Sea grape
Coccoloba uvifera · Polygonaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around sea grape and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Seaside grape
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, leathery and ornamental
- Flowering
- Spring to summer, cream-white flowers in clusters
- Fruits
- Red drupes turning purple, edible
- Adult size
- 6 to 12 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Tender, tropical to subtropical climate (min. 5°C)
- Origin
- Caribbean and Central America
Care
Exposure and climate
Your seaside grape thrives in full sun and tolerates coastal spray and wind very well. In temperate zones, grow it in a pot to bring indoors in winter or place it in a conservatory. It appreciates warmth and dreads temperatures below 5°C.
Soil and drainage
Plant your seaside grape in well-draining soil, preferably sandy or mixed with leaf mould. It adapts to poor soils and tolerates salinity, making it ideal for coastal regions. Avoid waterlogging.
Watering
During the growing season (spring-summer), keep the soil slightly moist. In autumn-winter, space out waterings and allow it to dry between applications. In a pot, pay particular attention to drainage.
Fertiliser and nutrition
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and summer, roughly every 15 days. Choose a formulation low in chloride to respect its coastal habitat. Potassium will promote fruiting.
Pruning and training
Pruning is only necessary to limit growth or remove dead branches. Prune after fruiting (late summer-autumn) to preserve the ornamental fruits and encourage branching.
Pests and diseases
Indoors, watch out for mealybugs and spider mites, especially in dry air. Outdoors, it is generally robust. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
The seaside grape owes its name to the clusters of small purple fruits that resemble grapes. Traditionally used in the Caribbean for its medicinal properties and edible fruits with a sweet flavour, this tree also symbolises coastal resilience: its deep roots and thick foliage make it capable of withstanding storms and the salinity of sea spray.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.