🌳 Apple Cherry Plant – Growing & Care Guide

Apple Cherry (often called Barbados Cherry or Acerola in tropical regions) is a small fruit plant known for its bright red cherry-like fruits and extremely high Vitamin C content. It is suitable for home gardens and warm-climate cultivation.

Botanical name (commonly grown tropical type): Malpighia emarginata

🌱 Growing Instructions

Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.

Temperature: Ideal range 20°C–35°C.

Soil: Well-drained sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. Slightly acidic soil preferred.

Sunlight: Requires full sunlight (6–8 hours daily) for heavy fruiting.

Planting Distance: 3–4 meters apart.

Watering: Moderate and regular watering. Avoid waterlogging.

Best Planting Time: February–March or July–September.

Fruiting Time: Begins fruiting in 1–2 years (grafted plants fruit earlier).

🌿 Care Instructions

Fertilizer: Apply organic compost twice yearly. Add balanced NPK before flowering.

Pruning: Light pruning after harvest to maintain bushy growth.

Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest Control: Watch for aphids and fruit flies. Neem oil spray works well.

Weeding: Keep base area clean for healthy growth.

🍒 Uses of Apple Cherry

Eaten fresh as table fruit

Used in juices, syrups, jams, and health supplements

Extremely rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants

Boosts immunity and supports skin health

Suitable for terrace gardening and small spaces