Growing Guide: Sea Grapes

Plant Type:	Perennial Evergreen Shrub/Small Tree
Harvest Season:	Late Summer to Fall
Mature Size:	6-25 feet tall, 6-15 feet wide
Soil & Moisture:	Well-draining, sandy soil; drought-tolerant once established
Light Requirements:	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Growth Rate:	Moderate
Self-fertile:	Yes, but we recommend growing at least two or more plants for an increased chance of fruit production.
Zone Hardiness:	Outdoors 9-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+; Grown as a container plant in cooler zones
Propagation:	Grown from seeds; fruit production begins within 3-4 years.

Climate: Sea Grape thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It’s highly salt-tolerant, making it ideal for coastal environments, and can tolerate occasional frost in milder climates.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil but can adapt to a variety of soil types as long as the drainage is good. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and can grow in nutrient-poor soils.

Location: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Sea Grape tolerates partial shade but thrives in full sun.
Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil and, if necessary, mix in compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage, especially if planting away from sandy coastal areas.
Planting Time: Plant in the spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and consistent.
Spacing: Space plants 10-15 feet apart if growing multiple Sea Grapes to allow room for their spreading growth habit.

Low Water Needs: Water regularly during the first year to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, Sea Grape is highly drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

Full Sun to Partial Shade: Sea Grape grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly. Sea Grape typically thrives in nutrient-poor soils, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring to boost growth in non-coastal environments.

Low Maintenance: Sea Grape requires minimal pruning. Prune to shape the plant in late winter or early spring. It can be trimmed to maintain a shrub-like form or allowed to grow into a small tree. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.
Windbreak or Privacy Screen: Sea Grape is often planted as a windbreak or privacy hedge due to its dense growth habit.

Common Pests: Sea Grape is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally attract mealybugs, scale, or caterpillars. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
Diseases: The plant is generally disease-resistant but may develop leaf spot or root rot in overly wet conditions. Ensure good drainage to avoid fungal issues.

When to Harvest:

Sea Grape fruits ripen in late summer to early fall. Harvest when the fruit turns a deep purple and is slightly soft to the touch. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used to make preserves.

How to Use:

Sea Grapes are often used to make jams, jellies, or wine. The fruit has a mildly sweet, grape-like flavor and is delicious when eaten fresh or added to desserts and beverages.