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Tropical fruit trees successfuly grown in Melbourne

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Tran starts with ...
Tran starts with ...
Hi all,

Just to share with you all that I have successfully grown the following fruit tree in Melbourne. I mean having them producing fruit.
In pot, cover soil and shelter in winter : babaco, Bell apple (Malay apple)

In pot and under shelter in winter:, Acerola (Indian cherry)

In pot but outside in garden :wampee, jujubee (I have 2 trees but only the one in the pot producing lots of fruit, the other on the ground fruits
only once in the first season, that it)

On the ground: jaboticaba (after 12 years perhaps I have not given it enough water it needs), white sapote (varieties: ortigon, pyke, venon (very bland)), Asian grapefruit (sweet but a bit of tangy after taste), rose apple, cape gooseberry, Wolf berry, Indian melon (very soft when ripe).

Some other I am still waiting for fruit:
star apple, lychee, longan does produce some fruit but too close to winter so it does not get counted as successfull.

I am interested in other tropical fruit trees you could grow in Melboune

You are invited to add some more.

Cheers

Tran
About the Author
Tran
Clayton
14th August 2007
Reply |
lynne says...
Hi Tran
Wow you have quite an orchard! I wish I was able to contribute but unfortunately I have only started growing fruit trees. I have however found a link which you may be interested in (if you haven't seen it before) http://www.cloudforest.com/cafe/forum/10631.html
Tran from your experience in Clayton (I'm very close in Mt Waverley), is it better do plant guavas etc now or wait for another time?
Lynne
About the Author
lynne
melb
14th August 2007
Reply |
Correy says...
Hi Tran

We have a Australias Most Popular Plant list.

How this is tabulated is every time someone purchases a plant it counts as 1 vote of popularity for that plant. If they purchase more then 1 of the same variety it still counts as 1 vote to try and keep it fair.

If you wanted to see what are the most popular varieties that people near Melbourne have been. Victoria has a most popular list here:

http://www.daleysfruit.com.au/Australia/VIC/
About the Author
Correy
Woolloongabba, QLD
15th August 2007
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Lynne,

I did try a seedling of guava some years ago, bought from garden world and it did not work for me. It could be too small (50 cms). I have seen 2 big guava trees : one in springvale the other one in Huntingdale they are about 2 meter tall and see fruit last year but not last summer so I thought it may be too cold for those particular varieties.

I found that tropical fruit trees work quite well in big pots. I would say if you would like to try growing guava then wait for another month and after the tree settles, give it plenty of dynamic lifter to speed up the growing process before the next winter kick in.

In Melbourne, I think mature fruit trees survive well than little ones.

Happy growing.
Tran
PS: Thank you very much for giving me the link. It is very useful indead

Hi Correy,

Many thanks for letting me know that there is an excelent way to find out trees which are suitable for Melbourne weather. Much appeciated.

Cheers

Tran
About the Author
Tran
Clayton
15th August 2007
Reply |
lynne says...
Hi Tran
I found another page tonight - don't know if you've seen this one - i have not yet figured out how their site works and if there's any current posts as this one is a few years old http://www.cloudforest.com/cafe/forum/23024.html
Thanks for your tips re guavas. I mentioned guavas as i thought they are one of the easiest tropical fruits to grow. So i now know to get more mature trees where possible. Do you know of other places in Melb to get trees from (as this is a Daley's forum, it may be inappropriate to promote other businesses publicly so if you go to somewhere else other than Daleys and gardenworld, would you mind emailing me at kiteboard@fastmail.fm)? Also, would you be able to name a few trop fruit trees that you found haven't died too easily? I actually love star apples but don't think it's chance of success here is high (and much lower if I was to try).
Thanks
L
About the Author
lynne
melb
15th August 2007
Reply |
Correy says...
Hi Lynne & Tran,

Feel free to mention any fruit tree businesses on the forum.

Here are a few of our recommended fruit tree retailers

We can sell wholesale to nurseries in Melbourne so if they don't have a certain variety you could always mention that they can get it off us for you.
About the Author
Correy
Woolloongabba, QLD
16th August 2007
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Correy,
Many thanks for allowing us to name businesses on this forum. You are very generous.

Hi Lynne,

I saw some 1.5 meter high guava trees in the big KMART in BURWOOD but it was 3 year ago. you could check it out this summer.
Refer to my original post, I found that Jaboticaba, white sapote (grafted) are very hardy if you like to grow them in the ground.

