How to Grow Surinam Cherry - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Surinam cherry is a plant. The fruit of the plant is a small red berry. The berry is about the size of a grape. The plant is native to South America. The plant is grown in many parts of the world. The plant is used to make jelly and jam. The plant is also used to make wine.

How to Grow Surinam Cherry - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Alligator Pear
  • Avocado
  • Guava
  • Lychee
  • Passion Fruit

Things to Know

  • The surinam cherry is a small, red fruit that grows on a tropical shrub.
  • It is native to South America, and its scientific name is Eugenia uniflora.
  • The surinam cherry has a sweet, tart flavor and is often used in jams and pies.
  • The fruit is high in vitamins C and A, and also contains fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
  • The surinam cherry is considered a superfood due to its high nutrient content.
  • It is also known as the Brazilian cherry, Barbados cherry, or Pitanga.
  • The surinam cherry can be eaten fresh, frozen, or dried.
  • The fruit is also used to make juice, wine, and liqueur.
  • The surinam cherry has a number of health benefits, including boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and reducing inflammation.
  • The fruit is generally safe to eat, but can cause gastrointestinal upset in some people.

Growing Steps

  1. For surinam cherry, first step is to take the surinam cherry seeds and plant them in soil.
  2. Next, water the seeds and keep them moist.
  3. After the seeds have germinated, transplant them into individual pots.
  4. Put the pots in a sunny location.
  5. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them monthly.
  6. When the plants are big enough, transplant them into the garden.
  7. Space the plants 3 to 4 feet apart.
  8. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them monthly.
  9. Harvest the cherries when they are ripe.
  10. Enjoy your delicious surinam cherries!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Surinam cherry prefers well-drained, sandy loam to clay loam soils with a high organic matter content. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. The ideal pH range is 5.5 to 6.5.

Light requirement

Similar to other plants, the Surinam cherry needs sunlight to grow. However, it is not a plant that needs a lot of sun. It will do just fine in partial sun or even in full shade. So, if you are looking for a plant to add to your garden that does not require a lot of sun, the Surinam cherry is a good option.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of Surinam cherry is between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This tropical fruit is native to the Suriname, a country located in the northeastern coast of South America. The Surinam cherry is a small, round fruit that has a thin, red flesh. The fruit is often used in jams, jellies, and pies.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. They will start to experience some leaf drop if the humidity gets below 40%. If the humidity is too high, it can lead to problems with fungal growth.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant prefers rich, loose soils with good drainage. If your planting area has poor drainage, consider planting the Surinam cherry on a raised berm. This will help to prevent the plant's roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot. Adding organic matter to the planting area will also help to improve drainage. When it comes to fertilizer, a general-purpose, granular fertilizer applied in early spring is all that is needed.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of care for a Surinam cherry plant. Pruning helps to shape the plant, control its size, and encourage new growth. It is important to prune Surinam cherry plants when they are young, so that they can develop a strong framework. Once the plant is established, pruning should be done every few years to maintain its shape and size.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of the surinam cherry is best accomplished through rooting of stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young, woody stems and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shady location until new growth appears. At that point, the new plants can be transplanted to their desired location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done in South America, where the plant is native. The average growth rate is about 3 feet (1 meter) per year. In some cases, growth may be as fast as 6 feet (2 meters) per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture or not enough drainage. To avoid these problems, make sure to plant your surinam cherry in an area with good drainage and water it only when the soil is dry. If you do notice any of these problems, you can try to treat them with a fungicide.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your Surinam cherry plant regularly, as it prefers moist soil.
  • Place your Surinam cherry plant in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight.
  • Fertilize your Surinam cherry plant every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your Surinam cherry plant regularly to encourage growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases, and treat them promptly if you notice any.
  • After a few years, your Surinam cherry plant may produce fruit. Enjoy!
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to bring your Surinam cherry plant indoors during the winter months.
  • To propagate a new Surinam cherry plant, take stem cuttings from an existing plant and root them in moist soil.
  • You can also grow Surinam cherry plants from

Related Plants

  • Surinam-plum
  • Blackberry-cherry
  • Wax-apple
  • Guava
  • Gooseberry-plum
  • Soursop
  • Cacao Plum
  • Sweet cherry
  • Strawberry tree
  • Bush tomato

Source:
(228) In Vitro Rooting of Surinam Cherry - academia.edu
Surinam Cherry - Gardening in a Minute Radio Transcript
Eugenia uniflora Surinam cherry Eugenia uniflora Surinam cherry

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