Hortiforum

General Info – Acerola, Barbados Cherry, West Indian Cherry

A productive, ornamental tropical shrub, bearing one of the most Vitamin C rich fruits in abundance, the Acerola is an essential choice for tropical and subtropical climates. The Acerola or Barbados Cherry is a botanical drupe, producing a multilobed fruit similar in size to that of a regular European Cherry and likewise ripening to a deep, attractive red. Fruits are juicy and aromatic, with a delightful flavour profile of Apple, Cherry, Cranberry and Pomegranate. These cherries are notable for their exceptionally high concentrate of Vitamin C for which they were previously widely farmed. With their high Vitamin C content imparting a distinct acidic flavour, Acerola varieties can be categorizsed into sweet and acid varieties. Sweet varieties such as the commonly available ‘Florida Sweet’ have a notable sweetness that gives the fruits a delectable sub-acidic balance. A delicious, tangy, healthy snack when picked and enjoyed immediately but also excellently suited to making flavourful preserves and drinks. Indigenous to the Tropics of the Caribbean and Central America, Acerola thrives in tropical conditions characterized by year-round humidity and warm temperatures. The plants can also withstand very high temperatures, such as those in hot, arid climates, as long as they receive sufficient water. Similar to Citrus, full sun is crucial for maximizing production and ensuring optimal plant health. Acerola prefers consistent watering throughout the year, with a preference for over 1000mm annually, and supplemental watering being beneficial, particularly during fruiting or in dry summer climates. When provided with these optimal conditions, Acerola will commence production within two years (from cuttings) and bear fruit and flowers nearly year-round. Acerola is somewhat sensitive to cold and should be shielded from frost when young. In marginal climates, gardeners can comfortably grow the plant in a pot where it can be moved to warm, sheltered positions. Acerola thrive in a high-quality soil with excellent drainage and fertility, such as a deep, fertile loam. Cutting-grown plants are most commonly available and offer the advantage of quicker fruiting and guaranteed fruit quality, although they have weaker root systems that make them more susceptible to wind. Acerola form a compact, attractive shrub, well-suited for hedging of multiple plants, especially as cross-pollination from multiple plants is highly beneficial. While Acerola can reach over 5m tall in ideal conditions, they often attain a maximum height between 2-3m. The spreading form and numerous short branches compensate to ensure abundant cropping potential. The ‘Pixie’ variety is a dwarf form of Acerola, exhibiting an even more compact growth form and staying below 1.5m, making it perfect for cultivation in pots. Ideal for ornamental purposes on its own, Acerola possess elliptical, glossy leaves with wavy margins and stunning pink flowers of five delicate spreading petals. Pruning is effective in shaping the plant into a tidy shrub form, with the best time for pruning being after harvest. However, caution is advised when handling the foliage, as the leaves are covered in small hairs that can cause skin irritation. A delectable sub-acidic tropical berry suitable for climates where Raspberries and Cranberries are unsuitable, Acerola stands out as an ideal natural Vitamin C supplement, with the harvests of tangy fruits spread across the year.

Plant Profile/Properties