How to Grow & Care for Jacaranda Trees

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Use this complete guide to watch jacarandas bloom
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The jacaranda ( Jacaranda mimosifolia ) is a large tree native to Brazil and commonly grows throughout the southern United States, Australia, and other warm, humid climates. While growing a tree in your backyard may seem intimidating, jacarandas are a beginner-friendly option. We'll explain everything you need to know to cultivate a beautiful, blooming tree, from propagating and planting to how to care for your tree and deal with pests and other common issues.

Planting Jacaranda Trees

Plant an established jacaranda or seedling in a spacious area that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Opt for rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6-7.5 to prevent rot. Water the tree weekly during the summer and once a month during the winter. Expect a jacaranda to bloom in 7 to 14 years—but it's worth the wait!

Section 1 of 6:

Sowing or Propagating Jacarandas

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  1. Whether you purchased or harvested seeds from an established jacaranda, take a dry seed and soak it in water for 24 hours. This will help speed up the germination process. [1] Afterward, place the seed on a bed of potting soil in a container. Cover the seed with thin, well-draining soil and keep it moist. Wait 2 to 8 weeks for seeds to sprout. [2]
    • Wait 8 months before transplanting the seedling outside or into a larger container. [3]
  2. If you know a friend or relative with a jacaranda tree, ask for a cutting of their tree. Use a pair of sterilized, sharp shears and select a healthy brand with at least three buds. Cut a 15 in (38 cm) segment at an angle just above a leaf node to encourage growth. Place the jacaranda cutting in water so only the bottom is submerged. Roots take 2 to 3 weeks to appear when left in a warm area with indirect sunlight. [4]
    • Spring is the ideal time of year for propagation.
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  3. If you live in a temperate or warm climate, get a jacaranda seedling from a local plant nursery or major retailer. [5]
    • Jacaranda trees grow best in zone 10 on the hardiness scale. However, they can also survive in cooler areas—even regions with light frosts. [6]
    • You may find jacaranda seedlings around the base of mature trees. If you can safely and legally dig up a seedling, you can transplant it into a container to grow your own. [7]
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Section 2 of 6:

Planting a Jacaranda Tree

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  1. Jacarandas can grow 25 to 50 ft (7.6 to 15.2 m) tall and 15 to 30 ft (4.6 to 9.1 m) wide. [8] Plant them in an area that receives direct sunlight for most of the year. [9] Plant the tree at least 15 ft (4.6 m) away from any nearby buildings, and avoid planting seedlings in the shade of other, larger trees.
    • If you plant the jacaranda in a crowded space (e.g., under a patio or between narrow walls), it will not grow to its full size and may wither and become unhealthy.
  2. Jacaranda roots will suffer if they're not well-drained and require fertile, rich soil to provide them with plenty of nutrients. [10] Opt for sandy soil with a slightly acidic pH level (6-7.5). [11] However, you can also use well-draining clay or loam soils .
    • Look for limestone or perlite ingredients in your soil. [12]
    • If you're growing your jacaranda directly into the ground, look for a patch of soil that isn't prone to having puddles or other plants.
  3. Jacarandas only require water when the top 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of the soil feels dry. Use your finger to inspect the soil. If it feels dry, pour a cup of water into the soil. If the soil is already moist, wait 7 to 9 days before checking it again. [13]
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Section 3 of 6:

How to Care for a Jacaranda Tree

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  1. Healthy jacaranda trees grow quickly but will wilt and possibly die without sufficient water. Use your finger to test the soil—if the top 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of soil feels dry, it's time to water it. Soak the soil until it is moist at a depth of 15 to 20 in (38 to 51 cm). Generally, you'll want to water the tree once a week in the spring, summer, and fall. [14]
    • During the cooler winter months when the tree is dormant, water it once a month.
  2. To help the tree conserve water and keep the water from evaporating directly from the soil, set mulch around the tree's base. To achieve the best effect, lay the mulch about 2 in (5.1 cm) thick. [15]
  3. Adding fertilizer to your tree is a great way to increase its resistance to injury from diseases and insects. [16] Jacarandas prefer organic fertilizers containing either composted manure, bone meal, or blood meal. Use a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-20-10 to promote sturdy, deep root systems. For mature trees, use an N-P-K ratio of 12-10-10 for leaf development and energy production. [17]
    • For young trees, use 1 lb (450 g) of fertilizer per 1 inch (2.5 cm) of trunk diameter twice a year during the spring or late summer.
    • For mature trees, use 1.5 lb (680 g) per 1 inch (2.5 cm) of trunk diameter twice a year during early spring and mid-summer.
    • N-P-K stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). [18]
  4. The branches of a jacaranda tree grow vertically and expand outward in all directions. Let the branches grow on their own; if you trim shoots or prune branches, you may permanently stunt the tree's growth. Whenever a jacaranda branch is pruned, it sends out vertical shoots, and so continual pruning will lead to an unnaturally tall and misshapen tree. [19]
    • A jacaranda will grow into a roughly umbrella-shaped tree if left undisturbed.
  5. While a jacaranda’s brightly-colored flowers are beautiful, they have a pungent and foul smell when they start to decompose. They can also produce slime on your sidewalk and yards. So, to avoid a mess, rake up the flowers regularly. [20]
    • Avoid planting a jacaranda tree in a position where its branches will arch over a swimming pool. When the flowers fall in autumn, they will blanket the surface of the pool and can clog the water filter. [21]
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Section 4 of 6:

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Jacaranda Trees

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  1. Although jacaranda trees are strong, they're not immune to pests like aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and sharpshooters. These pests can leave behind sticky residues and mold and drain vitality from the tree. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny bugs or webbing. Spray insecticidal soap or horticultural oil on the leaves to treat them. [22]
    • Use more potent chemicals or seek professional assistance if your tree is heavily infested. [23]
  2. If your jacaranda's luscious green leaves or purple flowers turn yellow, this is a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. To remedy this issue, reduce watering. Wait until the top 3 or 4 in (7.6 or 10.2 cm) are dry before watering again. Improve drainage by using raised soil beds or installing subsurface tile drains or vertical drains. [24]
  3. If you notice circular brown spots on the jacaranda's leaves, this indicates a fungal issue. Irregular shapes can indicate environmental stress, while yellow halos signify bacterial infection. Prune the affected leaves with sterilized shears to get rid of potential disease. [25]
  4. Overwatering or underwatering can cause a jacaranda's leaves to drop. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. If the soil is soggy, add an absorbent layer, like compost, to help aerate the soil. Additionally, if you've recently transplanted your tree, it could be shocked. Give the tree shade if this is the cause. [26]
  5. While jacarandas grow quickly, it can take 7 to 14 years before their flowers bloom. [27] However, if a mature jacaranda still isn't blooming, this could result from insufficient light, improper pruning, or nutrient imbalance. Ensure the tree gets full sunlight for at least 6 hours daily and increase your fertilizer's phosphorus intake. [28]
    • If you need to prune a diseased branch, do so during early spring to help the tree heal faster. [29]
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Section 5 of 6:

Characteristics of a Jacaranda Tree

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  1. Jacarandas can only thrive in subtropical to tropical areas like Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil and select US locations like Hawaii, Southern California, Florida, and parts of Texas. They are mid-size trees known for their vibrant spring colors and purple or blue flowers. [30] Jacaranda bark is a thin, grayish-brown color that forms scales as it ages. These trees can live for as long as 200 years but average around 50. [31]
    • Common varieties of jacarandas include Blue Jacaranda, Alba or White Christmas, Maroon, Bonsai Blue (shrub), Boxwood, Jacaranda Cuspidifolia (fern), and Yellow Jacaranda. [32]
    • Jacarandas can grow from small shrubs to large trees. Blue Jacarandas are the most common variety; Boxwoods share the same appearance but are smaller. [33]
    • Generally, Jacarandas take on a vibrant purple with a blue hue. However, Maroon or Purple varieties lack the blue hue. [34]
Section 6 of 6:

Can you grow jacarandas in a pot?

