How to Grow ʻālaʻa

ʻālaʻa

Grewia optiva

shrub

ʻālaʻa is a drought-tolerant shrub native to Hawaii and other Pacific regions, valued for its small, edible purple-black berries that have a tart, berry-like flavor. The plant produces delicate white flowers and attractive foliage, making it ornamental as well as productive. It has been traditionally used by Native Hawaiians for food and medicine.

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Example ʻālaʻa timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant ʻālaʻa
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest ʻālaʻa
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact ʻālaʻa dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in very hot climates

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Water: Low to moderate water needs once established; drought-tolerant. Water regularly during establishment and fruiting. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.

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Spacing: 60 inches

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Days to maturity: 18-24 months to first fruiting

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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball for transplants; seeds should be surface-sown or lightly covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Volcanic rock or lava mulch (if available, mimics native conditions)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-12; extremely cold-sensitive, unsuitable for frost regions

10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge; very tender growth appears

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from strong wind and direct sun initially.

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Plant develops true leaves, branching structure, and woody stem; height increases steadily

Maintain moderate watering. Fertilize monthly with balanced or slightly higher potassium formula. Prune lightly to encourage bushiness.

Pre-flowering & Maturation

2-4 months

Plant reaches substantial size; leaf production slows as flower buds begin to form

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; apply balanced or higher phosphorus/potassium formula. Maintain consistent moisture. Minimal pruning at this stage.

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Delicate white or pale cream flowers bloom along branches; flowers are small and numerous

Do not fertilize heavily during flowering. Maintain regular watering. Avoid pruning. Flowers attract pollinators.

Fruiting & Harvest

8-12 weeks

Small round berries develop from flowers, initially green, ripening to dark purple or black

Maintain consistent moisture for fruit development. Do not prune. Berries ripen over several weeks; harvest as they darken.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

ʻōhiʻa lehua Naupaka Milo Coconut palm Kukui nut Native Hawaiian herbs

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering Frost-sensitive species in cool microclimates Competitive aggressive vines

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; inspect regularly and remove by hand on small plants
Prune affected branches; apply horticultural oil spray during dormant or early growth season
Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; use miticide if severe
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators

Uses

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Fresh berries and traditional Hawaiian food

Culinary

ʻālaʻa berries are eaten fresh and have a tart, slightly sweet flavor. They were a traditional food source for Native Hawaiians and can be consumed raw or incorporated into modern dishes, jams, and beverages. [source]

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Traditional Hawaiian medicine

Medicinal

In traditional Hawaiian healing practices (lāʻau lāpaʻau), ʻālaʻa has been used to treat various ailments. The berries and plant parts contain compounds with potential antioxidant properties. [source]

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Native bird and pollinator support

Wildlife

ʻālaʻa flowers attract native Hawaiian pollinators and birds, making it an excellent choice for supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity in island gardens. [source]

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Ornamental landscape value

Craft

With its attractive white flowers, delicate foliage, and colorful berries, ʻālaʻa serves as an ornamental shrub that adds year-round visual interest to tropical and subtropical gardens. [source]

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Sustainable native plant gardening

Household

ʻālaʻa is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance native species that thrives in poor soils, making it ideal for water-wise, sustainable Hawaiian gardens requiring minimal inputs. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest berries when they turn dark purple or black, indicating full ripeness and maximum sweetness. Pick gently by hand to avoid damaging branches. Berries may be eaten fresh off the plant or collected for immediate use. Peak harvest occurs in late summer to fall. The plant may produce multiple flushes of fruit over the season.

Fun Facts

🌱 ʻālaʻa is endemic to Hawaii and has deep cultural significance to Native Hawaiians, appearing in traditional chants and stories as a valued food and medicine plant.
🌱 The plant's scientific genus, Grewia, includes over 150 species found across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, many of which also produce edible berries used locally.
🌱 ʻālaʻa is remarkably adapted to harsh Hawaiian conditions, thriving in volcanic, nutrient-poor soils where many other plants struggle, making it a pioneer species in landscape restoration.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Partial Shade pH True Leaves

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