Jaboticaba fruit trees in California: will they make it?

The challenges of growing tropical fruit trees like Jaboticaba in a dry hot climate of Southern California. Please write some tips in the comments if you have more experience with Jaboticabas in other regions/countries.

[@edibletropicaltrees]

I have 9 varieties of Jaboticaba trees growing in Mesa Arizona in the desert. I use the water draining off the air-conditioning unit to water them with. Also I put gypsum around the base of the trees. Gypsum has sulphur in it that lowers the pH of the soil and softens the soil.

[@thetreefather86]

Thanks for the tip Mel. Good to understand what works for others.

[@rarefruit2320]

That A/C water is 👍

[@rprimbs]

We've got a good sized jaboticaba here Escondido. It is an a location with VERY slow drainage -- and it seems to love it. We've been getting fruit since spring. It just keeps fruiting and fruiting. It's about eight years old, and about eight feet tall. The kids are starting to really like the fruit.

[@thetreefather86]

Thanks for the feedback Richard. Good to know someone near by has success with this fruit. I'm well aware of the challenges, but perhaps in a few years it will do a bit better. I'll relocate it if it doesn't do well

[@crunchycrispybacon]

It goes by fast. I bought mine as a seedling in 2016 and got my first fruit in 2021. I’ve kept it in pots hooked up to the automatic irrigation. Not gonna lie, The fruit is somewhat disappointing but the tree itself is beautiful. It’s similar to a crepe myrtle.

[@JoseReyes-xs3js]

Your jaboticaba looks good some jaboticabas have really small leaves i think i have the same variety u have i bought a Bonsai jaboticaba a while back but forgot the scientific name i live in California san diego i have several jaboticaba a couple red yellow and the regular one .i got a escarlet to they say it can fruit in 3 years since the others varieties can take up to 10 years i know a lady where i live and hers took 20 years to fruit .

[@thetreefather86]

Thanks for the input Jose. I wish you all the best. I'm still waiting for fruit. I believe I have the "Sabra" variety. The other one (smaller) Paulista didn't make it.

[@oldmanfigs]

Fertilization, irrigation,light pruning,and mulch. 🌳 Will give you fruit sooner

[@thetreefather86]

we're doing all that, but It needs a more tropical/wet environment.

[@planetgreener3311]

I used to have three palm trees, and I felt nothing grew near them. Their roots extend quite far, and I have down the trees. The roots are still there, but I can grow new trees..