BARBADOS CHERRY INSTRUCTIONS
Zone: Zones 9-11
Size: If planted in the ground, this tree may grow to be 10-12’ tall and 10-15’ wide. If potted, the tree will be significantly smaller. May also be grown as a small bonsai. Has the appearance of a bush or tree depending on how it is trimmed.
Temperature/Humidity: This plant is sensitive to frost. While mature cherry plants can handle temperatures just over 40˚F for short periods of time, this small starter plant needs much warmer temperatures. Average to moderately-high humidity.
Pet Friendly: The leaves, stems, and pits of all cherry varieties are unsafe for pets to ingest. There are no reports of a definite answer on the pet-toxicity of the actual fruit.
Edible: Yes. The fruit produced from this plant is edible. Once bright red, it is ready to be picked and eaten! The cherries may be eaten by themselves, or made into jams, salsas, drinks, etc. Very high Vitamin-C content!
Soil: Choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a PH of 5.5-6.5. Compost (or another alternative) may need to be added to your soil before planting. A fertilizer may be used a few times each year.
Lighting:
Requires a minimum of 6 hours of bright indirect sunlight each day.
Water: Water until the soil is moist. Allow the top soil to dry out before watering again. We recommend using Distilled, Reverse Osmosis, or Rainwater. If potted, ensure that the pot has drainage holes.
Other Tips:
- This plant is self-pollinating. The pollen may need to be spread manually if you are not getting fruit. This plant should mature in approximately 1-2 years. The crop may be small until its 3rd or 4th year. A healthy, mature tree should continue to produce fruit for over a decade.
- It is more difficult to get an indoor cherry plant to produce fruit. It may be trimmed into a bonsai for decorative purposes. The pink flowers that bloom give this plant a beautiful appearance.