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🍇 Scarlet Jaboticaba Tree (Plinia sp. ‘Escarlate’) — 2-Gallon Tropical Fruit Tree 🌿
The fastest-fruiting jaboticaba we grow — established, resilient, and gaining momentum
Among all jaboticabas in our collection, Scarlet (‘Escarlate’) is the clear leader in earliness, vigor, and fruiting speed. It delivers the iconic jaboticaba experience—sweet, grape-like fruit forming directly on the trunk—on a noticeably shorter timeline, without sacrificing beauty or long-term structure.
Our 2-gallon Scarlet Jaboticaba is a well-established juvenile, older and more resilient than 1-gallon plants, with thicker stems, a fuller canopy, and developing fruiting wood. Still compact and container-friendly, this size is ideal for growers who want to shorten the path to flowering while keeping the plant manageable.
🌿 Quick Facts (At-a-Glance)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Plinia sp. ‘Escarlate’ |
| Common Name | Scarlet Jaboticaba |
| Plant Type | Evergreen subtropical fruit tree |
| Sale Size | 2-gallon container |
| Approximate Age | ~3–4 years old |
| Mature Size (Unpruned) | 20–30 ft in ground |
| Managed Size (Containers) | 6–12 ft with pruning |
| USDA Zones | 9–11 outdoors • greenhouse/sunroom elsewhere |
| Light Preference | Filtered or dappled light preferred up to 30-gallon size |
| Cold Tolerance | Brief dips to ~27–29°F once mature; protect younger plants |
| Soil / pH | Moist, rich, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5) |
| Growth Habit | Upright, compact, cauliflorous (fruit on trunk & older wood) |
| Foliage Type | Evergreen to semi-evergreen; brief stress-related leaf drop is normal |
| Spacing (In-Ground) | 10–20 ft (closer with pruning or container culture) |
🍈 Fruit & Fruiting Characteristics
- Flavor profile: Sweet, rich, and tropical — commonly compared to muscadine grape with a hint of lychee
- Texture: Juicy, translucent pulp with thin, tender purple skin
- Display: Dense fruit clusters form directly on the trunk and mature branches, creating a dramatic edible centerpiece
- Seasonality (Florida): Multiple flowering and fruiting flushes per year in warm, humid conditions, typically strongest spring through summer
⏳ Fruiting Timeline (2-Gallon Expectations)
Scarlet is the fastest-fruiting jaboticaba in our collection, but it still follows jaboticaba rhythms.
From a 2-gallon plant, plan approximately:
- ~1.5–3 years to flowering and fruiting under excellent care
Some plants may flower sooner, but we intentionally under-promise so results feel earned, not rushed.
🌱 GreenDreams Growing Experience (Why the 2-Gallon Stage Matters)
Compared to smaller sizes, the 2-gallon Scarlet shows:
- Thicker trunk development
- More established branch structure
- Greater tolerance to repotting and environmental shifts
- Faster transition from vegetative growth to fruiting wood
This size is ideal for growers who want to move the clock forward without skipping the natural maturation process.
🪴 Why We Strongly Recommend Containers
Although jaboticabas can grow in the ground, containers consistently outperform in Florida and other alkaline-soil regions.
Container culture allows:
- Full control of acidic pH (5.5–6.5)
- Excellent root oxygenation
- Support for heavy, frequent watering
- Easier cold and weather protection
- Reduced micronutrient lockout
In our experience, container-grown jaboticabas are healthier, denser, and more reliable fruiters than in-ground trees.
🌾 Our Proven Growing Method (50/50 Rule)
Preferred Growing Medium:
- 50% peat moss or coconut coir
- 50% perlite or fine pine bark
This mix is:
- Acidic
- Highly aerated
- Moisture-stable
🚫 Avoid sand, clay, or heavy garden soil — jaboticaba roots suffocate easily in compacted media.
💧 Watering Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
Scarlet Jaboticaba is a heavy water user.
