How to Grow a Jabuticaba Tree in Your Backyard

Introduction

The jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) is a unique tropical fruit native to Brazil, also known as the Brazilian grape tree. This exotic fruit tree produces dark purple skinned fruit with a sweet, white pulp that has been described as a combination of grape and blueberry flavors. Jaboticaba trees are admired for their ornamental qualities in addition to their delicious fruit, with thick foliage and showy pink flowers. They thrive in subtropical climates like Southern California and Florida. This article provides an in-depth guide to successfully growing a jaboticaba tree in your own backyard.

Jaboticabas have captivated gardeners with their striking beauty and appealing fruit for over a century. First introduced to Florida and California in the early 1900s, these exotic trees have developed a cult following among tropical fruit enthusiasts who relish their unusual growing habits and scrumptious fruit. Once reserved for specialty botanical gardens, improved jaboticaba cultivars have made growing your own Brazilian grape tree an attainable goal for backyard gardeners in the right climate zones.

While jaboticabas require some specialized care compared to more common fruit trees, they reward farmers with their low maintenance qualities and resistance to pests and diseases. And nothing beats picking those grape-like fruits straight off the trunk and branches of your own productive jaboticaba tree! Whether you’re looking for a conversation-starting tree with ornamental appeal or wish to sink your teeth into a super sweet and juicy fruit, read on to learn how to successfully grow a jaboticaba in your own backyard.

Choosing the Right Jaboticaba Tree

There are three main jaboticaba varieties to consider for backyard growing:

Sabará

The Sabará jaboticaba is prized for its large, sweet fruit and superior eating quality. It lives up to its name “Sabará” which means “very delicious” in the indigenous Tupi language. The Sabará variety bears the largest fruit among cultivated jaboticabas, averaging 3 centimeters in diameter. Its fruit has a complex, richly sweet flavor with hints of jackfruit and bananas.

In addition to its outstanding fruit, Sabará jaboticaba trees tend to be fast growing and begin producing fruit at a younger age than other varieties. Sabará is self-fertile so it can produce fruit without cross-pollination. It flowers in the late winter and spring. Sabará has good cold hardiness and can tolerate temperatures down into the mid to high 20s Fahrenheit (-2 to -4 Celsius) for short periods.

Paulista

The Paulista jaboticaba is a moderately large fruited variety that ripens earlier than other cultivars. It bears abundant crops of round, grape-sized fruit with a pleasant grape-like flavor. The thinner skin of Paulista fruit lends itself well for processing and juice production.

Paulista is an excellent choice for commercial jaboticaba production thanks to its precocious fruiting habits, heavy yields, and earlier ripening. It has a spreading growth habit and slightly better cold tolerance than Sabará. Paulista flowers in the winter to early spring. This variety is self-fertile but produces larger yields with cross-pollination.

Common Jaboticaba

As the name suggests, the common jaboticaba is the most prevalent variety grown. It originated as a chance seedling selected for its cold hardiness and reliable fruiting. The common jaboticaba produces good yields of medium sized fruit with a sweet muscadine flavor. Its fruit ripens in the late summer to early fall.

The common jaboticaba variety is the most cold tolerant, surviving temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C) for short periods. It has an upright, compact growth habit making it suitable for smaller yards. Common jaboticaba is self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination with other varieties. This variety is a good choice for gardeners in cooler winter climates looking for a more cold-resistant jaboticaba.

Hybrid Cultivars

In addition to these main varieties, there are some jaboticaba hybrids to consider:

• Barbara – A Paulista x Sabará hybrid with large, early ripening fruit. Barbara has the sweet flavor of Sabará and the abundant yields of Paulista. It has cold tolerance similar to Paulista.
• Juanita – A complex hybrid of the Sabará and Paulista. Juanita has excellent fruit quality with grape-like flavors. It is compact, precocious, and cold tolerant.
• Leandra – A cold-hardy hybrid that withstands temperatures into the low 20s F (-6 C). Leandra bears medium-sized, mild flavored fruit. Suitable for areas with cooler winters.

When deciding on a variety, match the jaboticaba cultivar to your specific climate and site conditions. Seek out grafted trees of recommended varieties over seedlings for faster maturity and fruiting.

Purchasing a Jaboticaba Tree

Grafted jaboticaba trees are available from specialty nurseries that carry tropical and subtropical fruit trees. In California and Florida, you can sometimes find them at local nurseries focused on exotic fruits. Paulista and common jaboticaba varieties tend to be more widely available than Sabará and hybrids.

Expect to pay $40 to $60 or more for a grafted sapling from a specialty nursery. Bare root trees ordered online are cheaper at around $25 to $35 per tree.

When selecting a grafted jaboticaba sapling, inspect the graft union carefully and choose a robust specimen with no discoloration or lesions on the bark. The leaves should be fully formed, green, and healthy looking. Avoid pot bound container trees with circling roots. For mail order bare root trees, look for healthy roots without damage.

Preparing the Planting Site

Jaboticaba trees require specific growing conditions to thrive. Ensuring you prepare the backyard planting site properly will provide your tree with the best chance of success.

