Barbados Cherry Tree 7G

Barbados Cherry Tree in 7-Gallon Pot Available in Jupiter, FL

The Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata), also known as Acerola, is a compact tropical fruit tree treasured for its bright red cherries packed with tangy flavor and sky-high Vitamin C. This fast-growing evergreen shrub produces small, sweet-tart fruit nearly year-round in South Florida, especially with consistent pruning and care. Its lush, glossy foliage and delicate pink flowers make it both ornamental and productive—a gem for edible landscapes, wildlife gardens, and home wellness.

In a 7-gallon pot, your Barbados Cherry is well on its way to becoming a nutrient-packed powerhouse in your garden.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

Sunlight: Full sun preferred—6 to 8 hours daily for best flowering and fruiting.

Watering: Moderate. Water regularly during dry periods, especially when fruit is forming. Avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic sandy or loamy soil. Enrich with compost or worm castings to boost fertility.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer 3–4 times a year. Include micronutrients like iron and magnesium for lush growth.

Growth Habit: Compact, bushy evergreen shrub or small tree. Can reach 8–12 feet in-ground but stays smaller in containers. Easily shaped with pruning.

Temperature: USDA Zones 9B–11. Handles heat and humidity well. Protect from frost—young plants are sensitive to temps below 32°F.

Maintenance: Low to moderate. Prune regularly to maintain shape, encourage airflow, and promote flowering. Responds well to trimming after harvest.

Harvest & Seasonality:

Planting Time: Ideal planting is spring through early fall for solid root establishment.

Harvest Time: Multiple flushes of fruit, especially spring through fall. Nearly everbearing in South Florida’s warm climate.

How to Harvest: Pick when fruit is fully red and slightly soft to the touch. Harvest frequently to encourage more blooms.

Fruit Characteristics: Bright red cherries about 1 inch wide. Tart, juicy, and bursting with tropical citrus flavor. Thin skin with soft pulp and 2–3 small seeds.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:

Barbados cherries are Vitamin C powerhouses—containing 30–50 times more than oranges. They’re also rich in antioxidants, folate, and anthocyanins, supporting immune health, skin vitality, and cellular repair. Traditionally used in immune tonics and wellness blends.

Ideal For:

• Backyard wellness gardens and edible landscapes

• Immune-boosting, nutrient-dense fruit

• Small-space and container gardening

• Pollinator-friendly yards

• Year-round tropical fruit lovers

Plant Classification:

Scientific Name: Malpighia emarginata
Common Name: Barbados Cherry / Acerola
Plant Type: Tropical fruiting shrub
Family: Malpighiaceae
Class: Dicot – Broadleaf evergreen
Growth Form: Shrubby with rounded canopy
Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen—retains foliage year-round
Perennial or Annual: Perennial—fruits multiple times yearly in warm climates

Container Size: 7-gallon pot