🍇 DWARF JABOTICABA ‘COSTADA’ (Plinia phitrantha) — 3-Gallon Tropical Fruit Tree 🌿

Compact, red-fruited, velvet-pulp treasure for collectors & patio growers

The Dwarf Jaboticaba ‘Costada’ (Plinia phitrantha) is one of the most ornamental and productive jaboticabas we grow at GreenDreams. Compact, evergreen, and sculptural, it bursts with clouds of white blossoms directly on its bark, followed by dark red fruit clusters filled with velvety, candy-sweet pulp.

Unlike many jaboticabas that fruit only once or twice a year, ‘Costada’ can flower and fruit almost continuously in Florida’s climate—including in winter months when conditions are mild. It’s the perfect small-scale fruit tree for tropical and subtropical gardeners seeking steady harvests, edible beauty, and easy container care.

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🌿 QUICK FACTS

Category	Details
Botanical Name	Plinia phitrantha (syn. Myrciaria phitrantha)
Common Name	Dwarf Jaboticaba ‘Costada’
Plant Type	Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Sale Size	3-Gallon Container
Approximate Age	4–5 years old
Mature Size	6–15 ft tall × 6–12 ft wide (smaller with pruning)
USDA Zones	9B–11 (container culture recommended north of Zone 10A)
Sun Requirements	Filtered light or partial sun while young • Full sun once well-established (15-gallon+ size)
Cold Hardiness	Light frost tolerant; protect below 27–29°F
Soil / pH	Moist, rich, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5); avoid salt & alkaline soils
Growth Habit	Compact, multi-trunked, glossy leaves, cauliflorous (fruits on trunk)
Foliage Type	Evergreen; brief leaf drop under drought or cold stress
Spacing (in-ground)	8–12 ft apart (closer when container-grown)
Fruiting Habit	Multiple crops per year — often year-round, including winter flushes in Florida
Bearing Age	4–5 years from seedling (so this 3G size is nearing production age)

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🍇 FRUIT & FLOWER DETAILS

• Color & Form: Deep red to maroon clusters that form directly on trunk & older wood — dramatic cauliflory display.
• Flavor: Exceptionally sweet and aromatic; “grape-meets-tropical-candy.”
• Texture: Velvety-smooth, low-acid pulp with a pleasant mouthfeel.
• Fruit Size: ½–1 inch diameter depending on culture and sun exposure.
• Seasonality: In Florida and similar climates, Costada is semi-everbearing—producing several flushes per year (spring, summer, and fall), and sometimes even light winter crops when warm and well-watered.
• Pollination: Self-fertile (no second plant required).
• Bloom-to-Harvest: About 30–40 days under warm, humid conditions.

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🌱 WHY GREENDREAMS RECOMMENDS CONTAINER CULTURE

At our Spring Hill nursery, we grow nearly all of our jaboticabas in containers—and they thrive.

🌿 Soil Control: Florida’s native sands are often too alkaline. Container growing allows you to maintain the slightly acidic (5.5–6.5) conditions jaboticabas need.

💧 Water Management: Jaboticabas are heavy water lovers; container culture helps maintain constant moisture without waterlogging.

🌞 Light Management: Start them in filtered light, then gradually move to full sun once the tree reaches maturity (15G+ size).

🌳 Mobility & Protection: Containers can be moved indoors or under shelter during cold or windy weather.

🍇 Better Production: Consistent moisture, acidity, and nutrition in pots = faster growth and more frequent crops than many in-ground plantings.

At GreenDreams, our jaboticabas in containers often outproduce in-ground specimens, especially in alkaline or variable soils.

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🪴 OUR RECOMMENDED 50/50 GROWING MEDIUM

Jaboticabas thrive in soil that stays evenly moist but well-aerated. Our proven nursery mix keeps roots breathing while maintaining acidity:

• 50% peat moss or coco coir — for acidity and water retention.
• 50% perlite or fine pine bark — for structure and drainage.Optional: add a small amount of compost or worm castings for trace minerals and biology.

Avoid sand or dense garden soils—they compact quickly and lead to root stress or rot.

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💧 WATERING REQUIREMENTS

Jaboticabas love water more than most subtropicals. Consistency is key.

• Water daily or use a drip irrigation system to maintain steady moisture.
• Do not allow soil to dry out completely—ever.
• During fruiting cycles, increase water volume slightly to support continuous flowering.
• In cooler months, water less frequently but never let the soil dry to the touch.
• Mulch 2–3 inches deep to retain humidity and regulate soil temperature (keep mulch a few inches from trunk).

Trees grown with consistent moisture often flower again within weeks of a harvest—sometimes even through winter!

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🌞 LIGHT REQUIREMENTS

• Filtered or dappled light for all trees under 15 gallons.
• As the tree matures, slowly acclimate to full sun exposure (over 4–6 weeks).
• Full sun yields the heaviest crops once the tree is mature and roots stay moist.
• Filtered light is best for smaller trees or hot inland sites to prevent leaf scorch.