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  1. If you want to enjoy the beautiful jacaranda without a blooming mess, you can! Transplant it into a pot two to three sizes larger than the pot you bought it in and use a sandy loam potting mix. Repot your tree every year into a slightly larger container. [35] Place it in an area of your home or a greenhouse with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer 2 to 3 times a year during early spring, midsummer, and fall. [36]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is 16-16-16 a good fertilizer for a jacaranda tree? If its leaves turn yellow in the spring, is it due to too much or too little water?
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    If the leaves turn yellow in the spring, it is likely too much water. You can add sand to the dirt to avoid this problem. 16-16-16 can be used for jacaranda, but the best is organic fertilizer.
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  • Question
    How long does it take a jacaranda tree to bloom?
    Community Answer
    Mine started blooming a few blooms during its 3rd or 4th year, but only a few blooms in the May/June time frame. But I bought mine from a nursery, and it might have been a grafted tree. If grown from seed, they will slower to bloom than one that has been grafted. Mine was grown in zone 9b, in full sun.
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  • Question
    Can jacaranda trees survive as potted plants?
    Community Answer
    These trees are routinely grown as desktop bonsai trees that bloom. With proper pruning and care, they will bloom in pots. Just make sure the container is large enough if you want to grow it normally (not bonsai).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • If you grow a jacaranda from seeds, be aware that the tree will take longer to flower. The eventual flowers will also vary more in color than the flowers from a tree bought as a seedling. [37]
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      • In general, jacaranda trees planted from cuttings will take between 5 and 7 years to begin flowering. [38]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://greg.app/propagate-jacaranda/
      2. ↑ https://lawn.com.au/how-to-grow-a-jacaranda-tree/
      3. ↑ https://lawn.com.au/how-to-grow-a-jacaranda-tree/
      4. ↑ https://greg.app/propagate-jacaranda/
      5. ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
      6. ↑ https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/jacaranda-tree.html
      7. ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
      8. ↑ https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/jacaranda-tree.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
      1. ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
      2. ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
      3. ↑ https://greg.app/jacaranda-soil/
      4. ↑ https://greg.app/plant-care/jacaranda-mimosifolia-jacaranda
      5. ↑ https://greg.app/how-often-to-water-jacaranda/
      6. ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
      7. ↑ https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/fertilizing/
      8. ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
      9. ↑ https://www.pennington.com/all-products/fertilizer/resources/understanding-fertilizer-labels
      10. ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
      11. ↑ http://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/jacaranda-tree.html
      12. ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
      13. ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
      14. ↑ https://greg.app/jacaranda-problems/
      15. ↑ https://landscape-water-conservation.extension.org/practices-to-improve-drainage/
      16. ↑ https://greg.app/brown-spots-on-jacaranda-leaves/
      17. ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
      18. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/news/jacaranda-trees-blooming/
      19. ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
      20. ↑ https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-fertilize-a-jacaranda-tree/
      21. ↑ https://www.epicgardening.com/earth-day-trees/
      22. ↑ https://8billiontrees.com/trees/jacaranda-tree/
      23. ↑ https://www.embracegardening.com/different-types-of-jacaranda-trees/
      24. ↑ https://8billiontrees.com/trees/jacaranda-tree/
      25. ↑ https://8billiontrees.com/trees/jacaranda-tree/
      26. ↑ ​​ https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/jacaranda/growing-guide
      27. ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/jacaranda/potted-jacaranda-trees.htm
      28. ↑ https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/in-the-garden/flowering-plants-shrubs/jacarandas-trees/
      29. ↑ http://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/jacaranda-tree.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To grow a jacaranda tree, you’ll need a seedling, soil mix, and a sunny spot with plenty of room to grow. You can usually find jacarandas at your local nursery. Alternatively, large retailers like Walmart or Home Depot often sell jacarandas. You'll also want to find a clear spot of land that is at least 15 feet away from other trees, since jacarandas grow quite tall. After planting your jacaranda, surround it with some rich soil mixture to help it grow. Then, water it about once a week in the summer months and once a month in the winter months. To learn how to maintain your new jacaranda tree, read more from our Gardening co-author!

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