3 Barbados Cherry Tree Malpighia Emarginata Live Starter Plants – Fruit Tree

Overview

Experience the joy of growing your own superfruits with this offering of 3 Barbados Cherry live plant starter trees. The Barbados Cherry live plant, scientifically known as Malpighia emarginata, is a highly prized tropical fruit tree celebrated for its vibrant, vitamin C-rich fruits. Also commonly referred to as acerola cherry tree, this attractive and fast-growing specimen makes an excellent addition to any warm-climate garden or as a container plant in cooler regions. These starter plants are ready to establish themselves in your garden, promising delicious harvests and ornamental beauty.

Originating from the West Indies, the Malpighia Emarginata fruit tree is a small, bushy shrub or tree that can reach heights of up to 12 feet, though it can be easily maintained at a smaller size through pruning. Its dense, evergreen foliage and bright pink, five-petaled flowers create a captivating display, primarily blooming from April through October, with some blossoms appearing year-round. The fruits follow shortly after, offering a continuous supply of fresh cherries from May to November, and often sporadically throughout the winter months in ideal conditions. This resilient and rewarding plant is perfect for those looking to grow Barbados cherry and enjoy homegrown, nutritious fruit.

Key Benefits

The Barbados Cherry live plant offers a multitude of benefits, from its ornamental appeal to its health-boosting fruits:

• Abundant Fruit Production: Enjoy a prolific harvest of tart and sweet cherries, known for their exceptionally high vitamin C content, far surpassing that of oranges. You’ll be able to grow Barbados cherry for fresh eating, juices, jams, and more.
• Ornamental Beauty: With its small, evergreen leaves and charming bright pink flowers, the acerola cherry tree adds significant aesthetic value to any garden or patio, providing beauty throughout much of the year.
• Fast-Growing Nature: These plants establish quickly, allowing you to enjoy fruits sooner. The vigorous growth habit makes it a gratifying choice for enthusiastic gardeners.
• Adaptable Size: While it can grow up to 12 feet, the Malpighia Emarginata fruit tree can be easily kept pruned to a shrub size or grown in a large container, making it versatile for various garden spaces.
• Year-Round Interest: In warm climates, the plant can flower and fruit almost continuously, providing visual interest and fresh produce during multiple seasons.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, the tropical fruit tree is relatively easy to care for, requiring consistent watering and occasional fertilization to thrive.
• Health Benefits: The fruits of the Barbados Cherry live plant are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins, supporting overall health and wellness.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Barbados Cherry live plant is straightforward, especially when provided with the right conditions. This tropical fruit tree thrives in warm, humid environments, making it a favorite for South Florida gardeners and similar climates. It prefers a location with full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage abundant fruiting. While it can tolerate some shade, less light may result in fewer cherries. When planting, ensure good air circulation around the tree to prevent fungal issues.

The Malpighia Emarginata fruit tree prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A sandy loam enriched with organic matter is ideal. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils, as these can lead to root rot. Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during flowering and fruiting periods. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring through fall) with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or an organic fruit tree fertilizer to support healthy growth and fruit production. Pruning can be done to maintain desired size and shape, and to remove any dead or crossing branches. Remember to wear gloves when handling young plants, as the fuzz on stems and leaves can be irritating.

Size & Details

This offering includes 3 Barbados Cherry live plant starter trees. Each plant is carefully nurtured to ensure a healthy start in your garden. These young plants are ideal for transplanting into larger pots or directly into the ground, where they will quickly establish. The acerola cherry tree is known for its relatively fast growth rate, allowing you to enjoy its beautiful blooms and delicious Malpighia Emarginata fruit within a few seasons. Mature plants can reach up to 12 feet (3.5 meters) in height but can be kept smaller with regular pruning, making them suitable for various garden sizes or even as a substantial container plant on a sunny patio. The plants will arrive ready for immediate planting, packed to ensure their vitality during transit. Expect fruiting to begin within 1-2 years under optimal growing conditions, providing you with a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown cherries.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Barbados Cherry live plant can reach mature heights of about 12 feet (3.5 meters) if left unpruned. However, it responds very well to pruning and can be maintained at a smaller, more shrub-like size or grown successfully in a large container.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Malpighia Emarginata fruit tree is a tropical plant best suited for outdoor growing in USDA Zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown outdoors in containers during warm months and brought indoors as a houseplant for the winter.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: To ensure the best fruit production, your acerola cherry tree needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate partial shade, but fruiting may be reduced.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, once established, the Barbados Cherry live plant is considered relatively easy to care for. It requires consistent watering, well-draining soil, and periodic fertilization, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to grow Barbados cherry.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your 3 Barbados Cherry live plant starter trees will arrive healthy and carefully packaged to ensure their vitality. They will be ready for immediate planting upon arrival.
• Q: How long until it blooms and fruits? A: These starter plants typically begin to bloom and produce Malpighia Emarginata fruit within 1-2 years of planting, given optimal growing conditions. Fruiting usually occurs from spring through fall, and often year-round in warmer climates.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The tropical fruit tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. If you live in a colder zone, you will need to protect the plant from freezing temperatures, either by bringing it indoors or providing adequate winter protection.
• Q: What’s the best soil for a Barbados Cherry tree? A: A well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil is best for your Barbados Cherry live plant. Amending your soil with organic compost will provide a rich environment for healthy growth.
• Q: Can I grow Barbados cherry in a pot? A: Absolutely! The acerola cherry tree is an excellent candidate for container growing. Choose a large pot with good drainage and prune regularly to manage its size.
• Q: Why are Barbados cherries so healthy? A: Barbados cherries are renowned for their exceptionally high vitamin C content, which is significantly greater than that found in oranges. They are also rich in antioxidants, making them a powerful fruit for boosting overall health.