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Best Guide on How To Grow Acai Berries and Why You Should

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Learning how to grow acai berries is the main focus of this article. We will discuss primarily the brief but detailed steps of sowing this amazing fruit.

It is a guide for anyone who will do this for the first time or has zero experience in planting. Needless to say, there are fruits to harvest over time upon successful growth.

How To Grow Acai Berries 1
via Pixabay

I. Introduction to Acai Berries

  • A. Origin
  • B. Climate and Temperature
  • C. Soil

II. Nutrients and Benefits of Acai Berries

  • A. Lower Cholesterol
  • B. Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
  • C. Aid in Weight Loss
  • D. High in Antioxidants
  • E. Supplement Vitamins and Minerals

III. Growing and Caring for Acai Berries

  • A. Planting Process
  • B. Maintenance and Care

IV. Uses of Acai Berries

You must be excited to grow acai berries right from your yard. We cannot blame you if you feel that way. It is definitely fun and thrilling to do something for the first time like fruit planting. Well, be still on your seat and enjoy reading more below.

I. Introduction to Acai Berries

It is very important to know some general insights before you start planting. This way you can be more accurate and confident to execute how to grow acai berries

Acai berries grow from a long, slender tree similar to a coconut and palm tree. It grows to a jaw-dropping 90 feet (1090 inches) in height. It bears fruits once it reaches about 8 feet up to 10 feet tall, which takes about 3 to 5 years.

The fruits are small, round, and dark purple, sometimes black. Dozens of the fruits are clustered together on hair-like branches or stalks that are situated at the base of the tree.

Expect the fruits to be more useful than the leaves, flowers, or branches of the tree. These are typically harvested in July up to December.

A. Origin

The scientific name or botanical term of acai berry is Euterpe Oleracea. It is native South and Central America, most particularly in Brazil. 

B. Climate and Temperature

An acai berry tree thrives well in tropical areas and anywhere with subtropical climates. That means warm temperatures and dry season are most preferred.

It has to be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit or even higher. Don’t worry because you can still sow this fruit tree even if you live in a cooler area.

You may simply start growing using a container or build a greenhouse. Remember that the climate or temperature is one of the basic requirements on how to grow acai berries.

C. Soil

The type of soil is another consideration not to miss beforehand. The United States Department of Agriculture, or more commonly known as USDA, hardiness zone recommended must be 10 or 11.

It survives in acid-rich soil and must be well-drained. The bottom line is that you can easily grow this fruit tree at your home as long as you have the right soil.

II. Nutrients and Benefits of Acai Berries

The idea of harvesting countless fruits alone is exciting. You’d have a great time picking up them one by one and transferring them to your basket.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there as there’s more to get from them when consumed. Below is a list of the different benefits and various nutrients of the fruits of an acai tree.

A. Lower Cholesterol

One excellent reason why you need to learn how to grow acai berries is that they can help lower your cholesterol. A high level of cholesterol is not good as it can cause heart disease and makes you vulnerable to other related illnesses.

B. Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Acai berries are essential for people with diabetes since they can lower blood sugar levels. The same benefit can be applied and enjoyed when taken regularly by healthy people to help regulate blood sugar.

C. Aid in Weight Loss

Add some acai berries to your weight loss regimen, or at least share this with someone who needs it. This can be a piece of exciting news to pass along to your family and friends.

D. High in Antioxidants

One nutrient of this fruit is antioxidants. This is super important in terms of reducing the risk of many serious illnesses.

It can slow down aging, improve cognitive functions, and prevent the production or growth of cancer cells. Thanks to its purple color that provides anthocyanins.

E. Supplement Vitamins and Minerals

Acai berries are an excellent source of fatty acids. There are also vitamin A, calcium, chromium, copper, fiber, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium. Overall, it’s a healthy fruit you should add to your daily diet.

III. Growing and Caring for Acai Berries

How to grow acai berries is just a few steps away! Let’s learn those below.

A. Planting Process

You need acai berry seeds to start the process of growing. Either you buy or get some from someone you know. Seeds are usually expensive because they have a very short shelf life.

  1. Properly clean the seeds and soak them in water for at least 24 hours. In case they have pulps, let them soak for a few more days.
  2. Mix 50% peat and 50% perlite in a pot of acidic soil.
  3. Dig an inch and place the seeds in the mixed pot.
  4. Securely cover the pot with a big plastic bag and place it in a seed-starting heat mat. It needs to get 80 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature.

Let it sit and wait until 30 days up to 2 months once the seeds have started germinating.

  1. Remove the big plastic bag from the pot when sprouting begins.
  2. Place the pot in an area where it gets partial sun. You may keep it indoors on the window or in the greenhouse in fall or winter.
  3. Water the soil regularly and keep doing it until the sprout has reached 2 inches in height.
  4. Transplant the sprouts in another pot that consists of cactus-palm potting mix. This can be placed outdoor with partial shade or indoors with some light.
  5. Water the soil whenever needed and continue doing so until its height becomes 20 inches.
  6. Finally, permanently plant the sprouts on your chosen outdoor spot. Remember the soil must be organic, acidic, and well-drained but moist. Make sure the small palms are planted deep in the soil and 15 feet in between.

B. Maintenace and Care

  1. Keep the soil watered regularly. Avoid over-watering it.
  2. Add some organic fertilizer once or twice a year.
  3. Watch out for any insects, pests, and weeds. Get rid of them. Use natural insecticide and pesticide solutions to keep the plants safe from chemicals that may impact their growth.

The appearance of blooms indicates your most awaited fruits may come out soon. The expected period of harvest is between 3 and 5 years after the initial planting. It usually occurs during July through September as mentioned earlier. As you can see, it’s that simple and easy regarding how to grow acai berries.

IV. Uses of Acai Berries

We have learned the different nutrients of acai berries. This fact makes the fruits important to consume regularly, if not daily. The fruits may taste earthy rather than sweet or a little sour if eaten raw. However, there are various ways on how you can make these berries more interesting to your palate.

A. Puree

Acai berries can be mashed manually or using a blender to make a puree. This is a great dip for meats, salads, or other fruits.

B. Smoothies

Blended acai berries, especially if mixed with other fruits, can provide you refreshing, tasty smoothie to drink on a sunny day.

C. Fruit Bowls

Many commercial establishments offer a bowl of fruits that consist of acai berries. It’s a very simple dessert you can make at home. This is also a great breakfast to serve to kids to keep them healthy.

D. Baked Goodies

You can also prepare some cupcakes or bread with acai berries. This fruit does not only provide an additional delicious flavor but also gives your food a purple color.


Conclusion

The entire procedure to plant and take care of it is relatively effortless. Beginners like you should not feel any stress or face any issue, except for the pests, unfortunately.

But generally, growing an acai berry tree and harvest its fruits are indeed stimulating to do. You can learn to be hands-on, practice patience, and most importantly, feel proud of yourself for doing such a good job.

Aren’t you even more excited to start the process of how to grow acai berries after reading all these facts? Well, if you are that confident, get some seeds and begin the fun!