Some friends told me that if you put tropical fruit trees on the ground then only some of those will fruit, the rest may survive if you are lucky.

Most of Mine are in pots. Star apple trees are very big trees by the way.

Take care

Tran
About the Author
Tran
Clayton
16th August 2007
Reply |
Kath says...
Tran we will be very interested to see if you can get the star apple to fruit in your southern climate. I had my first two fruits that had set abort in the cool and dry sub tropical winter, oh well I will have to wait another year. They are well worth growing as an ornamental tree even if they do not fruit for you.
About the Author
Kath
Cawongla
16th August 2007
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Kath,

Sorry, I mean star fruit not star apple that I refered in my original post. I know we have lots of those in Vietnam. I tasted the white variety last year in Cairns. It was heaven. I agree with you that they are very handsome trees. I want to grow every single tropical fruit tree in my Melbourne garden but there is no more room except for a little bush that I want is Ceylon Hill goosebery .

Take care and good luck to your tree

Tran
About the Author
Tran
Clayton
16th August 2007
Reply |
Juliana says...
I saw guava tree in Bunnings in Werribee just before winter.
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Juliana
Melbourne
16th August 2007
Reply |
Juliana says...
Hi Tran

Are you able to plant annona plant in Melbourne? I am interested in planting a Pink Mammoth or African Pride in Melbourne.

I have been reading a lot about the annona tree but most of the articles says that annonna cannot live in cold high frost location like Melbourne.

Do you know anyone who is successful in annona plant an fruits?
thanks
About the Author
Juliana
Melbourne
16th August 2007
Reply |
Kath says...
Juliana if you want to grow the Annona species in Melbourne try a cherimoya, Annona cherimoya, this is more likely to succeed in fruiting as custard apples ripen in the cooler winter months and Melbourne is just not warm enough to successfully ripen the fruit. The cherimoya comes off earlier than the custard apples when there is still some warmth in the weather in the southern climates so there is a greater chance of successfully ripening the fruits. Cherimoyas will not like a heavy frost but they can handle light frosts to about -2 degrees C, I am not sure how many of these in a row they can handle though.
About the Author
Kath
Cawongla
17th August 2007
Reply |
Anonymous says...

Hi Juliana,
If I was you I would take Kath advice. I have never tried to grow this fruit tree.

My neibough has had Annona tree for quite a few years now and he said it flowers come too close to winter, do set fruits but drop off after few weeks due to cold weather.

Good luck.

Tran
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Anonymous
 
17th August 2007
Reply |
Alan Annon says...
The guava..Another Bunningsworld super tree.!! any mangoes? Bananas would have sold well at b*##*y bunnings..
About the Author
Alan Annon
Dandenong
17th August 2007
Reply |
lynne says...
Thanks Tran - I will look for big pots first before getting the plants (I must admit intuitively, you'd think they they can fruit more in the ground due to greater abundance of soil but I suppose they are warmer in pots and in Mel that's more important.)
I've been told that they were selling guava trees somewhere in the Springvale shopping centre.

Interesting where these trees are popping up.

has anyone seen this site? http://www.rarefruit-sa.org.au/Fruited.htm

pity we don't have a similar organisation in Melb...

Kath - thanks for the invaluable info re difference b/w custard apple and its cousin - i'm sure parallels can be drawn
with other fruiting trees too


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lynne
melb
17th August 2007
Reply |
Juliana says...
I have seen Banana (lady finger) in Bunnings too. Selling for about USD$30.00
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Juliana
Melbourne
20th August 2007
Reply |
Rev says...
if you can wing it contact the NSW ag dept and try and find out where to get virus free stock from
i was told they will supply the public
but who knows if its true
itd be a good policy

did anyone mention avocados?
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Rev
Tabulam
19th November 2007
Reply |
Dave says...
I have many sub tropical / slightly unusual fruit trees growing in Melbourne.