Sunlight Needs

Jaboticabas thrive in full sun. They should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is preferable to hot, intense afternoon light. Filtered sunlight is acceptable, but avoid planting jaboticaba in heavily shaded locations.

In areas with extremely hot summers, some dappled afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent sunscald on the trunks. However, shade should never compromise the minimum sunlight requirements.

When screening potential planting sites, track sunlight throughout the day during the growing season. Identify the southwest-facing areas that receive the most direct sunlight for ideal jaboticaba growth.

Soil Requirements

Jaboticabas thrive in well-drained, acidic soil. Here are some soil specifications:

• Well-draining – Excellent drainage is critical to prevent root rot. Avoid low, wet spots. Improve drainage in clay soils by amending with compost.
• Acidic pH – Jaboticabas grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. Use a soil in this range for new plantings.
• Organic matter – Incorporate compost, peat moss, rotted manure, or other organic material into the soil at planting time. This provides nutrients and improves moisture retention.
• Fertile – While jaboticabas aren’t too nutrient demanding, they grow best in fertile, humus-rich soil.

Test your soil pH and drainage to determine if amendments are needed. When preparing new planting beds, till in organic material and use acidic compost tailored for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries.

Adequate Space

Jaboticabas can reach impressive proportions at maturity, sometimes exceeding 40 feet tall by 40 feet wide. This spreading tree needs ample room to stretch out.

When siting your jaboticaba tree, allow plenty of space from other trees, structures like houses, and overhead obstructions such as power lines. The canopy can be pruned and shaped to restrict size, but you don’t want other trees or buildings crowding in too close.

A good rule of thumb is to allow a 20 foot radius open area around the eventual drip line of the tree. This accounts for the jaboticaba’s sprawling growth habit.

For smaller yards, consider growing your jaboticaba as an ornamental patio container specimen that can be moved around. It won’t reach full size but you’ll still get some ornamental value and fruit.

Companion Plantings

The open area underneath and around mature jaboticaba trees provides excellent opportunities for companion plantings. Some plants make great understory partners:

• Azaleas – Both jaboticabas and azaleas thrive in acidic soil and dappled sunlight. Grow them together for gorgeous spring blooms.
• Ferns – Let feathery ferns like sword fern fill in the ground space under the jaboticaba’s canopy.
• Impatiens – For tropical flair, use impatiens as shade loving ground cover or edging plants.
• Hostas – Add bold foliage and summer blooms with various hosta varieties. Hostas handle the soil conditions well.
• Begonias – Wax begonias add dots of color with their red, pink, or white flowers. Grow them in partly shady spots.

Avoid planting notoriously aggressive root plants like fig trees or bamboo near your jaboticaba. They will compete for nutrients and water. Deep rooted support plants like poles beans and peas also are not ideal companions.

Planting and Caring for Jaboticaba Trees

Follow these steps for successfully planting and establishing your jaboticaba tree:

When to Plant

In subtropical climates like Florida and parts of California, jaboticabas can be planted in the ground almost year-round. However, early to mid spring is ideal timing to give young trees a chance to establish before the heat of summer.

Jaboticaba trees grow vigorously during the warm, humid spring and summer months. Plant them at the start of this growing season to take advantage of rapid root development and canopy growth.

Avoid planting jaboticabas in fall or winter in cooler climates when freezing temperatures can damage young saplings. Wait until after the final frost to be safe.

If planting container grown jaboticabas outside of the peak spring planting window, be prepared to protect young trees from temperature extremes in their first year.

Planting Procedure

Follow these steps when planting your new jaboticaba tree:

1. Dig a wide, shallow hole – The planting hole should be 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball or container and no deeper than the height of the root mass. The shallow, wide hole encourages horizontal root growth.
2. Improve the soil – Mix compost, aged manure, peat moss or leaf mold into the soil removed from the hole. This improves drainage and provides nutrients.
3. Place the tree – Set the root ball in the hole so the top is level with the ground. Position the tree upright. Remove any ropes or ties from the trunk.
4. Backfill – Refill the hole with the amended native soil. Tamp it down gently to remove air pockets as you go.
5. Water – Water thoroughly to soak the entire root zone immediately after planting.
6. Mulch – Cover the soil surface with 2-3 inches of organic mulch like wood chips or pine straw. Keep mulch 6 inches away from the trunk.

Water the newly planted tree daily for the first week, then 2-3 times a week for the next few months. Reduce frequency as the tree establishes.

Supporting Young Trees

Provide support for grafted saplings and smaller jaboticaba trees to protect them from wind damage:

• Drive a sturdy stake 2 feet into the ground near the trunk.
• Attach the tree to the stake using flexible tree ties. Allow room for some trunk movement.
• Remove support staking after 1-2 years once tree is established.

Ongoing Care

Caring for a mature jaboticaba tree is relatively low maintenance compared to other fruit trees. Focus on providing adequate water, pruning, and protection from freezing:

• Watering – Jaboticabas require consistently moist soil. Water 2-3 times per week on average, increasing frequency during droughts. Deep soak the entire root zone rather than frequent shallow watering.
• Fertilizing – Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost in early spring. Citrus fertilizer also works well.
• Pruning – Prune as needed to shape trees or improve air circulation and light penetration. Remove suckers and inward facing branches.
• Freezing protection – In cooler climates, wrap or cover young trees to protect from frost and freezing in winter. Mature trees withstand cold better. Move potted plants indoors.

