Pitomba

[StelaG]

We picked up a Pitomba today in a trade.  Can anyone tell me how long before we can expect it to flower?  Originally from Pine Island but I am unsure if the nursery or just the general location. 🤔 

[Kevin Jones]

Mine were around 3 years old when they started blooming.
Looks like you're off to a good start...

Kevin

[K-Rimes]

Mine are that size, and presumably from Pine Island. They flowered this year already and had flowers last year when I picked them up.

[Kevin Jones]

Mine are budding-up right now...

Kevin

[StelaG]

Thanks guys, I will be up potting soon.  Hoping to see some flowers but this one hasn't flowered yet. 

[K-Rimes]

My experience is they kind of take a break from flowering or get stressed out of setting if you up pot. Had that experience last year. Had flowers and buds on it, up potted, they all fell off. Maybe wait till post flowering time before you do so?

[StelaG]

Ok thanks, I will wait to see if it sets some flowers. 

[Dirt Diva]

Hi Stela,
Yours is peeling, and that is a good sign that flowers will be coming soon. I bought my pitomba with fruit on it, so not sure how long you will have to wait. Have also been told that the fruit improves as the tree matures, so don't get discouraged if the 1st fruits are not too tasty ... mine are delicious!

Happy Gardening!
P J, the Dirt Diva

[Chandramohan]

What sort of Ph does Pitomba need? And what is the best fertiliser?

[Rex Begonias]

I’ve only been getting 1-5 fruit/ year for last couple years, it fruited after 2 years in ground and was a medium sized 3gal pot tree at planting. 

Unfortunately, I’ve yet to try the fruit, but birds and/or squirrels have. 

Will love to hear if anyone has tips to get these things to go off.  Mine is full sun and sometimes I wonder if it wouldn’t have been happier in part shade.  Zone 10a, FL.

[K-Rimes]

I’ve only been getting 1-5 fruit/ year for last couple years, it fruited after 2 years in ground and was a medium sized 3gal pot tree at planting. 

Unfortunately, I’ve yet to try the fruit, but birds and/or squirrels have. 

Will love to hear if anyone has tips to get these things to go off.  Mine is full sun and sometimes I wonder if it wouldn’t have been happier in part shade.  Zone 10a, FL.

I have mine in full sun. Seems happiest there. I recommend using jewelry bags for fruit you want to try but keeps getting hit by birds. Works perfect. Don't know how it'll hold up for a determined squirrel.

[Rex Begonias]

I’ve only been getting 1-5 fruit/ year for last couple years, it fruited after 2 years in ground and was a medium sized 3gal pot tree at planting. 

Unfortunately, I’ve yet to try the fruit, but birds and/or squirrels have. 

Will love to hear if anyone has tips to get these things to go off.  Mine is full sun and sometimes I wonder if it wouldn’t have been happier in part shade.  Zone 10a, FL.

I have mine in full sun. Seems happiest there. I recommend using jewelry bags for fruit you want to try but keeps getting hit by birds. Works perfect. Don't know how it'll hold up for a determined squirrel.

For sure, I’m going to protect at least a few next time so I can try it. 


Next to nothing stops a determined squirrel, but I feel like they have so many options they tend to let stuff be if I make it too much work.  I’ve seen chewed bags and container pics posted tho, so I’m sure I could be had by a squirrel who really had sights set on a pitomba. 

[JF Paso]

My experience is that adequate watering from flowering to harvest is key to producing and holding fruit.  This bush/tree can sulk when it doesn't get enough water. I have it planted on the north side of the house, mulched and use osmocote since it gets regular watering.  This year it was covered with so much fruit that neither the birds or squirrels could dent it.  Not sure if the cold snaps contributed to the heavy fruit production.