Follow our article on Jamaican Cherry Tree Care and Growing Information to grow a lush and beautiful specimen in your garden that also grows fruits!
Jamaican Cherry tree is a relatively easy and rapid grower, especially in hot and dry climates. It looks awesome in the garden with its colorful foliage, and also provides tasty fruits! Let’s have a look at Jamaican Cherry Tree Care and Growing Information!
Botanical Name: Muntingia calabura L.
Common Names: Strawberry Tree, Panama Cherry, Panama Berry, Jamaican Cherry, Sabah cherry, Jam tree, Cotton Candy berry, Calabur tree, Calabura, Bajelly tree and Singapore cherry, Capulin, Jamaica Cherry, Ornamental Cherry, Silkwood, and Japanese cherry.
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Jamaican Cherry Tree
Even though the tree bears the word cherry in its name, its fruit isn’t anything like cherry and looks more like cranberry in appearance, with red or yellow, soft, and smooth skin. It tastes musky, similar to fig in flavor.
The Jamaican Cherry trees are a beautiful sight to behold, especially in the spring when they are fully covered in pink or white blossoms. You can prune it down to one trunk and grow it as a specimen tree or grow it as a shrub in a hedge.
Propagating Jamaican Cherry Tree
The tree grows best from seeds. Soak them in water overnight to increase the chances of germination. Also, while sowing, make sure to add a bit of its fruit juice—it will speed up the process. Plant seeds in early spring or the late fall when the ground is soft with higher moisture content.
If you want to save time, then get a well-grown specimen from a nursery and transfer it into your garden.
Growing Requirements of Jamaican Cherry Tree
Location
Pick a location where the tree can get bright light. Initially, you will have to save the young plant from the harsh afternoon sun, but once it is established, the plant will handle it on its own. It will also do well in part shade.
Soil
The tree is not fussy when it comes to soil requirements and will do wonderfully well in regular garden soil. For best growth, however, use a well-draining growing medium with a pH of 5.6-8.5 (acidic to alkaline).
Watering
You have to be a little careful about the watering when the plant is young. Make sure the soil is not completely dry. The best method to follow is to water the plant when the topsoil feels a little dry to the touch.
Also, applying mulch is a great idea to save the roots from extreme heat and cold, and to retain soil moisture.
Taking Care of Jamaican Cherry Trees
Fertilizer
When the plant is young, use any balanced fertilizer, diluted to half of its strength once in 3-4 weeks. You don’t have to worry about feeding the tree once it is established.
Pruning
Prune the tree to keep the growth in check and to give it a nice shape. Trim the dead and diseased leaves and branches from time to time.
Pests and Diseases
Be careful of mealybugs and aphids, both of which can be taken care of using insecticidal soap. Avoid overwatering the plant to keep most of the potential diseases at bay.
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Uses of Jamaican Cherry Tree
Its leaves have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and can be used in teas. The fruit is often eaten raw or frozen and could be used to make jam or pastries. It offers following advantages.
- Reduces Blood Pressure
- Protect against Heart Attacks
- Treats Abdominal Cramps
- Relieves Headaches
- Eases Pain
- Makes Digestive Tract Healthy
- Immunity-boosting Elements
- Controls Blood Sugar levels
- Relieves Inflammation
- Helps to Prevent Cancer
- Treats Gout
