FAQs About Growing Barbados Cherry Trees

The Barbados cherry plant, also known as the acerola cherry tree, is a gem for anyone who has one in the yard. It covers itself in clusters of pink flowers, then bright red fruit that makes a tart snack straight from the branch and ranks among the richest natural sources of vitamin C. In a warm climate like Florida's, it is one of the easiest fruit trees you can grow, and it fruits several times a year.

Below we answer the questions we hear most often about growing Barbados cherry trees, from choosing a spot and planting to feeding, pruning and harvest.

Barbados Cherry Plant Characteristics and Classification

What is a Barbados cherry plant? Botanically, the Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata) is a productive shrub in the Malpighiaceae family, native to the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America. It has a dense growth habit, small leaves and thin branches, and a fast growth rate that can add 2 ft. or more of growth in a warm year. Its maximum height is about 10 to 12 feet, but yearly pruning of the side shoots keeps it compact enough for a container, an ornamental hedge or a specimen plant.

Scientific name

The scientific name of the Barbados cherry is Malpighia emarginata. It is also called acerola, West Indian cherry and Guyana cherry. Some nurseries still sell it as Malpighia glabra, the name of a closely related species with smaller fruit.

Classification

Barbados cherry is classified as a tropical perennial shrub or tree in the Malpighiaceae family. It is not a true cherry and is not related to the cherries of the genus Prunus.

Origin

Barbados cherry is native to the Caribbean and Central America, with wild plants reaching into northern South America. Today it is grown throughout the tropics, and Brazil is the largest producer.

Height potential

How tall does a Barbados cherry get? A Barbados cherry reaches 10-12 feet tall when left unpruned. Pruning or growing it in a container keeps it much smaller, and many gardeners hold it at 6 to 8 feet.

Leaves, branches and landscape use

The leaves are small, simple and opposite, about 1 to 3 inches long, on thin branches that spread from a short trunk. Because of its dense growth habit and evergreen foliage, Barbados cherry is valued as an ornamental hedge or a specimen plant. It is also a host plant for several butterflies, including the white-patched skipper and the Florida duskywing.

Barbados Cherry Climate and Cold Protection

Can cherry trees grow in Florida? Most cherry trees need cold winters and will not fruit in Florida. The Barbados cherry is different. It needs bright direct sun exposure, warm temperatures and no chilling hours, so it adapts well to warm, humid climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and tolerates only brief, short-lived exposures to temperatures in the 28-30°F range, so cold protection matters at the edge of its range.

Light

Barbados cherry needs full sun, at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. It tolerates light shade but produces fewer flowers and fruit there.

USDA hardiness zones

Barbados cherry grows in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and does best in zones 9b-11, which covers most of Florida. The USDA hardiness zone map is based on past average temperatures and climates, and you can find your zone on the USDA website by entering your zip code. Plants outside these zones can still thrive with a few adjustments, the most important being protection from temperature extremes.

Cold weather care

Barbados cherry is sensitive to frost. Temperatures below 30°F can damage or kill the plant, especially young plants. A mature tree can survive a brief dip to about 28°F, and a tree frozen to the ground often regrows from its roots. When cold snaps are forecast, cover in-ground trees with frost covers or frost cloth. Move container-grown plants indoors or into a garage when temperatures drop below 40°F.

Growing in cooler areas

In cooler climates, container growing is the best option. Keep the plant outdoors in summer, then follow a simple overwintering guide: bring it inside to a bright, sunny window before the first frost, water less, and skip fertilizer until spring.

Barbados Cherry Planting and Growing Conditions

Where should you plant a Barbados cherry tree? Pick a site with full sun, warm temperatures and well-drained soil, sheltered from strong wind.

When and how to plant

Plant in spring, at the start of the rainy season, so summer rains help the roots settle in. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, set the plant at the same depth it grew in its pot, and water deeply. Space in-ground plants 6-10 feet apart, or closer for a hedge. In a container, choose a larger pot than the nursery pot, with good drainage.

Barbados Cherry Soil and Watering

What soil and watering does a Barbados cherry need? Barbados cherry needs well-draining soil, even soil moisture and regular irrigation, but never soggy roots. Good drainage matters more than soil type, because wet, poorly drained soil quickly leads to root rot in this shallow-rooted shrub.

Soil

Barbados cherry grows well in sandy or loamy soil as long as it is well-draining, with a soil pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. Mix compost or pine bark into the planting area to add organic matter and improve water-holding capacity. Soil testing shows your pH, and agricultural lime can raise it if the soil is too acidic. Avoid low spots where water stands, because the roots are shallow and prone to rot.