Pollination

Jaboticaba trees have perfect flowers containing both male and female parts. However, self-pollination is rare. Cross-pollination between flowers of different trees produces much higher fruit set.

To maximize pollination and fruiting:

• Plant at least two genetically different jaboticaba trees within 50 feet of each other.
• Hand pollinate by transferring pollen between trees using a small paint brush.
• Pollinate flowers throughout the bloom period for ongoing fruit set.

With good pollination, a mature jaboticaba tree can produce up to 200 pounds of fruit per year.

Harvesting your Jaboticaba Fruit

One of the joys of growing jaboticabas is harvesting the unique fruit directly off the trunk and branches. Here are some tips for collecting your jaboticaba crop:

• Ripening timeline – Jaboticaba fruit usually ripens in the late summer or early fall. Time varies slightly by cultivar. Fruit on a single tree ripens gradually over 1-2 months.
• Ripe indicators – Ripe jaboticabas turn from green to a deep purple-black color. They feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. Ripe fruit easily separates from the branch.
• Pick by hand – Wear gloves to protect your hands from the rough, sandpapery bark. Pinch or twist ripe fruit to harvest. Pick every few days to catch fruit at peak ripeness.
• Handle with care – Jaboticabas are delicate. Avoid pulling or yanking the fruit which can cause bruising. Place harvested fruit gently into collection containers.
• Storage – Eat fresh within a few days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze for longer storage. Use in jams, wine, desserts.

Expect heavy crops on mature, well-established jaboticaba trees. Enjoy the bounty! Share with friends and neighbors. A prolific tree can produce 100 pounds or more of fruit each season.

Jaboticaba Tree Care Calendar

Follow this monthly care schedule for the main tasks involved in maintaining a healthy, productive jaboticaba tree:

• January – Apply fertilizer. Prune branches. Check for frost damage.
• February – Monitor for signs of new spring growth. Weed and mulch.
• March – Hand pollinate flowers. Weed and fertilize. Monitor water needs.
• April – Continue hand pollinating blooms. Protect young fruit from pests.
• May – Hand pollinate late blooms if needed. Thin fruit clusters if overloaded.
• June – Watch for suckers and remove. Prune away inward facing branches.
• July – Monitor watering and irrigation needs. Weed if necessary.
• August – Enjoy the first ripe fruits of the season!
• September – Main harvest period. Pick fruit every few days.
• October – Finish fruit harvest. Remove any diseased fallen fruit.
• November – Prepare for winter. Mulch tree. Check ties and supports.
• December – Monitor for unusual cold snaps. Cover young trees if frost threatened. Prune lightly.

Jaboticaba Pests and Diseases

Jaboticaba trees are relatively pest and disease resistant, especially when grown in optimal conditions. Here are potential issues to watch for:

• Fruit fly – Small flies can infest ripening fruit. Pick fruit promptly. Remove fallen infested fruit.
• Scale insects – Soft and hard scales can build up on branches but are easy to control with horticultural oils.
• Leaf spot – Fungal leaf spot can occur during wet weather but is usually not serious. Improve airflow.
• Root rot – Excess moisture can cause fungal root rot. Improve drainage. Let soil dry between watering.
• Sunburn – Young trees may get sunscald on exposed bark. Protect with whitewash.

Maintaining overall tree health through proper care is the best prevention. Inspect trees regularly for early signs of pests or disease. Take action promptly to manage any issues before they escalate.

Common Problems, Symptoms, and Solutions for Growing a Jabuticaba Tree

Problem	Symptoms	Solutions
Nutrient Deficiency	Yellow or discolored leaves	Apply balanced fertilizer
Overwatering	Root rot, wilting	Reduce watering, improve drainage
Underwatering	Dry leaves, slow growth	Increase watering schedule
Pests	Leaf damage, fruit damage	Apply organic or chemical pesticides
Disease	Mold, mildew, or fungal spots	Use antifungal sprays
Poor Soil Quality	Stunted growth	Amend soil with compost
Temperature Stress	Leaf drop, fruit drop	Provide shade or frost protection

Conclusion

While not the easiest fruit tree for beginners, the unique jaboticaba is a special addition to any subtropical backyard orchard. Following the planting, care, and pollination steps in this guide sets you up for success growing the Brazilian grape tree. In warmer climates like Florida and parts of California, patio container jaboticabas can even be grown as ornamental novelty plants.

A mature jaboticaba in the yard is sure to draw interest and curiosity from visitors not familiar with its eye-catching corky trunk and branch fruiting habits. Nothing impresses quite like picking fresh exotic fruit straight off the tree to sample on the spot! For adventurous gardeners seeking a conversation piece and a delicious, grape-flavored crop, the jaboticaba is a fun and rewarding tropical fruiting tree suited to small spaces.