Surinam Cherry
Eugenia UnifloraAlso called pitanga. An evergreen shrub about 10'. In spring and again in fall the Surinam cherry bears small, round fruits with eight prominent ribs. These are usually red, but are best enjoyed fresh almost black. Calling the taste amazing does the fruit justice. They are juicy and aromatic. Use them for making an excellent jelly also. Grows in zones 9b and 10. Withstands temperatures in the low 20s. Self fruitful. An easy care greenhouse plant and because it's tropical it stays evergreen year round. These are seed grown.
| Plant Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Pest Resistance | Excellent |
| Disease Resistance | Excellent |
| Drought Tolerance | Good |
| Heat Tolerance | Excellent |
| Humidity Tolerance | Excellent |
| Sun Tolerance | Excellent |
| Wet Soil Tolerance | Fair |
| Shade Tolerance | Fair |
| No Spray | Excellent |
| Salt Tolerance | Fair |
| Fun for Kids | Very Good |
| Deer Resistance | Fair |
| Plant Type | Shrub |
| Soil Type | Adaptable |
| Edible Type | Fruit |
| Self Fertile | Yes |
| this information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, comments/opinions are always welcome | |
Surinam Cherry Care Guide
This is an easy plant to grow. Plant in good soil. Allow a space 10 to 12' in diameter for each shrub. If planted in a hedge, they produce flowers.
Surinam cherry is not a very demanding plant, but like most fruits does its best when cared for. See that it receives ample moisture when blossoming and fruiting. Fertilize it twice a year as it starts to set fruit. Apply 1 cup of balanced plant food each time.
Prune as little as possible if you don't want to reduce the fruit crop temporarily.
Shrubs start to bear when two or three years old. Let the fruits ripen on the plants before picking.
