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🚚 Shipping Update:
We’re now shipping nationwide across the continental U.S. again! 🌱
📦 Please note: Shipping to California remains paused due to agricultural regulations.
🍇 Scarlet Jaboticaba Tree (Plinia sp. ‘Escarlate’) — 3-Gallon Tropical Fruit Tree 🌿
If you’ve ever dreamed of growing your own “tree-grapes,” the Scarlet Jaboticaba (Plinia sp. ‘Escarlate’*) is your best place to start. This fastest-fruiting cultivar in our collection stands out for its speed, sweetness, and show-stopping appearance.
Our 3-gallon size trees are approximately 4–5 years old — compact, full, and vigorous — ready to continue their slow but steady journey toward fruiting. With proper care, they can begin producing their signature purple, trunk-hugging fruit clusters within the next few years.
🌿 Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Plinia sp. ‘Escarlate’ (Scarlet Jaboticaba) |
| Sale Size | Ships in a 3-gallon container (compact, leafy juvenile tree) |
| Approximate Age | 4 – 5 years old |
| Mature Size | 20–30 ft in-ground (unpruned) • 6–12 ft in containers with pruning |
| USDA Zones | 9 – 11 outdoors • Greenhouse or sunroom growing in cooler zones |
| Light | Filtered or dappled light preferred when young; full sun possible for mature trees with consistent moisture |
| Cold Tolerance | Brief dips to 27–29 °F once mature; protect from extended frost |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5); avoid alkaline or compacted soils |
| Growth Habit | Slow in early years, developing into a medium-sized tree with smooth bark and trunk-fruiting habit (cauliflorous) |
| Spacing | 10–20 ft in-ground • Adjustable for container growing |
| Foliage Type | Evergreen to semi-evergreen in Florida; light leaf drop after cold or drought is normal |
🍈 Fruit & Fruiting
- Flavor Profile: Exceptionally sweet with a tropical tang, reminiscent of muscadine grape and lychee.
- Texture: Thin, tender skin with juicy, gelatinous pulp — perfect for eating fresh, juicing, or making jam.
- Display: Clusters of glossy purple fruit appear directly on the trunk and branches, creating a living sculpture.
- Seasonality (Florida): Multiple fruiting flushes throughout the year, peaking in warm, humid seasons.
- Fruiting Timeline: The Scarlet Jaboticaba is the earliest and fastest fruiting variety we grow. This size typically reaches fruiting maturity within 1–3 years in warm, humid, and well-managed conditions.
🌱 GreenDreams Growing Experience
We’ve grown and compared dozens of jaboticaba cultivars over the years, and none approach the speed, vigor, or reliability of the Scarlet (Escarlate). Though jaboticabas are famously slow to size up, this variety can flower and fruit years sooner than its relatives — without sacrificing flavor or ornamental value.
🌾 Why Container Growing Works Best
While jaboticabas can thrive in the ground, we find container culture offers superior growth control, soil consistency, and fruiting success — especially in Florida’s sandy and alkaline soils.
- Preferred Mix: 50 % perlite / 50 % peat moss — acidic, breathable, and moisture-stable.
- Watering: Daily watering is essential; these trees dislike drought. Drip irrigation or consistent hand watering works well.
- Light: Filtered light produces the healthiest foliage; mature plants adapt to full sun if kept evenly moist.
- Our Observation: At our Spring Hill nursery, filtered light leads to lush growth and strong fruit set. Mature plants at South Florida’s Herb & Spice Park also thrive in full sun when soil and irrigation are ideal.
🌞 Light & Climate Guidelines
- Young Trees (4–6 yrs): Best in filtered or morning sun with afternoon shade.
- Mature Trees (8+ yrs): Can handle full sun, provided moisture is consistent.
- Hot, Dry Conditions: Offer protection from intense afternoon sun.
- Cold Events: Protect below 30 °F; move or cover container plants.
Site Selection & Landscape Use
- Florida (Zones 9–11): Excellent in large containers or acidic landscape beds with dependable irrigation.
- Cooler Regions: Best grown in a greenhouse, atrium, or sunroom.
- Design Tip: The Scarlet’s smooth bark and glossy leaves make it an elegant showpiece even before it fruits. Once it does, its cauliflorous clusters become a true conversation starter.
