A Mexican mangosteen relative with exceptionally large fruit and outstanding flavor
Luc's Garcinia, known locally as Limoncillo, is one of the most fascinating tropical fruit plants native to Mexico. This rare Garcinia has gained renown among growers for its excellent flavor and slow growth habit.
We now offer an even more remarkable selection: Luc's Garcinia "Jumbo." Our seeds come from a plant specifically selected for its exceptionally large fruit and superior taste. While the standard Luc's Garcinia is already known for its large fruit, this selection takes it a step further; the fruit is significantly larger, reaching approximately three times the size of the achachairu.
The ripe fruit features a smooth skin that transitions from vibrant yellow to orange. Inside lies a yellow, creamy, and juicy pulp that differs markedly from many other Garcinia species. Far from merely watery, it boasts a pleasantly creamy texture and an exquisite sweet-and-sour flavor profile with distinct lemon and citrus notes. The taste is often compared to achachairu or mangosteen but is even more refined and balanced. Additionally, the large fruit contains relatively small seeds, offering an abundant amount of delicious pulp. Some growers even liken its flavor to Italian gelato.
The fruit is best enjoyed fresh, but it is also excellent for making jams, desserts, preserves, sauces, and beverages.
A major advantage of this plant is its very slow growth rate. When planted in the ground, it reaches approximately 3–6 meters, whereas in a pot, it does not exceed about 150 cm even after ten years. This makes Luc's Garcinia an ideal choice for container gardening. It features beautiful, large, waxy, dark emerald-green leaves, and its spreading growth habit gives it a highly decorative appearance.
Young plants prefer partial shade, though they can later adapt to full sun or bright, indirect light. Moreover, Luc's Garcinia is hardier than its relative, the achacha, and tolerates cooler conditions better. Small seedlings can withstand temperatures around -1°C for short periods, though we still recommend protecting them from frost.
You will have to wait approximately 6–7 years from sowing to see the first fruit, but the reward is one of the most fascinating Garcinia species you can grow. A combination of slow growth, suitability for container cultivation, hardiness, and—above all—exceptionally large, delicious fruit makes it a true gem among tropical fruit plants.
If you could choose only one Garcinia plant, Luc's Garcinia "Jumbo" is undoubtedly one of the best choices.
Price 27€
Height of plants for sale: 10 to 15 cm
Growing instructions for Garcinia lucida 'Jumbo'
Substrate:
Ideally slightly acidic and well-draining
Recommended mix: 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite, a little sand
Watering:
Keep the substrate consistently slightly moist
Reduce watering in winter; empty excess water from the saucer after watering.
Growing location:
Indoors year-round: As close to a window as possible, with plenty of light.
Summering outdoors: Possible on a terrace, in the garden, or on a balcony, but only from spring to autumn; start in partial shade, then move to full sun.
Overwintering:
Tropical plant – cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C for extended periods. Overwinter at a minimum temperature of 15°C.
Place in the living room, bedroom, hallway, conservatory, or heated greenhouse for the winter, always as close to a window as possible.
Fertilization:
Standard water-soluble or granular fertilizers
Suitable fertilizer:
OSMOCOTE slow-release granular fertilizer