Exotica NZ Plants | Rose Apple – Exotica NZ Plant Enthusiasts

Rose Apple (Syzygium jambos)

The Rose Apple is one of many interesting fruits that, technically, is not an apple. The name Rose Apple can apply to any member of the Syzygium family that bears fruit.

This apple has both an interesting texture as well as a unique flavour. The texture of this fruit is very similar to that of a watermelon. It has a yielding flesh with a high water content making it incredibly juicy.

After you bite into a Rose Apple, you’ll first notice it’s interesting and fruity flavour. The Apple initially has a very sweet taste that has some citrus notes later on.

One thing you’ll notice about the eating experience is the interesting floral flavour that this fruit possesses. You might be able to guess this from its name, but many people say that this tastes like rose!

While this fruit might not be a true apple, it’s still one of the most delicious fruits to bear the name. 

Rose Apples are native to Malaysia. They are one of the many fruits that bears the name apple, but it’s not part of the malus domestica family.

European fruit naming conventions often use the name apple to label any fruit that is close enough in resemblance to the malus domestica. Rose Apple, as a common name, applies to a variety of fruits from the same family.

These fruits are notoriously tricky to grow which makes the Rose Apple tree something of a specialty. 

Small: 6-12 months
Medium: 1-2 years
Large: 2 years +

Plant Care Instructions Doc

Plant Care 

Light

Grow in full sun. Will tolerate semi shaded. 

Water

 Water regularly. Water twice daily during summer season.

Soil

Well-draining, pretty hardy otherwise. Regular mulching will improve plant’s health and growth.

Fertiliser

They don’t require much fertiliser but prefer the liquid type. Grow them like a citrus but with less fertiliser, add well decomposed manure.

Wind

Keep away from strong wind when young.

Frost

Will tolerate light frost when established.

Fruiting

3+ years. Self-pollinator but produce best tasting fruit with 2 or more trees together. Single tree will still produce a beautiful tasting fruit.