Life Cycle
Perennial
Water Requirement
Moderate
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Max Height
12 Ft.
Price
$44.95

Barbados Cherry is fast growing shrub that can be trained into a tree or a bush. The fruit is sweet and used throughout Latin America in juices. It is very high in Vitamin C. One cherry is equivalent in Vitamin C to 12 oranges. The fruit can also be frozen without losing Vitamin C.

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How to care for Barbados Cherry / Acerola

Light. Full sun gives the most flowers and fruit. Partial shade lowers the harvest.

Water. Water new plants two to three times a week for the first 2–3 months, then taper off. It tolerates drought but fruits better with water in dry periods.

Soil and feeding. Well-drained sandy soil works; add compost at planting. Feed with Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertilizer; use a micronutrient foliar spray in alkaline soil.

Size. Grows slowly to about 12 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide. Space plants 10–15 ft apart.

Pruning. Prune lightly after harvest to shape it and remove dead or crossing branches. It can be kept as a hedge or trained to several trunks.

Problems to watch. Nematodes, whiteflies, scale and plant bugs, which deform fruit. Treat scale with Insecticidal Soap.

Good to know. Not salt tolerant, and damaged below about 30°F. Ripe fruit bruises easily and spoils fast, so refrigerate or freeze it soon after picking.