Light. Full sun gives larger crops. It also grows in partial shade.
Water. It needs consistently moist soil and has poor drought tolerance; drip irrigation works well. Brown leaf tips are a sign of drought.
Soil and feeding. It wants acidic soil. South Florida's alkaline soil needs acidifying with a product such as Soil Acidifier, or grow it in a large container. Feed with a slow-release organic fertilizer about three times a year, skipping June to September.
Size. Grows to about 15 ft, slowly. Most growers keep it at 10 to 15 ft for easy picking.
Pruning. Young trees need no pruning except removing root suckers. Later, remove weak, dead or crossing branches, but avoid cutting large limbs.
Problems to watch. It cannot tolerate salt, so avoid coastal sites. Dropped fruit stains paving.
Good to know. Fruit forms on the trunk, peaking February to May. Seedlings take 8 to 10 years to bear; grafted trees fruit sooner.
Sources: UF/IFAS Ask IFAS HS1519: Jaboticaba: A Unique Fruit Tree for Florida Home Gardeners · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Jaboticaba