Ones which l have found easy to grow are:
White sapote (easy)
Jaboticaba (easy, first fruit this year!! have flowered three times in two months)
Macadamia (easy, first nuts on tree)
Japanese Raisin (very easy)
Avocados (easy)
Jujube (very easy)
Cherimoya (easy)
Caper Bushes (very easy)
Chilean Guava (very easy)
Red / Yelow cherry Guava (very easy)
Coffee (kept undercover mid winder)
Tea (easy)
Naranjilla (never fruited)
Gruminchama (Never fruited, very slow))
Cherry Rio Grande (First flowers this year, easy)

All are growing in the ground except Tea / Coffee. Coffee definitely will not handle any frost at all, but grows well outdoors in a pot until winter.

Normal Guavas grow really well during late spring/summer and will fruit but our autumn is not long enough for them to ripen properly. I have tried and have several varieties however each year the fruit tastes awful.


Hope this helps



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Dave
Melbourne
6th December 2007
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Dave,

Does your jujube in the ground fruits easily? Mine on the black pot has many fruits but not the one on the ground and I have added potash and fruits still do not set. I suspect it may have something to do with cold soil.

Regards

Tran
About the Author
Tran
VIC
7th December 2007
Reply |
Dave says...
Tran,

Both my Jujube's are in the ground in full sun and both produce plentiful fruit. They are incredibly hardy plants. The dog ate half the Li plant the first year it was in the ground, but this is it's third year and it is 11 feet tall and growing quickly.

The Chicko producted many fruit the first year it was planted. It is just into it's second year and alreay six feet tall. Both currently have many small fruit forming.

I have to say they both taste absolutely beautiful.. It is a real shame there are not any commercial growers.
They are in the ground next to other fruit trees, so do not receive anything special other than some citrus fertilizer.
From what l have read they do not need any special treatment at all.
About the Author
Dave
Melbourne
8th December 2007
Reply |
Tran says...
Good morning Dave,

Many thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.

Both of mine are Li variety and I treated both the same way except the one in the pot has had some recycle water (from washing vegies). I will try some citrus fertilizer and with rains lately I will see if it makes the different.

By the way, you have done well with yours, mine are 6 years old and only 5 feet tall.

Yes they are beautiful to eat and I found the only place that sells is
http://www.perrysfruitnursery.com.au/jujube.php only $10 per kg but with postage the price is double so unless you go to Adelaide to buy direct it is a bit dearer than I would have expected. Last year, I bought in Springvale for $12 per kg but they are quite rare.

Regards

Tran
About the Author
Tran
VIC
8th December 2007
Reply |
Lusy says...
Hi Dave

I would like to grow a Secondo Avocado in Melbourne. Which variety are you growing? Do you know of anyone who has a fruiting Secondo in Melbourne or where I can get a hold of a fruit from this variety to taste it. Imagine if I planted a tree, waited years for it to fruit only to discover I didn't like the taste!

I am also having difficulty getting a Secondo Avocado from a retail nursery in Melbourne. I placed an order in winter and have checked regularly with the nursery, but they tell me that even when Daleys show items available on their web site, our local nursery cannot get stock.

Any information about growing avocados in Melbourne would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Lusy
About the Author
Lusy
Melbourne
1st January 2008
Reply |
Robbie says...
Hi Lusy,
I have a Bacon avocado growing just outside of Ballarat in it's 3rd year and out in the open exposed to frosts (and a light cover of snow last winter)and it flowered for the first time this spring. No fruit yet but too young l guess. Looking very healthy and unaffected by hot winds as long as l keep the water up to it and lots of mulch. Just bought it a friend - a wertze, and hope to try other varieties soon. Also just purchased jackfruit, raisin tree, custard apple, and macadamia to see if l can get them to survive out here. Good luck with your avocados
Cheers
Robbie
About the Author
Robbie
 
1st January 2008
Reply |
Rev says...
where do you get bacon avos from

they seem hard to source in nsw and qld as the market is for frost free types , and ive been told bacon performs poorly in warm conditions (disease)

except the whole inland band from vic to herberton F N Qld is not frost free!!
we need a bacon or a bacon like hardy hybrid!
About the Author
Rev
Tabulam
2nd January 2008
Reply |
Rev says...
also tried with cherimoya too - seedlings and grafts
-3 is the limit

-3 seems a magic number for many things
above and things make it, below they dont

avos, cherimoya, andean walnut, papayas, pineapple, acerola passionfruit - break down and die beyond -3

About the Author
Rev
Tabulam
2nd January 2008
Reply |
Rev says...
sorry meant to say
black jaboticaba are actually hardier than they look
slow to grow and slow to fruit
but suprisingly cold hardy
while the above will die, the jabs wont...
About the Author
Rev
Tabulam
2nd January 2008
Reply |
Lusy says...
Hi Robbie

Thanks for your reply. It's good to hear that your avocado is doing so well with both frosts and the heat. If I can't get a Secondo, I will probably get a Bacon.

