The Jamaican allspice tree (Pimenta dioica) is an evergreen that grows well in frost-free areas within United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 through 11. In southern areas of zone 9, the tree will survive with winter protection. The spice allspice comes from crushing the unripe fruits. The tree grows slowly, reaching a mature height of up to 40 feet. It has grayish-white, peeling bark and its fragrant foliage is large and leathery. Clusters of small, white flowers bloom in early summer, followed by brownish, berrylike fruits. It works well as a specimen, in hedges or grown in containers.
Instructions
1. Clean a 3-foot in diameter area having well draining soil and located in full sun, free of grass and weeds, as Jamaican allspice trees prefer growing in sunny locations. Remove the unwanted growth by hand, or use an all-purpose herbicide to kill the vegetation. Plant the tree in soil that drains well, or it can develop root rot and possibly die.
2. Plant the Jamaican allspice tree in the warmest area of your landscape, if you live in USDA hardiness zone 9B. The tree suffers damage at 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and areas within this zone occasionally experience frosty weather. Situate the tree on the southern or western side of your house, as those areas are the warmest.
3. Amend the planting site with organic materials such as manure or compost. Dig it down into the soil, working it into the planting site approximately 8 inches. Jamaican allspice tree performs best in rich soils.
4. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide and deep as the Jamaican allspice tree's root ball. Backfill the hole with enough soil to plant the tree at the same depth it is growing inside its container. The tree's roots have an easier time growing through loosened soil.
5. Remove the tree from its container and gently loosen any wrapping roots, pulling them away from one another. Situate the tree inside the hole and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the tree's trunk by lightly stepping over the area with your foot.
6. Water the tree after planting, saturating the roots, and continue watering twice each week for two to three months. Once the Jamaican allspice tree is established, water it weekly. The tree is drought-tolerant once established, but will look and perform best given regular water applications.
7. Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the planting site, not letting it butt against the trunk. The mulch helps retain the soil's moisture and cuts down on weed growth.
8. Spread a fresh bag of manure over the planting site each spring. Fertilize the tree during the growing season using a blend specific to tropical fruit trees. Apply according to the package instructions.
9. Prune the Jamaican allspice tree only to remove dead or broken branches, using loppers or pruning shears. The tree's smallish size requires very little pruning.
10. Treat pests or diseases infecting the tree with an insecticide or fungicide safe for use on Jamaican allspice trees. Apply the product according to label instructions.
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