How to Grow Barbados Cherry as a Hedge

Grow Barbados cherries in full sun to yield the most fruit. They tolerate most soil conditions, provided the soil drains water well. They do, though, prefer soil that has a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. It's also beneficial to work in 10 to 20 lbs. of organic matter such as compost into each planting hole at planting time.

Plant Barbados cherries from small nursery shrubs. Space them approximately 12 to 15 feet apart to grow them as a hedge. They typically spread 15 to 20 feet when planted as specimen trees. Planting Barbados cherries closer together gives you quicker coverage if you are growing them as a hedge.

Mulch around the Barbados cherries to help conserve soil moisture, control weeds and protect the shrubs against some insects. Straw, grass clippings and leaves work well as mulch for Barbados cherries. You can also purchase mulch from a garden supply store.

Water Barbados cherries during active growth when your area is experience droughtlike conditions. In addition, they especially need water the first year after planting and when they are flowering and producing fruit. About 1 inch of water per week will suffice.

Test your soil for nutrients at a lab or county extension office. The lab will indicate a good fertilization program for your Barbados cherries. In general, though, fertilize Barbados cherries using a citrus fertilizer. Apply only 1/4 lb. per plant every other month during active growth the first year. In subsequent years, increase fertilizing by an additional 1/4 lb. each year until year 10. Then from year 10 and on, apply 2 1/2 lbs. of citrus fertilizer per plant every other month. If your Barbados cherries grow lots of green growth but little fruit, you are fertilizing them too much.

Prune Barbados cherries in the fall after fruiting. Prune just above the nodes or parent branches with sharp, clean lopping or pruning shears. Prune to form the shape of hedge that you prefer.