
Cultural Information & Care Sheet
Jamaican Cherry - Muntingia calabura
Light:
-
Partial especially in summer when young
-
Let it "grow into" full sun
-
Shade needed most on our days over 90°
Temperature:
-
Young plants are killed at 32°
-
Established trees can withstand 29°
-
Compost heavy to retain moisture, and protect from heat and cold.
-
No chill hours needed
Size:
25' - 30' tall
Growth Rate:
Very Fast in spring and fall
grows best between 60-90°


Container Grown:
-
Yes
PH:
5.6-8.5 acidic to slightly acidic.
Watering:
-
Water frequently until established. Once to twice a week after that.
-
Basin watering is recommended, filling the basin two-three times a week in summer months as it encourages deeper roots.
-
Water very little in the dormant "cold" winter months, moderately in spring and fall & heavily in summer.
-
Water in the winter just enough to keep the roots moist, Winter over-watering can kill the tree
-
Mulch heavily to help maintain moisture
-
NOT drought tolerant
Fertilizer:
-
Fertilize heavy with compost out to the edge of the tree drip line
-
Fertilize monthly with compost during the growing season
-
Plant on a mound to aid in drainage and the ability to flush salts from the soil
Pruning:
-
Not necessary.
-
Prune off old or dead branches as needed
-
To shape or reduce height to a harvest-able size.
-
Never prune more than 20-30%.
-
Pruning will reduce fruit production
Comments:
-
Fruits in 1.5-2 years.
-
Self fruitfull
-
Lifespan of 30 years
-
Can grow 13' tall in 24 months