Surinam Cherry also known as Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora). Is an evergreen tropical shrub which produces amazing star shaped cherries!. Taste is hard to describe but just to give you an idea, the fruit skin tastes similar to curry and the actual flesh is extremely sweet and juicy. This is one of our easiest to grow tropical plants we offer. Just water and watch it grow!.
 
Surinam Cherry Growing Tips:
 
Best time to plant: Anytime temperatures are about 50F and expected to rise in the next month or so. (Spring through late Summer).
 
Sun: This plant does well in full sun as well as partial shade. It will tend to sun burn a bit its first summer in ground if temperatures are 100F+. This is normal and sun burn will subside once your plant is fully rooted in the ground.
 
Winter: This is one of our hardiest plants out of our entire collection!. Coldest temperature it has tolerated in our area (19F). It can even tolerate light frost!. The leaves turn red during winter from the cold (this is normal).
 
Root system: Shallow Fibrous roots.
 
Growth structure: Naturally a bush but it can be pruned as a tree. It may grow up to 8-12ft tall. Slow to medium rate growth rate.
 
Watering: Water frequently. Extremely hard to over water. Use the "finger" test to set your watering schedule. (check out our youtube videos for more information).
 
Fertilization: In containers, any slow release fertilizer will work. In ground, compost and mulch is all you will ever need. No special fertilizers needed. 
 
Pollination: Self-fertile (Only one plant needed).
 
Fruiting: It flowers in the spring and fruits ripen sometime early to mid summer. Flowering schedule will be dictated by your plants immediate ambient temperatures. In the desert, sometimes they will flower earlier or later. Only one crop per year unless you live in a tropical area.
 
Container Grown: It does great in a container. Only up-pot in increments, never from small to huge. A bigger pot will not make your plant grow faster... Good candidate for long term container growing.
 
Cultivars: We offer 3 varieties: Lolita (Black), Chamba (Red) and seedlings which could yield either black or red fruit. Regardless of the variety you choose, they are all amazing!.
 
Personal Growing Tip: Surinam cherry maybe have a bit of a slow growth rate but it makes up for it by being easy to grow. If kept in a container, just to keep them looking nice, provide shade once temperatures reach 100F+. While they're drought tolerant, don't expect growth or fruits if you don't water. They tend to get really bushy and fall over so pruning will be required as it gets older.