than ideal conditions. The combination of its exotic appearance and exceptional fruit flavor makes Luc's Garcinia a true gem in any tropical plant collection and is rightly nicknamed the "Mexican Mangosteen".
If you could only grow one Garcinia plant, Luc's Garcinia would be the one
HEIGHT OF PLANTS SOLD 10 to 15 CM
Garcinia Lucs Growing Instructions
Substrate:
Preferably more acidic and well-drained
Recommended mixture: 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite, a little sand
Watering:
Water only when the substrate dries slightly
in winter, reduce watering, pour out excess water from the tray after watering.
Growing location:
Year-round at home: As close to a window as possible, with plenty of light.
Summering is possible outside on a terrace, garden, or balcony, and only from spring to autumn: Partial shade, later full sun.
Wintering:
Tropical plant – cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 °C for a long time. Winter at a minimum temperature of 15 °C
Place in the living room, bedroom, hallway, winter garden or tempered greenhouse for the winter, always as close to the window as possible
Fertilization:
Fertilizers Regular water-soluble or granular
For plants up to 2 years old, use half the dose.
Older plants can tolerate regular doses.
Suitable fertilizer:
Long-term granular fertilizer OSMOCOTE