- Containers: Daily watering is ideal during warm weather
- Soil: Must remain evenly moist at all times
- Best method: Drip irrigation or soil-level watering
- Mulch: 2–3″ of pine bark or wood chips to stabilize moisture
Consistent moisture is the single most important factor for:
- Healthy growth
- Trunk thickening
- Early flowering
- Repeat fruiting cycles
☀️ Light & Placement (Standardized)
🌤 For Plants Up to 30-Gallon Size
- Filtered or dappled light is strongly preferred
- Avoid direct afternoon sun
- Ideal locations:
- Shaded patios
- Screened enclosures
- Under high, open canopy trees
- Greenhouses
Direct sun at this stage commonly causes:
- Leaf scorch
- Yellowing
- Growth stalling
🌳 For Very Large, Fully Established Trees (30G+)
- Scarlet can tolerate increased sun once fully established with consistent moisture
- Even then, filtered light often produces healthier foliage and more reliable fruiting
- Any sun increase should be gradual over months
✂️ Pruning (Important — Jaboticabas Are Different)
Although we heavily prune many fruit trees, jaboticabas are an exception.
Scarlet Jaboticaba does not respond well to hard pruning.
Why Heavy Pruning Causes Problems
- Jaboticabas prefer to refill on existing branches
- Hard pruning triggers a stress flush of tender new growth
- That new growth is extremely sun-sensitive
- Combined with direct or near-full sun, this often leads to:
- Yellowing
- Leaf burn
- Growth shutdown
What We Recommend Instead
- Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- Avoid cutting back healthy wood
- Allow time, moisture, and filtered light to let the canopy naturally fill in
This results in:
- Healthier foliage
- Stronger trunk development
- Earlier, more reliable fruiting
🪴 Transplanting & Container Step-Up
Step-Up Plan
2G → 3G → 7G → 15–30G (larger sizes available for local pickup)
When to Transplant
Most 2-gallon Scarlet Jaboticabas:
- Can remain in their pot 6–12 months
- Prefer staying slightly snug
Transplant when you see:
- Roots circling the bottom
- Water running straight through
- Soil drying too quickly between waterings
How to Transplant
- Do not disturb the root ball
- Plant at the same depth (root flare just above soil line)
- Pack soil firmly
- Return to filtered light while recovering
🌾 Seasonal Habits (Florida & Similar Climates)
- Evergreen in Florida
- New growth flushes bronze, then matures glossy green
- Brief leaf drop may occur after cold or drought stress
- Once mature, may flower and fruit multiple times per year following rain or irrigation flushes
🌾 Troubleshooting (Quick Reference)
1️⃣ Yellow Leaves → High pH or sun stress → Acidic mix + filtered light
2️⃣ Leaf Burn / Curl → Too much sun or drought → Increase shade + moisture
3️⃣ Slow Growth → Normal jaboticaba behavior → Consistency + patience
4️⃣ Root Rot → Poor drainage → Airy media + drainage holes
5️⃣ Leaf Drop → Shipping or cold stress → New growth follows in weeks
🍃 FAQ
How old is this plant?
Approximately 3–4 years old.
When will it fruit?
Typically within 1.5–3 years under excellent care.
Will it stay small?
No — it grows slowly but steadily into a full-sized tree.
Container or ground?
Both are possible; containers perform best.
Full sun or shade?
Filtered or dappled light is best up to 30-gallon size.
How often should I water?
Daily or as needed to keep soil evenly moist.
🚚 Shipping & Care Disclaimer
- Best shipping: Florida, Southeast & Texas
- Nationwide shipping with buyer discretion during heat/cold extremes
- Plants may need a brief recovery period after transit
- Ships UPS Ground every Monday from Florida
📍 Also Available Locally
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
18709 US Hwy 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Open: Tue–Fri 9 AM–5 PM • Sat 8 AM–3 PM
🌿 Beyond the Plant — GreenDreams Services
We don’t just grow plants — we design, build & restore ecosystems across Florida.
🌳 Consultations & edible landscape design
🌾 Installation & project management
🚚 Bulk compost, mulch, biochar & soil
🌱 Wholesale and regenerative growing solutions
Let our team help you create your own thriving edible paradise — starting with Scarlet Jaboticaba 🌿
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS:
*Please be advised that our online store selections are NOT available for pickup at our retail location in Spring Hill, Florida.
Inventory for our online store is located at a separate facility and are priced and handled exclusively for packaging & shipping.
Click here to learn more about our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery location, including countless more nursery selections ready for pickup - larger sizes and wider variety of plants not suitable for nationwide delivery.
