Barbados Cherry Tree Live Plant, 2-3 Feet Tall, 3 Gallon Pot, Acerola Fruit

Overview

Bring the tropics to your garden with a healthy barbados cherry live plant, also known as Acerola. This vigorous shrub or small tree is celebrated for its abundant production of tart, vitamin C-rich red fruits. Standing approximately 2-3 feet tall and delivered in a 3-gallon pot, this plant is well-established and ready to be a productive addition to your landscape. The Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata) is not only a fantastic source of nutrition but also an attractive ornamental plant, featuring dense, bushy foliage that can reach 6 to 12 feet in height at maturity. Whether you’re looking to enhance your edible garden or simply enjoy a beautiful, fruit-bearing specimen, this acerola cherry tree offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Its adaptability makes it a rewarding choice for many garden types, transforming your outdoor space into a vibrant and fruitful haven.

The barbados cherry live plant is a remarkable specimen, offering a unique blend of beauty and utility. Its glossy green leaves and delicate pink flowers precede the development of bright red cherry plant fruits, which are highly sought after for their health benefits. This plant is a fantastic choice for those interested in sustainable gardening and fresh, homegrown produce. Its robust nature means it can withstand various conditions, making it an excellent investment for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Experience the joy of harvesting your own superfruits right from your backyard.

Key Benefits

The barbados cherry live plant offers a multitude of benefits, from its nutritional value to its ornamental qualities, making it a highly desirable addition to any garden or patio. Its easy-to-grow nature further enhances its appeal, ensuring a rewarding experience for the gardener.

• Rich in Vitamin C: The primary appeal of the barbados cherry fruit is its exceptionally high vitamin C content, far surpassing that of oranges. Regular consumption can boost immunity and overall health.
• Attractive Ornamental Plant: With its dense foliage, delicate pink flowers, and bright red berries, the Acerola cherry tree provides year-round visual interest, making it a beautiful focal point in any garden.
• Delicious & Versatile Fruit: The tart, juicy fruits are perfect for fresh eating, juices, jams, jellies, and desserts. Enjoy a fresh, healthy snack directly from your tree.
• Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively low-maintenance, thriving with minimal care once established. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking for productive yet undemanding fruit trees.
• Pollinator Friendly: The small, attractive flowers draw pollinators like bees, contributing to the biodiversity and health of your garden ecosystem.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, the Acerola cherry tree exhibits good drought tolerance, making it suitable for water-wise landscaping.
• Supports Healthy Living: Growing your own barbados cherry live plant ensures a fresh, organic supply of this superfood, promoting a healthy lifestyle and self-sufficiency.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your barbados cherry live plant is straightforward, ensuring a bountiful harvest of delicious fruit. Understanding its specific needs for sunlight, water, and soil will help your plant thrive and become a productive part of your garden. The acerola plant care routine is designed to be manageable for most gardeners, leading to successful growth and fruiting.

This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the best fruit. While it tolerates some shade, fruit production will be significantly reduced. Plant in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, where it can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler climates, it can be grown in a large container and moved indoors during winter. The Barbados cherry prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. Water deeply but infrequently, about once a week, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings. More frequent watering may be needed during hot, dry periods or when the plant is actively fruiting. Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to support healthy growth and fruit development.

Pruning should be done to maintain shape, size, and to remove any dead or diseased branches. Prune after the main fruiting season. While generally robust, keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or spider mites, which can be managed with organic insecticidal soaps. Ensuring proper light and water conditions is key to preventing most issues and promoting a healthy, productive red cherry plant that will yield plenty of barbados cherry fruit for years to come.

Size & Details

This barbados cherry live plant arrives as a well-established specimen, typically standing 2-3 feet tall from the soil line, and is supplied in a robust 3-gallon nursery pot. This size provides a significant head start for gardeners, allowing the plant to acclimate quickly and begin producing fruit sooner. At maturity, the Barbados cherry can grow into a dense, bushy shrub or a small tree, reaching a height of 6 to 12 feet with a similar spread. Its growth rate is moderate, allowing for easy management in various garden settings. The plant is shipped as a live, rooted plant, ensuring it’s ready for immediate planting in the ground or a larger container upon arrival.

Expect your acerola cherry tree to begin flowering and fruiting within 1-2 years of planting, given optimal growing conditions. The fruit production is continuous throughout the warmer months in suitable climates. This plant is an excellent investment for long-term enjoyment and a consistent supply of fresh, healthy barbados cherry fruit. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens, patios, or even as an attractive edible hedge.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this barbados cherry live plant get? A: This plant typically grows into a dense, bushy shrub or small tree, reaching a mature height of 6 to 12 feet with a similar spread. Its size can be managed with regular pruning.
• Q: What size pot does the acerola cherry tree come in? A: The plant is delivered in a 3-gallon nursery pot, providing a healthy root system and a good head start for growth. You can transplant it into a larger container or directly into the ground.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Barbados cherry is primarily an outdoor plant for USDA Zones 9-11. In colder climates, it can be grown in a container and brought indoors during the winter months.
• Q: How much sunlight does the red cherry plant need? A: This plant requires full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the Barbados cherry is considered relatively easy to care for. It’s tolerant of various soil types, prefers well-drained conditions, and is fairly drought-tolerant once established.
• Q: Can I eat the barbados cherry fruit directly from the tree? A: Absolutely! The fruits are delicious when eaten fresh, and they are packed with Vitamin C. They are also excellent for making juices, jams, and other culinary delights.
• Q: When is the best time to plant this acerola plant care specimen? A: The best time to plant is in spring or early summer, after the last risk of frost, to allow the plant to establish itself before extreme heat or cold.
• Q: What condition will the plant arrive in? A: Your plant will arrive as a live, healthy specimen, carefully packaged to ensure its safety during transit. It will be rooted in its 3-gallon pot, ready for planting.
• Q: Does it need a lot of water? A: Water deeply but infrequently, about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. More frequent watering may be necessary during hot weather or when the plant is fruiting.
• Q: Will this barbados cherry live plant attract pollinators? A: Yes, the delicate flowers of the Barbados cherry are known to attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, which is excellent for your garden’s ecosystem.