How to grow Jaboticaba in Australia
A slow-growing tree for a warm, frost-free spot in full sun to part shade with rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, as it dislikes drying out, and mulch well to hold moisture.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 10 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 400 cm
- Time to harvest: 1095 days (about 3 years)
- Time to germinate: 30 days
- Soil pH: 5 to 6.5
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to February | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to February | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to February | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | September to November | Marginal. Plant Sep to Nov once frosts finish, in a warm sheltered spot, and cover young trees on frost nights. Very slow to fruit in Melbourne. |
| Adelaide & SA | September and October | Plant Sep to Oct after frost in a sheltered spot with some afternoon shade. Slow growing and thirsty; keep the soil acid and moist through summer. |
| Perth & WA | September to November | Plant Sep to Nov with afternoon shade. Thirsty on sand; add compost, mulch heavily and keep the soil acid and moist through summer. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Subtropical tree killed by hard frost. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Not viable. Subtropical; killed by Canberra frost. Try cherry or blueberry instead. |
| North Queensland | September to February | |
| Darwin & Top End | September to February |
Varieties
- Sabara
Companion planting
Good companions
- Tropical fruit trees
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick when the fruit turns deep purple-black and gives slightly to a gentle squeeze. Pluck straight from the trunk, and harvest over several days as more colour up.
Storage
Fridge for 2 to 3 days only. Make into jam or freeze pulp quickly.