🪴 Container & Indoor Growing
- Step-Up Plan: 3 G → 7 G → 15–30 G as roots fill space (larger sizes available for pickup only).
- Soil Mix: Maintain the 50/50 perlite & peat blend for long-term health.
- Light: Filtered light or gentle morning sun; full sun is fine for mature trees if moist.
- Humidity: High humidity helps prevent leaf burn; mist occasionally.
- Pruning: Minimal — thin for airflow and highlight the trunk for fruit display.
🌼 Companion & Support Plants
Fertility & Biomass: Pigeon Pea • Mexican Sunflower • Vetiver Grass
Pollinators: Blue Porterweed • Dwarf Firebush • African Blue Basil
Aesthetic Companions: Spiral Ginger • Turmeric • Sweet Almond
🌱 Planting & Care (“High & Tight” Method)
Where to Plant: Choose a bright location with filtered or partial light. Soil should be moist, acidic, and well-draining.
Steps:
1️⃣ Gently remove from pot without disturbing roots.
2️⃣ Position with root flare above soil level.
3️⃣ Backfill using compost and native soil blend.
4️⃣ Mulch 2–3″ deep, keeping a ring clear around the trunk.
5️⃣ Water deeply and maintain steady moisture.
6️⃣ Learn our full method → **https://youtu.be/RRQFY30qdA8?si=rRIcsbLlVAVYotfI**
💧 Water & Feeding
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist — daily irrigation recommended.
- Fertilizer: Feed organically in spring and midsummer; add trace minerals.
- pH Management: Maintain 5.5–6.5 using pine bark, peat, or sulfur if needed.
- Mulching: Apply hardwood mulch to maintain soil temperature and humidity.
🌿 Seasonal Habits
- Evergreen in warm zones; brief leaf drop during stress or cool weather is natural.
- New coppery flushes appear multiple times per year.
- Mature trees can bloom and fruit several times annually, often following heavy rains.
🌾 Troubleshooting Guide
1️⃣ Yellow Leaves / Chlorosis
→ Cause: Alkaline soil or hard water.
→ Fix: Acidify soil and apply chelated iron.
2️⃣ Leaf Burn / Curl
→ Cause: Drought stress or sudden exposure to full sun.
→ Fix: Provide afternoon shade and consistent irrigation.
3️⃣ Slow Growth
→ Cause: Normal in early years; jaboticabas mature slowly before thickening rapidly.
→ Fix: Maintain ideal pH, steady moisture, and filtered light for steady gains.
4️⃣ Root Rot
→ Cause: Standing water or compacted soil.
→ Fix: Improve drainage; use breathable container mix.
5️⃣ Scale / Sooty Mold
→ Cause: Sap-feeding insects in stagnant air.
→ Fix: Wipe clean, treat with horticultural oil, and increase airflow.
6️⃣ Fruit Splitting (after fruiting)
→ Cause: Irregular watering or sudden rainfall during ripening.
→ Fix: Maintain consistent soil moisture and mulch well.
🌸 Ornamental Placement
Perfect for patios, lanais, and courtyards with filtered light and humidity. As it matures, the Scarlet Jaboticaba transforms from a small, slow grower into a medium-sized, fruit-laden centerpiece that can live for generations.
🍃 FAQ
How old is this plant? Approximately 4–5 years old.
When will it fruit? Typically within 1–3 years under ideal conditions. It’s the fastest-fruiting jaboticaba in our collection.
Will it stay small? No — it grows slowly at first but can eventually reach 20–30 ft in the ground (or 6–12 ft in containers).
Container or in-ground? Both are suitable, but containers yield the best control of pH and moisture.
Can it grow in full sun? Yes, once acclimated and well-watered.
How often should I water? Daily, or whenever the top inch of soil begins to dry.
🚚 Shipping & Care Disclaimer
- Best Shipping Regions: Florida, Southeast & Texas.
- Extended Regions: Ships nationwide, but buyer discretion advised in extreme heat or cold.
- Transit Note: Plants may need brief recovery after shipping.
- Local Pickup: Larger sizes (7–30 G) available for local pickup only at our Spring Hill nursery.
📍 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.
- 🌳 Edible landscape design & consultations
- 🌾 Installation & project management
- 🚚 Bulk delivery of 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.