1. Shipping Stress: Transportation can be stressful for plants, particularly when they spend several days in a confined, dark environment. It’s common for plants to experience leaf drop during this period. Rest assured, most plants typically recover quickly and thrive with minimal aftercare. However, some may need extra attention, love, and care, requiring appropriate watering and exposure to gentle light post-unboxing.
2. Potential Physical Damage: Despite our dedicated efforts to ensure that your plants are securely packaged, they may incur damage during shipping and handling by UPS. Rest assured, our shipping team is committed to packing your selections with utmost care and precision to minimize any potential harm.
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For significant box damage, please reach out to UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
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For minor damages, such as a broken branch or stem, we advise allowing the plant time to recover and regenerate with proper care and attention.
3. Long-Distance Shipping Considerations: Orders shipped over long distances, particularly to the western US, may take 3 - 5 business days to arrive due to various factors, including agricultural inspections in Arizona, California, and Texas. Such extended transit times can be particularly challenging for tender, young plants, affecting their quality due to prolonged confinement.
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We take additional measures during packaging to facilitate a swift recovery of the plants upon unboxing.
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Initial extra care and attention might be required over the first few weeks post-transport.
For further guidance, kindly review our detailed policies on returns and refunds, as well as our comprehensive plant care guide. We appreciate your understanding and patience in nurturing your new plants.
🌿 Important Shipping Information
Please take a moment to review our shipping protocols designed to ensure your plants arrive in optimal condition.
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Countdown Clock: At the top of our online store, you'll notice a countdown clock. This tool helps communicate our weekly shipping schedule, providing clarity on when you can expect your orders to be dispatched.
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Shipping Schedule: Our nursery, located in the heart of Central Florida, ships orders once weekly, every Monday. This is a strategic decision to prevent packages from being stationary over the weekends, ensuring that our plants travel as swiftly as possible across the country, even reaching as far as California.
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Shipping Method: At present, we offer ground shipping rates to meet various needs while maintaining the well-being of our plants during transit.
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Our Dedicated Team: We are a boutique nursery with a passionate team. Our members wear many hats, contributing to shipping, nursery operations, and engaging in valuable local projects. As we blossom and expand, rest assured that enhancing and streamlining our processes remains a priority to serve you better
Terms and Conditions for Purchasing Live Plants
1. Understanding of Shipping Stress
By purchasing live plants from our store, the customer acknowledges that transportation can be stressful for plants. It is common for plants to undergo leaf drop or experience other temporary issues during shipping. However, it is understood that most plants recover quickly with adequate care and attention post-shipping.
2. Awareness of Potential Physical Damage
Customers acknowledge that despite our best efforts in packaging, there may be occurrences of damage during shipping and handling. For substantial damages to the package, customers agree to contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
3. Acknowledgement of Long-Distance Shipping Considerations
Customers recognize that shipments, especially those directed to the western US, may be subjected to longer shipping durations of 3-5 business days. Customers agree to provide necessary care to the plants, recognizing that the quality of the plants may be affected due to prolonged shipping times.
4. Agreement with Shipping Information and Schedule
Customers, by making a purchase, have reviewed and agreed upon our shipping protocols and schedules. They acknowledge the presence of a countdown clock on the website and our once-weekly shipping policy every Monday, recognizing the rationale behind avoiding weekend layovers for the plants.
5.Extreme Weather Conditions
Customers acknowledge that our store is not responsible for damage or loss of live plants due to extreme weather conditions during transit and delivery. This includes exposure to cold or freezing temperatures during the winter months and extreme heat during the summer. We provide tracking information when orders are processed every Monday to ensure customers are aware of the delivery schedule. It is the customer's responsibility to prevent packages from being left outside in conditions that may cause damage. Our store does not accept responsibility for any adverse effects caused by weather conditions beyond our control.
6. No Refund Policy
Customers agree that refunds are only processed under exceptional circumstances. Our store will not be held responsible for poor plant choices relative to location suitability, extreme conditions during and/or post-shipment, and improper post-purchase plant care.
7. Responsibility of Care
Upon purchase, customers agree to assume full responsibility for the ongoing care of the plants. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate watering, exposure to suitable light, and adherence to specific care instructions pertinent to each plant type.
8. Consent
By proceeding with this purchase, customers consent to all the terms and conditions stated above, confirming understanding and agreement to all stipulations mentioned.
These terms and conditions aim to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and agreement between the seller and the customer to facilitate a smooth transaction and foster a positive customer experience.
