Berry Seeds - Soapberry

Soapberry seeds grow into a medium-sized deciduous tree with an upright, rounded growth habit, suitable for home gardens, larger landscapes, and naturalized plantings. This tree is adapted to warm and temperate climates and is commonly grown in open areas where it has space to develop a broad canopy. Soapberry trees perform best in full sun and well-drained soil and show good tolerance to seasonal heat once established. Their durable growth habit makes them suitable for long-term landscape and shade planting.

Features

• Deciduous tree with upright, rounded growth habit

• Suitable for home gardens and landscape plantings

• Adaptable to warm and temperate climate regions

• Tolerates heat once established

• Performs well in open, sunny planting sites

Specifications

• Scientific name: Sapindus mukorossi

• Common name (US): Soapberry

• Seed type / variety: Soapberry tree type

• Growth habit: Deciduous tree

• USDA hardiness zones: 7–11

• Planting season: Spring or fall

• Sowing season with specific months per zone:

  • Zones 7–8: Start indoors February–March; transplant April–May

  • Zones 9–10: Start indoors January–February; transplant March–April

  • Zone 11: Start indoors December–January; transplant February–March

• Germination time and conditions: 15–30 days; warm conditions and pre-soaking recommended

• Sunlight requirements: Full sun

• Soil requirements: Well-drained loamy or sandy soil

• Watering needs: Moderate; water regularly during establishment

• Mature plant size: 30–40 feet tall with a spread of 25–35 feet

• Plant spacing: 20–30 feet between plants