Star Cherry Tree

Get delicious cherries of your own with our Surinam (Pitanga) Cherry Trees!

1. Planting: For your Surinam, select a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day for best results. Also, select an area with well-drained soil. When you're ready to plant, dig a hole that's three times the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place your tree, backfill the soil, tamp down, and water to settle the roots. Spread a layer of mulch around the surrounding soil to preserve moisture, and plant at least 4 feet away from other trees to allow ample space.

If you're outside of warmer zones, plant your Surinam in a container to bring indoors during the winter. Ideally, the pot should measure at least 18 to 24 inches in diameter and have sides that stand at least 20 inches in height. The pot should have drainage holes at the base so water can free flow away from the tree’s roots.

Note: This product grows best in well-draining soil. When you receive your plant, you may notice small, white beads or rocks in the soil - this medium is added to increase drainage and keep your plant happy and healthy! 

2. Watering: Lightly water the Surinam cherry tree so the soil feels moist to the touch. Do not water the tree again until the top two inches of soil has dried completely out. Generally, the tree thrives with a once-a-week watering schedule. In tropical areas with frequent rain showers, the tree only needs infrequent supplemental water.

3. Pruning: The Surinam should be pruned immediately after flowering if shaping is desired. Avoid removing more than a third of the tree’s limbs each season. Diseased or damaged limbs need to be immediately removed.

4. Fertilizing: Use a water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to encourage fruit production. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for application ratios.