Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Pitch Apple is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Low water requirements once established. Water 2x per week for first year; reduce to 1x per week or rainfall only after establishment. One of South Florida's most drought tolerant shrubs.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release 8-2-12. Low phosphorus for coastal soils.
Schedule: February and September with balanced slow-release. Low fertilizer needs compared to most shrubs.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 4–10 ft
- Mature Width
- 3–8 ft
- Growth Rate
- moderate
- Water Demand
- 2/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 7/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Pitch Apple at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Pitch Apple grow in South Florida?
Pitch Apple has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Pitch Apple safe for pets?
Yes, Pitch Apple is considered pet-safe. Low toxicity risk in landscape settings. Fruit not palatable to pets.
How much water does Pitch Apple need in South Florida?
Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Pitch Apple is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Pitch Apple tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Pitch Apple has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Pitch Apple available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Pitch Apple is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. Non-restricted.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Very popular in Broward coastal and HOA landscapes.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Excellent choice for Palm Beach County coastal properties.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Excellent for coastal Collier County landscapes.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. High salt tolerance makes it excellent for Keys coastal landscapes.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Pitch Apple
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.