How to Grow Makomako
Makomako
Aristotelia serrata
shrubMakomako is a native New Zealand shrub that produces small, dark purple to black berries with a distinctive tart, slightly sweet flavor. It grows 2-4 meters tall and features serrated, glossy green leaves with attractive reddish stems. The plant is valued both as an ornamental and for its edible berries, which have been used in Māori cuisine for centuries.
When should you plant Makomako in your zone?
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Example Makomako timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Makomako
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Makomako
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Makomako dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11, preferring mild climates with moderate rainfall
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Get my Makomako timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-6 weeksTiny seedlings with soft cotyledons and early true leaves emerging. Very delicate.
Keep consistently moist in humid conditions. Provide bright, indirect light. Maintain warmth (18-22°C).
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung shrub developing deeper root system and establishing main stems. Gradual height increase.
Water regularly and deeply. Protect from strong winds. Mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning.
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsRobust shrub development with increasingly dense foliage. Reddish stems becoming more prominent.
Light shaping pruning can encourage bushier growth. Maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring.
Flowering
4-6 weeksSmall, inconspicuous white to pale pink flowers appearing along stems in late spring to early summer.
Do not over-fertilize nitrogen as this reduces flowering. Maintain adequate moisture. Allow pollinators access.
Fruiting & Harvest
8-12 weeksDark purple to black berries develop on stems over summer to early autumn. Berries ripen gradually.
Monitor ripeness by taste and color. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Thin crowded fruit for larger berries.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs. Prune affected branches.
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Remove manually with soft brush. Apply horticultural oil spray during dormant season. Improve air circulation.
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Remove infected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if severe.
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and
Hand-pick, especially at night. Remove garden debris. Use copper tape barriers. Beer traps.
Uses
Fresh eating and preserves
CulinaryMakomako berries can be eaten fresh, cooked into jams, syrups, and compotes, or dried for long-term storage. The tart flavor makes them excellent for desserts, beverages, and sauces. [source]
Traditional Māori medicine
MedicinalHistorically used by Māori for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Contains anthocyanins and other antioxidants. Modern research explores potential health benefits. [source]
Natural dye
HouseholdThe dark purple berries produce a natural dye used traditionally for coloring textiles and crafts. The dye is fast and creates rich purple hues. [source]
Native bird food source
WildlifeAttracts native New Zealand birds including tūī, bellbird (korimako), and other frugivorous species. Excellent for forest restoration and biodiversity. [source]
Garden ornament
OrnamentalAttractive evergreen foliage with red stems and prolific dark berry display makes it an excellent landscaping plant in mild climates. Suits native gardens and mixed borders. [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 in late summer to autumn when they are fully dark purple or black and slightly soft to touch. Pick individually as they ripen over several weeks, or shake branches gently to collect ripe berries. Berries can be eaten fresh or dried for later use. Wear gloves as the berries stain hands purple. Best flavor develops after first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Māori name 'makomako' is used throughout New Zealand for this species, reflecting its cultural significance in traditional cuisine and medicine for centuries.
- 🌱 Makomako berries were traditionally dried by Māori and stored for winter use, providing essential nutrition during lean months.
- 🌱 The plant is monoecious (has both male and female flowers on same plant), so a single plant can produce abundant berries without requiring a separate pollinator plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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