The Ultimate Guide to Growing Jaboticaba Trees – A Botanical Treasure from Brazil
- Mel Kanaris
- May 15
- 5 min read
Updated: May 16
If you've never tasted a Jaboticaba, you're not alone—and there's a good reason why. The fruit has an exceptionally short shelf life, often spoiling within just a few days after harvesting. That means you're unlikely to find it at your local grocery store or even most farmers markets. The best—and sometimes
only—way to experience the unique, tangy-sweet burst of flavor is to grow your own tree at home, ideally in a warm, humid climate where the tree can thrive. Fortunately, Jaboticaba trees are remarkably adaptable to container growing, making them accessible to a wide range of growers who want a taste of this elusive tropical gem.
Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is one of the most captivating fruit trees you can grow in Florida and subtropical regions across the U.S. Known for its striking cauliflorous fruiting habit—where clusters of deep purple fruits grow directly on the trunk—this tree offers both visual wonder and an exotic, sweet harvest. At GreenDreams FL, we are proud to offer one of the largest Jaboticaba collections in the country, with cultivars ranging from 4" containers to mature 30-gallon trees.
We sell Jaboticaba trees in person at our Spring Hill, FL nursery and ship nationwide (4" – 3-gallon sizes) through our online store. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious gardener, this guide will help you choose the right cultivar and grow a thriving Jaboticaba tree at home.
What Makes Jaboticaba So Unique?
🍇 Cauliflory: Fruit Straight from the Trunk
Unlike most fruit trees, Jaboticaba produces its grape-like fruits directly from the bark. This rare characteristic is not just stunning to see—it also makes harvesting a breeze.
🌿 Ornamental Beauty
With glossy leaves, delicate white flowers, and a compact growth habit, Jaboticaba is equally valued for its aesthetic appeal. Whether grown in the ground or as a container specimen, it offers year-round interest.
🍷 Culinary Versatility
The fruit tastes like a hybrid of grape, lychee, and muscadine, with sweet-tart flesh that can be eaten fresh or turned into jellies, wine, juices, and sauces.
🌱 Health Benefits
Jaboticaba is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory compounds, offering a healthy boost with every bite.
Jaboticaba Cultivars We Offer (and When to Expect Fruit)
We receive questions daily about Jaboticaba fruiting timelines. The truth is—they’re slow growers. Most varieties take years to mature, but some cultivars and propagation methods (like grafting or air-layering) can speed things up.
Here’s a cultivar comparison with fruiting timelines based on size and propagation method:
Cultivar | Fruit Profile | Growth Habit | Zones | Time to Fruit (from seed) | Time to Fruit (air-layer/grafted) |
Sabara | Sweet-tart classic flavor | 15–20 ft | 9–11 | 8–10+ years | 4–6 years |
Red Hybrid | Sweet and fruity | 15–20 ft | 9–11 | 4–6 years | 2–4 years |
Grimal | Rich and sweet, larger fruit | 10–15 ft | 9–11 | 6–8 years | 4–5 years |
Novak | Sweet, rich dark skin | 15–20 ft | 9–11 | 6–8 years | 3–5 years |
Pingo de Mel | “Drop of Honey,” very sweet | 15–20 ft | 9–11 | 5–7 years | 3–4 years |
Scarlet | Juicy, red-skinned | 15–20 ft | 9–11 | 5–7 years | 3–5 years |
San Pedro | Aromatic and compact | 10–15 ft | 9–11 | 6–8 years | 4–5 years |
Campo Ramon | Sweet-tart, large round fruit | 25–30 ft | 9–11 | 6–8 years | 4–6 years |
White | Sweet-tangy, white skin | 15–20 ft | 9–11 | 6–8 years | 4–6 years |
Yellow | Bright yellow, tropical flavor | 15–20 ft | 9–11 | 6–8 years | 4–6 years |
Serrana de Olera | Dark, wine-like flavor | 15–20 ft | 9–11 | 6–8 years | 4–6 years |
Container Sizes & Approximate Ages:
4" pots = 1–2 years old (seedlings)
1-gallon = 2–3 years
3-gallon = 3–5 years
7-gallon and larger = 5+ years, may be fruiting
🌱 The Power of Grafting & Air-Layering
We grow all Jaboticaba trees in our collection from seed. To bypass Jaboticaba’s naturally slow growth, growers use grafting and air-layering techniques to accelerate fruiting and preserve cultivar traits. Grafting involves joining a desired cultivar (scion) to a compatible rootstock. Air-layering encourages roots to form while the branch is still attached to the parent tree, resulting in a clone that fruits more quickly. 📺 Watch our YouTube video on Jaboticaba grafting with our friend, John Travis Morton:
Jaboticaba Tree Care
Light: Full sun to partial shade (minimum 4–6 hrs of sun).
Water: Keep consistently moist. Jaboticabas hate drying out.
Soil: Must be well-draining. In containers, use a 50/50 mix of coconut coir and perlite or vermiculite.
Fertilizer: Balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer. Add compost or worm castings as a top dress.
Pruning: Minimal needed; just shape and remove dead branches.
Protection: Jaboticabas tolerate temps down to 25°F briefly. Cover during frosts and avoid wind exposure.
How to Grow Jaboticaba Trees / Why We Love Them (YouTube video):
Why We Recommend Growing Jaboticaba in Containers
While Jaboticabas do well in the ground in Zones 9b–11, they often produce more consistently in containers. Growing in pots allows for:
Better soil control (essential for this picky tree)
Easier winter protection
Root pruning for healthier growth
Faster fruiting with optimal irrigation and nutrition
Where to Buy Jaboticaba Trees
🌿 Visit Us In Person
Choose from our entire Jaboticaba collection—4" to 30-gallon trees:
📍 GreenDreams FL – 18709 US Hwy 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
🕘 Tues–Fri: 9 AM–5 PM | Sat: 8 AM–3 PM
📦 Shop Online
We ship 4", 1-gallon, and 3-gallon Jaboticabas via UPS across the U.S.:
Jaboticaba FAQ
How long does Jaboticaba take to fruit?
Seedlings may take 8–10 years. Grafted/air-layered plants fruit in as little as 3–5 years.
Can I grow Jaboticaba indoors?
Yes—choose a dwarf cultivar and place it in a sunny, humid area. Manual pollination can help increase yield.
Is Jaboticaba hard to grow?
Not at all! It’s slow-growing but very forgiving. Just give it consistent water and a well-draining pot.
Why isn’t my Jaboticaba fruiting?
It may be too young, in poor soil, or under-watered. Container size, sun exposure, and age are all factors.
Can I eat Jaboticaba skin?
Yes! Some find the tannic flavor too strong, but it’s completely edible.
Let GreenDreams Help You Grow Something Extraordinary
Jaboticaba is more than just a fruit—it’s an experience, a piece of living art, and a link to ancient tropical cultures. At GreenDreams FL, we’re proud to offer top-quality trees, expert propagation, and support for your growing journey.
We also offer:
🌱 Design & Consulting Services
🚛 Material Delivery from our headquarter in Spring Hill, FL (compost, soil, biochar, mulch)
🌿 Day-rate planting & installation services
👉 Start your food forest today with GreenDreams FL.
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