🍒 Surinam Cherry (Pitanga) – Aromatic Tropical Fruit and Heavy Producer

10" Pot (24–48")

Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora), also known as Pitanga, is a tropical fruit tree prized for its beautiful ribbed fruits that ripen from bright red to deep crimson. The flavor is often described as a unique blend of cherry, apricot, mango, and citrus, with an intense tropical aroma.

Popular throughout South America, this vigorous shrub is an excellent choice for container growing, greenhouses, sunrooms, or patios. Its glossy evergreen foliage and attractive copper-colored new growth make it as ornamental as it is productive.

Highlights

• Unique tropical flavor with notes of cherry, tropical fruit, and citrus.
• Heavy producer when grown in full sun.
• Highly ornamental with glossy foliage and colorful new growth.
• Excellent container plant for greenhouses and patios.
• Self-fertile and generally easy to grow.

Growing Conditions (Containers/Greenhouse)

• Light: Full sun to very bright light.
• Temperature: Ideally 65–95°F (18–35°C); protect from frost.
• Water: Water regularly while avoiding waterlogged soil.
• Soil: Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic growing mix.
• Pruning: Responds well to pruning and can be kept compact in containers.
• Pollination: Generally self-fertile.

Harvest & Uses

• Harvest: Pick when fruits are deep red and slightly soft to the touch.
• Enjoy: Fresh, in juices, jams, jellies, desserts, and preserves.

Tip: The more sunlight the plant receives, the better the fruit color, aroma, and sweetness will be.