Barbados Cherry (also called Acerola) is a small tropical tree that grows white and lavender blooms in spring, followed by bright red, tart cherries that can be eaten fresh or made into desserts and jellies. Barbados Cherries have one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C of any known fruit, with a single cherry containing more of the antioxidant than an average-sized orange. The trees remain small between 10 and 12 feet tall at maturity, and are suited to any landscape.
Barbados Cherry Trees can be grown in the ground in USDA Zones 9 to 11. They can also be grown in a container in colder areas, and trimmed into a hedge or shapely shrub. They are fast growing and prefer full sun. Plant your Barbados Cherry in a spot that gets at least 5 or more hours of direct sunlight per day and enjoy fresh, nutritious tropical cherries from your own garden.
In USDA Zones 9 to 11, plant your Barbados Cherry Tree in a sunny spot that has good draining soil with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5. Water when planting and then once per week for the first two months, provided that the soil becomes dry down to 2 inches between watering. If the soil is still damp, skip that week’s watering, and resume watering the following week.
Once established, the Barbados Cherry Tree is drought tolerant and can take up to a few weeks of dry weather. An established growing tree can thrive with little to no watering, and should only have to be irrigated in the case of extended droughts. Because the Barbados Cherry Tree is small, it can be grown in a pot with drainage holes on a patio or porch. Be sure that your potted Barbados Cherry Tree gets plenty of sunlight and allow the soil to dry down to 3 or 4 inches below the surface before watering.
Fruit & Harvesting
Barbados Cherry Trees bloom their lavender flowers in spring and the fruit is ready to harvest from March through August. In addition to being a concentrated source of Vitamin C, Barbados Cherries also contain other vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium. The fruit is ripe when it turns a bright red, and is about a 1-inch oval. Do a taste test for flavor. Barbados Cherries have a sharp but pleasing tartness that is between a tart cherry and a slightly sour grape.
Many prefer to eat Acerola Barbados Cherries outside, out of hand from the tree, where the seeds can be easily discarded. There are also preparations for making jelly and sauces from Barbados Cherries that include straining the seeds out. They can also be canned and are traditionally used by drying and making into a powder that is a powerful, concentrated form of Vitamin C.
Growing Zones
Advice
Barbados Cherry Trees are native to the Caribbean and South America. As such, they do best in warm, humid climates. If you are outside of USDA Zones 9 to 11, the small stature of the Barbados Cherry makes it a good candidate for growing in a pot. However, the more you can do to simulate the plant’s natural habitat, the better it will grow and produce fruit. There are a few easy things you can do to make your container grown Barbados Cherry feel at home.
One of the most important things is making sure the tree gets as much light as possible. Direct sunlight for as many hours as possible is the best. Place the tree in a sunny window if growing indoors, and supplement with grow lights if necessary. Remember that all plants also need a nightly period of darkness to grow. You can use a pot saucer filled with small gravel to provide humidity and still allow the soil to drain. Misting the leaves daily with a spray bottle of water can also help add moisture in dry climates.
FAQs
When should you pick Barbados Cherries?
For eating fresh, pick Barbados Cherries when they are red and taste sweet to sweet-tart. For drying or preserving, pick them when they are beginning to ripen, and are deep yellow to red. Since they ripen continually as they mature, you can pick them every day or so to prevent very ripe fruit from falling.
How long can I store Barbados Cherries?
Barbados Cherries (Acerola fruits) are quickly perishable, and can be stored for about 3 days in the refrigerator. Fruit picked just before ripeness will last another day or two. Ripe fruits can be frozen for as long as a month and used later.
Do any pests affect the Barbados Cherry Tree?
Barbados Cherry leaves are susceptible to the same pests as mangoes or citrus, and as such are easy to maintain in much the same ways. Barbados Cherry Tree roots are affected by nematodes. Growing in a pot, ground mulching, and periodic watering can all easily help prevent or control this root pest.
Are Barbados Cherries good for you?
Barbados Cherries contain a number of vitamins and minerals and are considered a nutrient-rich food. They contain high amounts of Vitamin C, plus calcium, iron, carotene, Vitamin A, and Niacin. When eaten fresh they are also a source of both fiber and water.
0 reviews with a 2-star rating
There are no reviews with a 2-star rating yet