Allspice (Pimenta dioica) is an evergreen spice tree whose dried berries taste of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, and whose aromatic leaves are used in Caribbean cooking. (Pimenta dioica)
Shop this plant: Allspice Tree – 3 Gal
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day, for the best flowering and fruit.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential.
- Watering: Water new plants 2-3 times a week for the first month, then weekly through the first year.
Sun
Full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day, for the best flowering and fruit.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential. South Florida's sandy and limestone soils work well if water never stands; plant on a slight mound in low areas and mix in compost at planting.
Watering
Water new plants 2-3 times a week for the first month, then weekly through the first year. Established trees need deep watering during dry spells, especially while flowering and setting fruit.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Young trees: a balanced fertilizer with minor elements (such as 6-6-6 or 8-3-9) every 6-8 weeks from March through September, starting small and increasing as the tree grows. Mature trees: 2-3 applications a year (spring, early summer, late summer). Skip fertilizer from November through February. On alkaline South Florida soil, add chelated iron and manganese if new leaves are pale with green veins.
Pruning
Prune lightly after harvest to shape the tree, remove dead and crossing branches, and keep it at a pickable height.
Cold Protection
Mature trees handle brief dips to about 28°F; protect young trees.
Container vs. In-Ground
Adapts well to a 15-25 gallon container with pruning.
Spacing
Plant 15-20 ft from other trees and at least 10 ft from buildings.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Seedling trees may take 5-8 years to fruit. Leaves can be harvested any time.
Harvest
Pick berries when full size but still green, then dry in the sun until brown. Pick leaves as needed.
Common Pests and Diseases
Start with organic, low-impact fixes: good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit and leaves, and soaps or oils before anything stronger. Always follow label directions.
Scale and mealybugs
How to identify: Small bumps or white cottony clusters on stems and leaf undersides, often with sticky honeydew and black sooty mold.
Organic-first treatment: Prune heavily infested twigs, spray horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and control the ants that farm them.
Anthracnose and leaf spot
How to identify: Dark sunken spots on leaves and fruit, worse in rainy weather.
Organic-first treatment: Prune for airflow, clean up fallen leaves and fruit, and use copper fungicide during wet periods if needed.
Fruit flies
How to identify: Small punctures in ripening fruit that turn soft and rot from inside.
Organic-first treatment: Harvest on time, pick up dropped fruit daily, and bag developing fruit with mesh or paper bags.
Root rot
How to identify: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, dark mushy roots.
Organic-first treatment: Prevention is the cure: plant high in fast-draining soil, never let water stand, and cut back watering in cool months.
FAQ
Why isn't my allspice fruiting? Trees are male or female; plant several to ensure fruit. Leaves are useful either way.
Can I use the leaves? Yes, like bay leaves.
Related Reading
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree More Than None
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes (and How to Protect Tender Ones)
- Which Fruit Trees Are the Lowest Maintenance in South Florida?
Ready to grow your own? Get the Allspice here.
