SEMI-ANNUAL SALE | July 12, 7am-2pm Growing Guide for Barbados Cherry Trees in Florida
If you want to add bright colors to your Florida yard, consider the Barbados cherry tree. It has tropical fruit and attracts pollinators. These popular fruit trees are found in Punta Gorda and Southwest Florida.
They grow quickly and have tart cherries rich in vitamin C. They are also beautiful to look at. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Barbados cherry trees in Florida — from their origins to care tips and frequently asked questions.
What Is a Barbados Cherry Tree?
The Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata) is a tropical fruit tree native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Also called Acerola cherry or West Indian cherry, this small bushy tree grows bright red fruits. These fruits are similar to cherries and are full of vitamin C and antioxidants.
The Barbados cherry tree not only produces tasty fruit but also blooms with pretty pink flowers several times a year. These flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This tree is a great and beautiful choice for your Florida garden.
Why Plant Barbados Cherry Trees in Southwest Florida?
Southwest Florida’s warm, tropical climate and long growing season make it an ideal location for Barbados cherry trees. These hardy trees thrive in USDA Zones 9-11, which covers most of Florida, especially areas like Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Port Charlotte.
Benefits of Barbados Cherry Trees in Florida:
- Homegrown Superfruit: The cherries are rich in vitamin C — up to 30 times more than an orange — and can be enjoyed fresh or used in juices, jellies, and desserts.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The tree’s pink blooms attract beneficial pollinators, helping support your local ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Barbados cherry trees require minimal care and tolerate Florida’s sandy soils and high humidity.
- Ornamental Beauty: With its glossy green leaves, pink flowers, and bright red fruit, it adds year-round beauty to your landscape.
How to Grow Barbados Cherry Trees in Florida
1. Choosing a Location
Barbados cherry trees prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade. For the best fruit production and flower display, plant them in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Soil Requirements
These trees grow well in well-drained, sandy soils common throughout Southwest Florida. Enriching your soil with organic compost or mulch can improve moisture retention and nutrient availability.
3. Watering Needs
Water young trees regularly during their first year to help establish a strong root system. Once mature, Barbados cherry trees are moderately drought-tolerant, needing occasional watering during dry spells.
4. Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lightly after fruiting cycles to shape the tree and encourage denser growth. Removing dead or crossing branches also helps improve airflow and fruit production.
5. Fertilization
Feed your tree in early spring and again in late summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for fruit trees to promote healthy growth and consistent fruiting.
Growth and Appearance
Barbados cherry trees typically grow 8 to 15 feet tall in Florida landscapes, with a dense, rounded canopy and multiple trunks or stems. The small, glossy leaves provide a lush, tropical backdrop, while the bright pink flowers appear several times a year, followed by small, red, cherry-like fruits.
The tree’s compact size makes it perfect for backyard orchards, edible landscapes, privacy screens, or as a feature plant in residential and commercial properties across Punta Gorda and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barbados Cherry Trees in Florida
Can I grow a Barbados cherry tree in Florida?
Yes! Barbados cherry trees thrive in USDA Zones 9-11, which makes most of Florida — including Southwest Florida — an ideal environment for them. They love the region’s warm temperatures, humidity, and long growing season. While they prefer tropical and subtropical conditions, they can also tolerate brief drops in temperature down to around 28–30°F once mature. These hardy trees grow especially well in coastal areas like Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Port Charlotte. Whether you’re planting one in your backyard, edible garden, or as a decorative hedge, Barbados cherry trees are a reliable, productive option for Florida gardeners.
How big do Barbados cherry trees get in Florida?
In Florida landscapes, Barbados cherry trees typically grow 8 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. Their size depends on growing conditions, care, and how often they’re pruned. If left untrimmed, they can develop into a multi-trunked, mid-sized ornamental tree with a rounded canopy. However, many homeowners choose to prune them into smaller, shrub-like forms to keep them manageable and encourage fuller branching and fruit production. Their moderate size makes them a great fit for small backyards, along driveways, or as a privacy screen in larger gardens.
Are Barbados cherries good for you?
Absolutely — Barbados cherries (Acerola cherries) are one of nature’s best sources of vitamin C. In fact, a single cherry can contain more vitamin C than an entire orange. Beyond their immune-boosting properties, these cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, and important minerals like potassium and magnesium. The fruit is often enjoyed fresh off the tree, but it’s also perfect for making juices, smoothies, jams, jellies, wines, and health supplements. Regular consumption can support immune health, skin vitality, and overall wellness — making this fruit tree a tasty and healthful addition to your landscape.
Do hummingbirds like Barbados cherry trees?
Yes! The small, pink, star-shaped flowers of the Barbados cherry tree are a favorite for hummingbirds, butterflies, and honeybees. The nectar-rich blooms typically appear several times a year, especially after rains or pruning, providing a steady food source for local pollinators. Adding a Barbados cherry tree to your yard not only offers fresh, edible fruit but also helps support local wildlife and promote biodiversity. It’s a wonderful way to create a lively, pollinator-friendly landscape in Southwest Florida.
Do Barbados cherry trees like sun or shade?
Barbados cherry trees prefer full sun, which means they thrive best when they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. While they can tolerate partial shade, too much shade can result in reduced flowering and lower fruit production. For the most vigorous growth, largest harvests, and frequent blooming cycles, plant your Barbados cherry tree in a bright, sunny spot with good air circulation. In shadier areas, you’ll still enjoy the ornamental qualities of the tree, but you may see fewer fruits and flowers.
Barbados Cherry Trees from Beltran’s Nursery and Landscape
Residents of Punta Gorda and Southwest Florida can easily enhance their landscapes with the tropical beauty of Barbados cherry trees. At Beltran’s Nursery and Landscape, we offer healthy, locally grown trees and expert guidance tailored to Florida’s climate.
Whether you need a single tree or a full edible landscape design, our team is ready to assist. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how Barbados cherry trees can add beauty, fruit, and value to your property.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how Barbados cherry trees can enhance your Florida landscape with vibrant color, sweet fruit, and ecological benefits. Give us a call at 239-362-4327 or stop by and see us in person at 4320 Taylor Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