Watering

How often should my Barbados acerola cherry tree be watered? Water newly planted trees two to three times a week for the first two to three months. After that, give regular irrigation whenever the top inch of soil is dry. A soaker hose or drip line delivers water slowly to the root zone without wetting the leaves. Mature trees are moderately drought tolerant, but consistent moisture during flowering and fruiting gives more and larger fruit. Mulching with a 2- to 3-inch layer of wood chips helps hold soil moisture.

Barbados Cherry Initial Care and Repotting

What should you do when your Barbados cherry arrives? Unbox the plant right away and give it a thorough hydration. Keep it in bright shade for a few days before moving it into full sun, and protect it from heat and cold while it adjusts.

Repotting

For containers, move the plant into a pot 1-2 inches wider than its nursery pot. When the roots fill to the bottom of the pot, repot into the next size up. Fresh potting mix restores water and nutrients and keeps the plant fruiting. Young plants in containers are easy to protect with frost covers or by bringing them indoors on cold nights.

The first weeks

During the first weeks, regular monitoring helps you catch problems early. Check new leaves for infestations of aphids or scale, and treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps if needed. Hold off on heavy fertilizer until you see new growth, which shows the roots are settling in.

Barbados Cherry Fertilization

How should you water and feed a Barbados cherry? Ongoing care comes down to consistent irrigation and balanced fertilization. Water deeply through the establishment period, keep soil moisture even after that, and feed lightly and often so nutrient levels keep up with new growth and fruit.

What fertilizer should you use for a Barbados cherry tree? Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, or a fruit tree fertilizer, during the growing season in spring and summer. Feed young trees every two months with about ¼ pound, and increase the amount as the tree grows. Mature trees need more because frequent flowering and fruiting cycles use a lot of nutrients, so feed them about three times a year.

Spread fertilizer evenly over the root zone and water it in so the nutrients reach the roots. Soil testing every year or two shows your pH and nutrient levels. In alkaline soil, foliar sprays of iron, zinc and boron help prevent yellow leaves, and compost or seaweed adds micronutrients.

Barbados Cherry Pruning and Maintenance

Does the Barbados cherry plant need pruning? Yes, but not much. Pruning and routine maintenance keep the plant's structure open and its growth under control. Barbados cherry needs only light pruning after harvest: remove dead or crossing branches and focus on shaping the tree to the size you want. Light pruning improves air circulation and encourages branching, which leads to more future blooms and better fruit production.

The plant also tolerates heavier pruning, and an overgrown shrub can be cut back hard for rejuvenation. The leaves have fine hairs that can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning or picking. For routine maintenance, keep a layer of mulch over the root zone. Mulching holds moisture and keeps soil temperature even around the shallow roots, and pulling weeds away from the base keeps them from competing for water and nutrients.

Barbados Cherry Flowering, Fruiting, and Harvesting

How long does it take for a Barbados cherry tree to start producing fruit? Barbados cherry begins fruiting within 1-2 years of planting. In warm climates it flowers from spring through fall, with clusters of pink flowers opening in waves. Fruit ripens 3-4 weeks after bloom, so a healthy tree gives several harvests a year during the main fruiting season.

How do you harvest Barbados cherries? Pick the bright red fruit when it is soft to the touch, and pick often because ripe fruit drops. The fruit is juicy and highly perishable. It keeps only 2 to 3 days at room temperature, so eat it fresh, refrigerate it, or freeze it soon after harvest.

Barbados Cherry Pests and Growing Problems

Which pests affect Barbados cherry? The main pests are aphids, scales, whiteflies and nematodes. Along with a few diseases and other growing problems, they can weaken plant health and cut into productivity, so regular monitoring pays off.

Common insect pests

Aphids, scale insects and whiteflies are the most common pests on new growth, with mealybugs showing up now and then. Treat heavy infestations with neem oil, horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, and spray in the cool part of the day. Fruit flies can lay eggs in ripe fruit, so pick cherries as soon as they turn red.

Root-knot nematodes

In sandy Florida soil, root-knot nematodes are one of the biggest problems. They feed on the roots and cause stunted growth, yellowing and smaller crops. A thick layer of mulch and plenty of organic matter in the soil help the roots outgrow the damage.

Leaf spot and fruit rot

Two fungal leaf spots, anthracnose and cercospora leaf spot, appear occasionally in wet weather but are rarely serious. Good airflow around the plant helps prevent them. Ripe fruit left on the tree or on the ground rots quickly, so remove and dispose of rotting cherries.

