Growing Guide: Surinam Cherry
Growing Tips
(Also known as: Surinam Cherry, Suriname Cherry, Pitanga, Brazilian Cherry, Cayenne Cherry, Cerisier Carré, Monkimoni Kersie, Ñangapirí, Eugenia uniflora)
Surinam Cherry grows best in full sun to part shade and adapts well to a variety of well-draining soils. Keep young plants consistently watered while they establish; mature plants are more tolerant of dry conditions. Feed during the growing season to encourage vigorous growth and fruit production. Prune as needed to maintain a compact hedge or desired shape, or allow it to grow naturally into a larger shrub or small tree. Harvest fruit only when it is dark red, soft, and fully ripe, as under-ripe cherries can be bitter and astringent. Protect from frost and extended cold.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Eugenia uniflora |
| Common Names | Surinam Cherry, Suriname Cherry, Pitanga, Brazilian Cherry, Cayenne Cherry, Cerisier Carré, Monkimoni Kersie, Ñangapirí |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Origin | Eastern tropical South America |
| Plant Type | Perennial Evergreen Fruit Tree / Fruiting Shrub |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 10–12 ft. tall × 10–12 ft. wide |
| Light | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-draining soil |
| Bloom Time | Spring to Fall |
| Flower Color | White |
| USDA Zones | Outdoors 9–12 (frost protection until established); Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Medium: Seedlings; X-Large: Grafted |
| Seasonal Traits | Evergreen |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast to Medium |
| Harvest Season | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter depending on location; largest Florida crop in spring with a smaller summer crop |
| Time to Harvest | Fruit can ripen 3–4 weeks after flowering; Medium seedlings capable of fruiting in 1–2 years; X-Large grafted trees capable of fruiting now |
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-12 (frost protection until established); Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Medium Pot Size: Our Surinam Cherry seedlings were cultivated from hand-selected varieties of great producing trees with optimal flavored fruit collected throughout our food forest. They are capable of fruiting within 1-2 years.
X-Large Pot Size: Our Grafted Black Surinam Cherry trees are capable of fruiting now.
See More:
Shop all of our Surinam Cherry tree varieties.
Shop all of our Eugenia varieties.