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🌾 SEASONAL CARE (FLORIDA & SIMILAR CLIMATES)

Season	What to Expect	Recommended Care
Spring	Major bloom and fruit flush	Feed with organic fertilizer; maintain high humidity
Summer	Rapid growth and possible second fruiting	Daily irrigation; partial shade during hottest days
Fall	Steady fruiting in warm regions	Prune lightly; top-dress with compost and mulch
Winter	Slower growth but often small fruit crops in mild climates	Protect from frost; maintain moisture; reduce feeding

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🌸 ORNAMENTAL VALUE

• Foliage: Larger and glossier than standard jaboticabas, with rich evergreen shine.
• Bark: Smooth, dappled tones of gray, tan, and bronze — beautifully sculptural.
• Habit: Dense, compact form ideal for small gardens, patios, or edible hedges.
• Flowers: Hundreds of white blooms burst directly from the bark several times per year.
• Fruit Display: Red clusters shimmer like jewels—eye-catching and delicious.

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🛠️ PLANTING & CARE — GREEN DREAMS “HIGH & TIGHT” METHOD

1️⃣ Wait for new leaf flush after shipping before transplanting.

2️⃣ Dig a hole only slightly wider than the container, same depth as the rootball.

3️⃣ Set the root flare slightly above grade (never bury the trunk).

4️⃣ Backfill tightly with your 50/50 mix, pressing out air pockets.

5️⃣ Top-dress with compost, biochar, and organic minerals.

6️⃣ Mulch with 2–3″ hardwood chips, keeping them away from the base.

7️⃣ Water thoroughly and maintain daily moisture.

Feeding:

• Organic slow-release fertilizers every 6–8 weeks during warm months.
• Add seaweed or chelated iron to prevent chlorosis.

Pruning:

• Minimal; maintain airflow and shape.
• Avoid heavy pruning before bloom—fruit forms on older wood.

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🌿 COMPANION & SUPPORT PLANTS

Fertility & Biomass: Pigeon Pea • Mexican Sunflower • Vetiver Grass

Pollinator Allies: Blue Porterweed • Dwarf Firebush • African Blue Basil

Aesthetic Pairings: Spiral Ginger • Turmeric • Sweet Almond

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🔍 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE — DWARF JABOTICABA ‘COSTADA’

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Yellowing leaves	Soil too alkaline / nutrient lockout	Lower pH (acidic medium), add chelated iron
Leaf burn or curl	Too much sun or drought stress	Increase humidity, water consistently, partial shade
Slow growth	Typical jaboticaba habit	Maintain warmth, filtered light, and patience
Root rot	Poor drainage / overwatering	Replant in airy 50/50 mix with better drainage
Fruit splitting	Inconsistent watering	Keep soil evenly moist at all times
Sparse flowering	Low light or cold exposure	Increase filtered light and organic nutrition

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🌾 SEASONAL EXPECTATIONS & FRUITING BEHAVIOR

• Costada can bloom and fruit 3–5 times per year under good conditions.
• Many Florida growers report light crops even in winter, particularly in sheltered patios or greenhouses.
• The tree never enters full dormancy in mild winters — it simply slows down, then flushes again with the next warm spell.
• Expect alternating cycles of growth flush → bloom → fruit → rest, lasting 6–8 weeks each.

With steady moisture and filtered light, Costada behaves almost like an everbearing tropical fruit tree, producing flowers and berries year-round.

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CULINARY USES

• Eat fresh from the tree—sweet, grape-like flavor with tropical undertones.
• Blend into smoothies or fruit juices.
• Make jams, jellies, or syrups for desserts and cocktails.
• Ferment into small-batch jaboticaba wine or fruit vinegar.
• Use the skins (high in anthocyanins) to deepen color and antioxidant content.

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❓ FAQ

How old is this tree?

Approximately 4–5 years old.

When will it fruit?

2+ years in Florida or similar climates, with proper watering and care.

Can it fruit year-round?

Yes! In humid subtropical conditions, Costada can produce several flushes per year, including light winter crops.

Can it grow indoors?

Yes, with filtered sunlight and humidity above 60%.

Why container-grown?

Allows perfect control of acidity, moisture, and temperature, resulting in healthier growth and faster fruiting.

How much water does it need?

Jaboticabas are heavy water users—aim for consistent, daily moisture.

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🚚 SHIPPING & HANDLING

• Ship Day: Mondays via UPS Ground from Florida.
• Best Regions: Florida, Southeast, and Texas.
• Extended Regions: Ships nationwide with buyer discretion during temperature extremes.
• Weather Advisory: We are not responsible for shipping damage due to extreme heat or cold.
• Recovery Tip: Allow 1–2 weeks for acclimation before transplanting.

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🌳 IS THIS PLANT RIGHT FOR YOU?

✅ Ideal For:

• Container gardeners & tropical collectors
• Patio or greenhouse growers
• Florida & Gulf Coast landscapes (Zones 9B–11)
• Those seeking continuous fruiting and long-lived ornamental trees

❌ Not Ideal For:

• Coastal/salt-exposed areas
• Arid climates without irrigation
• Growers expecting instant yields

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📍 LOCAL PICKUP

GreenDreams Nursery & Farm

18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610

Hours: Tue–Fri 9 AM–5 PM • Sat 8 AM–3 PM

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🌿 BEYOND THE PLANT: GREENDREAMS SERVICES

At GreenDreams, we don’t just grow plants — we design, build, and restore ecosystems across Florida.

• 🌳 Edible landscape design & onsite consultations
• 🌾 Installation & project management
• 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar, and soil materials
• 🌱 Wholesale & regenerative growing solutions

Let our team help you build your thriving edible paradise — starting with the Dwarf Jaboticaba ‘Costada’! 🌿