Other growing problems

Birds love the ripe fruit, so you may need netting during heavy crops. Yellow leaves with green veins usually point to a micronutrient shortage in alkaline soil rather than a pest, and soggy soil leads to root rot.

Barbados Cherry Pet Safety

Is Barbados cherry safe for cats and dogs? Barbados cherry is generally listed as not toxic to pets, so it is a good fruit tree for households with cats and dogs. This is a real difference from true cherry trees (Prunus), whose leaves, stems and pits are toxic to pets. The Barbados cherry belongs to a different plant family.

Keeping pets safe around Barbados cherry

Pet safety still calls for common sense. Keep cats and dogs from chewing on the leaves, because the fine leaf hairs can irritate a pet's mouth, and pick up fallen fruit so a dog does not overeat it and end up with an upset stomach. If a pet eats a large amount of any plant, call your veterinarian.

Barbados Cherry Propagation and Varieties

How is Barbados cherry propagated? Barbados cherry propagation works three ways: seed, cuttings and air layering. Seed is the slowest route. Barbados cherry seeds germinate slowly and unevenly, and a seedling does not come true to its parent, so its fruit quality is a gamble. If you want to try, clean the seeds from fully ripe fruit and sow them fresh, because they lose viability quickly.

Growing Barbados cherry from cuttings

Cuttings are the standard nursery method. Take 4 to 6 inch semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy branches, strip the lower leaves, dip the cut ends in rooting hormone, and set them in a moist, well-drained propagation mix under mist or a humidity dome. Once rooted, the cuttings are potted up into containers.

Air layering a Barbados cherry

Air layering is the easiest method for a home gardener who already has a tree. Remove a ring of bark on a pencil-thick branch, wrap the wound in moist sphagnum moss and plastic, and wait for roots to fill the moss. Then cut the rooted branch free and pot it, moving it to a larger pot once the roots fill the first one.

Why cutting-grown trees bear sooner

Cuttings or air layering are the better method. A rooted cutting keeps the fruit quality of its parent and gives faster bearing than a seed-grown tree. Every Barbados acerola cherry tree we sell is propagated from cuttings and grown for 12 to 18 months in containers in our Homestead nursery before it ships.

Barbados cherry varieties

Which Barbados cherry varieties are best? University of Florida extension recommends 'Florida Sweet' and 'B-17' for home plantings, both selected for sweeter fruit. Dwarf selections such as 'Nana' stay about 3 to 6 feet tall and suit containers and small gardens. Because named varieties only stay true when propagated by cuttings or air layering, buy a cutting-grown plant if you want a specific variety. You will also see Barbados cherry sold as Malpighia glabra. Malpighia emarginata is the acerola grown for its fruit, while Malpighia glabra is a closely related species with smaller fruit, so check the label if fruit quality matters to you.

Barbados Cherry Fruit Uses and Nutrition

Is Barbados cherry fruit edible? Yes. The fruit is edible raw, straight from the branch, and it is just as useful in the kitchen. Each cherry has thin red skin, juicy flesh and three small seeds, with a tart to sweet flavor that works in drinks, preserves and desserts, and its nutritional value is led by an unusually high vitamin C content.

What can you make with Barbados cherries? Fresh fruit is the simplest use, eaten straight from the tree. The soft texture and tart to sweet flavor also make it a favorite for juice, jams, jellies and syrups. Mix the juice with orange or pineapple juice, or cook the fruit, strain the seeds, and spoon the sauce over ice cream.

Barbados cherry is famous for its vitamin C. USDA data lists raw acerola at about 1,678 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, many times the daily value and far more than an orange. That is why acerola is a common ingredient in vitamin C supplements.

Get a Barbados Cherry Tree from Everglades Farm

Barbados cherry trees are well suited to warm climates, and Florida is one of the best places in the country to grow them. Given sun and good drainage, this tropical shrub rewards you with tart, juicy cherries several times a year. Order a premium Barbados acerola cherry tree delivered to your doorstep, and for a step-by-step planting guide, read how to grow a Barbados cherry tree.

Tucked away in Homestead, Florida, Everglades Farm is a family-run tree nursery that has been growing tropical fruit plants for over 50 years, with an online store launched in 2018. Our dedication to sustainable methods means every plant ships fresh and healthy. Give us a call to order yours.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for educational purposes only. Contact us to learn more about growing Barbados cherry trees.

Also Read: Barbados Cherry Is A Fast-Growing, Low-Maintenance Potted Plant