Traditional sweet and sour cherry varieties, belonging to the Prunus species, do not generally flourish in Florida’s warm environment. These deciduous trees require cold winters that the state, particularly central and southern regions, cannot provide. However, the desire for cherry-like fruit or ornamental blossoms can be met by exploring specific low-chill cultivars and tropical alternatives suited to the subtropical climate.
The Climate Challenge: Understanding Chill Hours
The primary obstacle for growing traditional cherries in Florida is the concept of “chill hours,” a biological necessity for many temperate fruit trees. A chill hour is defined as a period when the air temperature surrounding the dormant plant falls between 32°F and 45°F (0°C and 7°C). The accumulation of these cold hours signals the tree to break dormancy and initiate the development of flowers and fruit buds in the spring.
Traditional sweet cherries often require 700 to 800 chill hours, while sour cherries may need over 1,200 hours for a reliable harvest. North Florida typically averages 500 to 700 chill hours yearly. Central and South Florida experience significantly fewer, often less than 200 hours, making high-chill Prunus cultivation impossible. Insufficient chilling leads to poor bud development, uneven flowering, and ultimately, low fruit yield.
Low-Chill Cherry Varieties for Florida
Florida gardeners turn to tropical and subtropical plants that produce cherry-like fruit or offer a similar ornamental appearance. The most viable alternatives are low-chill fruit bearers that do not rely on a cold dormancy period. These plants thrive in the state’s mild winters and high humidity.
The Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata), also known as Acerola, is a tropical shrub or small tree well-adapted to Florida’s climate, requiring no chill hours. It is valued for its bright red, tart fruit that is exceptionally high in Vitamin C and is a popular choice for home landscapes in USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11. This plant typically grows 8 to 15 feet tall and produces small, pink flowers multiple times a year, followed by the fruit.
Another option is the Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora), an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Brazil. The plant is often used for hedges and produces distinctively ribbed, edible red berries. However, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) lists the Surinam Cherry as a Category I invasive species for central and south Florida.
For those seeking a spring floral display, the Taiwan Cherry (Prunus campanulata) is an ornamental alternative that is more heat-tolerant than other cherry species. This deciduous tree is best suited for North and Central Florida. It is known for its stunning clusters of deep pink, bell-shaped flowers that appear on bare branches in late winter.
Cultivation and Maintenance for Success
Successful cultivation of these low-chill alternatives requires attention to specific environmental needs tailored to Florida’s conditions. The Barbados Cherry requires a planting site that receives full sun for maximum flowering and fruit production. It performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Florida’s sandy soils often benefit from the incorporation of organic matter, like compost or pine bark, to improve both structure and water retention. While the Barbados Cherry is relatively low-maintenance once established, young trees need consistent watering during dry periods to develop a strong root system. The species is not cold-hardy, and temperatures below 30°F may damage it, requiring protection for young plants in colder areas.
Fertilization should be done with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 N-P-K ratio, during the active growing season. Pruning is beneficial for both the Barbados and Surinam Cherries, helping to shape the plant and remove dead or crowded branches to improve air circulation. Good air circulation is a proactive measure against common Florida issues such as fungal diseases and pests like scale and whiteflies.