by Kim Brockman

Created on: January 17, 2011

If you’ve ever been tempted by the reported benefits of Acai (ah-sigh-EE) berries but discouraged by their price, the solution may be to grow your own.
 
Growing Acai trees is a matter of providing the right conditions.  If you have the room and environment for a palm tree, you can grow the tree that produces Acai berries.  Be aware, however, that it will be four years before harvest!

 
What are Acai Berries?

Acai berries are known as one of the world’s healthiest foods.  Rich in antioxidants, they also contain vital phytochemicals and polyphenols.  Because these ingredients help cleanse the blood of free radicals and other toxins, they are becoming known as a great source of natural weight loss assistance.  They also have significant anti-aging effects.

Acai berries grow on a particular palm tree that is native to the subtropical regions of Central and South America.  They live in the rain forest and reach 100 feet in height.  This can be modified, though, and you’ll really only have to plan for a maximum of 10 feet in height for healthy, producing Acai trees.

Steps to Growing Acai

If you can’t find Acai seeds locally you can probably find them online.  Once you’ve obtained your Acai seeds or seedlings, all you need is nutrient-rich and preferably organic soil.  Follow these steps and you’ll have a seed-producing plant in three to five years.

Environment is the first concern.  Acai trees grow in Central and South America and thrive in high humidity and temperatures primarily around 70 and never below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  If you live in such a climate, plant outdoors.  In areas where frost is expected, you’ll probably need a greenhouse in order to keep the humidity high enough for the Acai tree.  Growing in a container will naturally limit its height.

Second is seed germination.  When you bring your seeds home or receive them in the mail, soak them in warm water for a couple days.  Then move them to wet soil and keep them in a warm area.  Cover sprouts to maintain humidity and temperature.  You may need to provide an added heat source indoors which could be as simple as a desk lamp.  If all is proceeding normally you’ll see red spikes in two weeks and leaves within a few weeks.

Your third task is to move them to their final home.  Whether this is outdoors or in a greenhouse remember your Acai tree requires low light

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