Jaboticaba Tree

A Hidden Gem with Year-Round Fruit!

Native to the hot and humid climates of Brazil, the Jaboticaba Tree has long been considered a hidden gem - until now!

Introducing the Brazilian Grape Tree. Commonly referred to as the Jaboticaba, this colorful specimen offers much more than an exotic history. Boasting a plethora of plump, black berries throughout the year, this special tree will easily become the center of attention in any yard.

While most fruiting trees bear their harvests on the branches, the Jaboticaba Tree takes a different approach. Vines upon vines scale the trunk of this unique plant. Each vine explodes with a fruitful harvest multiple times throughout the year, ultimately covering nearly every inch of bark with large, grape-like berries – but the Jaboticaba Tree isn’t done showing off!

When the Jaboticaba Tree is not producing pounds of delicious berries, it is preparing for it with piles of fuzzy, white blooms. Before each crop of delectable berries comes, the Jaboticaba Tree blossoms beautifully. Those hard working vines become covered in delicate, little flowers, making this exotic specimen only more brilliant.

Plus, you’ll enjoy a thick, lush, and vibrant green canopy for most of the year. Spanning 15-20 feet in width, you’ll be comfortably shaded as you harvest the Jaboticaba’s berries.

Although the Jaboticaba thrives in tropical climates, it can be enjoyed anywhere in the country. Container planting is a great option for this tree, allowing you to bring it inside as the colder weather sets in.

A towering tree at heights between 30 and 40 feet, the Jaboticaba will easily measure up to its fullest potential. It is low-maintenance by nature, requiring only a little watering and no fertilizing or pruning.

Planting & Care:

Choosing a Location: The Jaboticaba tree is a full sun tree but can tolerate a little shade. It needs really well-draining soil and prefers a pH of 5.5-6.5. These trees are not salt tolerant or wind tolerant, so they will need some protection from these elements, especially when young.

Planting Instructions (in ground):

1) Dig a hole that is 3 times as wide and about 2 inches shallower than the container that the plant arrived in. The shallow hole will allow the plant to be raised slightly, making the runoff area better so that the roots do not sit in water.

2) Remove the plant from the container and lightly loosen the roots so that they spread out more quickly.

3) Position the tree in the hole so that it is upright and begin to backfill the hole. Mound the soil up to the crown but do not bury the crown any deeper than it was in the container. Backfill with a mixture of native soil, compost, and peat moss depending on the composition of the soil and how well it drains. For poor draining soil use more peat moss or sand. For well-draining soil use more compost. Tamp down the soil as you go to remove air pockets.

4) Water well when done but ensure that the soil is not saturated.

5) Mulch the area well to help protect the roots and conserve moisture. This also provides a source of slow-release nutrients to the planting area.

Planting Instructions (potted):

1) Choose a container that is 1-2 times larger than what the plant arrived in. Ensure that it has plenty of drainage holes, as drainage is essential.

2) Add a little soil to the bottom of the container. A quality, well-draining potting mix will work fine.

3) Remove the plant from the container, lightly loosen the root system, and place the plant in the container.

4) Fill the rest of the container with potting mix, making sure to leave about a 1-inch space at the top of the container for ease of watering.

5) Place the plant in a sunny area on your patio, making sure that it is protected from wind.

6) When bringing indoors in the winter make sure to do so gradually, and place the tree in the sunniest spot that you have.

Watering: Jaboticaba trees do not like to have wet feet, but while establishing they will need watering regularly to prevent wilting and help the roots establish. Do not flood the area. Allow the soil to dry out about 2 inches down whether in the ground or in a container.

Fertilizing: Since these are slow-growing trees, fertilize them in the spring and summer with a well-balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 formula to give them a boost in growth for the first couple of seasons. An alternate method of fertilizing would be to add a layer of compost to the top of the root system in the spring.

Pruning: Jaboticaba trees need very little in the way of pruning except to remove damaged or crossing branches. They can be trimmed into a small hedge or shaped in the late winter or early spring.

Harvesting: These trees can produce fruit throughout the year, but the heaviest yield will be from March to April depending on your location. Pick the fruit when it’s the size of a small plum and the color of a dark grape.

Pests and diseases: Although not affected by any serious diseases, these trees can be prone to rust or fungal issues during times of high humidity and moisture.