Regards

Lusy
About the Author
Lusy
Lysterfield, Melbourne
2nd January 2008
Reply |
Robbie says...
Hi Rev,
Daleys list Bacon avocados.Might be worth putting your name on the notification list for when they become available again. Bought mine from a local nursery, who get them from time to time. They seem the most common vatiety in nurseries down this way.
Will be interesting to see if it just survives or actually fruits here because of our weather extremes.




About the Author
Robbie
 
3rd January 2008
Reply |
Dave says...
I have seen bacon avocados at Gardenworld in Springvale and Dacos nursery in Heatherton (Melbourne suburbs). They are readily available as is Hass, Sharwill, Ryan and Reed. They grow easily in Melbourne. Just plant them straight away rather than growing in a pot for too long. Mine are in their third year and have one fruit each (Bacon and Gwen). I have not seen Secondo available anywhere. As mentioned keep them well mulched and they should grow well. Just keep the possums off the new growth!
About the Author
Dave
Melbourne
3rd January 2008
Reply |
lynne says...
Bunnings (Notting Hill) currently stock several varieties of bananas (marketed as being for cool climates) and a few pepino plants.
About the Author
lynne
melb
7th January 2008
Reply |
Robbie says...
Bunnings in Melton has bananas too - about 6 varieties including one supposed to grow only to 2 metres. And mango and macadamias
About the Author
Robbie
 
10th January 2008
Reply |
Lusy says...
I would like to order a Secondo Avocado from Daleys. The cost of the tree is $29.00, but the postage and handling raises the cost to $80.00. Is there anyone in Melbourne, preferably from the South Eastern Suburbs, who would like to order some plants from Daleys (there is room for 3 more in the carton) and share the cost of the postage?

Lusy
About the Author
Lusy
Lysterfield, Melbourne
27th January 2008
Reply |
Kath says...
Hi Lusy,
We are currently looking at a smaller sized box to hold just one plant and bring the cost of freight down for those who only want one plant. We have had a template made but it will take a little while to produce the box and set the system in place. So hopefully by next spring those who want only one plant will be able to order it at a reasonable freight cost.
About the Author
Kath
Cawongla
29th January 2008
Reply |
Lusy says...
Thanks for the Reply Kath. I was rather hoping to get the plant this year, but if it doesn't work out, I will wait till next Spring.

Lusy
About the Author
Lusy
Lysterfield South, Melbourne
29th January 2008
Reply |
Stephen says...
Hi Tran,
We have strawberry guava's loaded with fruit, pineapple guavas with fruit, tamarilo's loaded with fruit, banana's that are close to commercial grade in quality and size using bags purchased from a grower in QLD, also gingers including the eating variety which we have just planted this year.
My father inlaw in monbulk is growing tamorilos, pomigranits, persimmons and finally shell gingers but these are for cut flower foliage.
You could also grow avocados, as over 10 species grow in Lakes Entrance at an avocado farm locally.
Also the black sapote and brazilian cherry are surposed to grow and we will be trying these in the next 12 months along with pawpaws, as we have grown them from seed before but didnt know how to keep them alive through there first winter.
Also another fruit is the jelly palm or wine palm which makes a great jam but very slow growing.
In general I have found tropicals respond well if planted on a north facing brick wall or wind barrier with large rocks that can absorb heat during the day and release it back at night. also mushroom compost over winter helps with warmth, but to increase fruiting during mid spring to start of summer use seaweed solution directly on the leaves and plenty of trace element fertilizer on the ground, follow this up 3 weeks latter with seaweed sprayed on the leafs again and lime around on the ground.
finally there is only one particular species of star fruit that will fruit lightly in melbourne acording to ABC, check with ABC gardening Australia as they just did a story on tropical and unusual fruits and made a note of how far south each could grow.
otherwise go nuts and experiment, but try plants at least three times before giving up, each time in a different location as we have lots of plants that should not grow in Victoria yet they do. But remember always do your research using common and botanical names to get all the information you can to recreate an environment as close as you can to their native enviroment.
Hope all of this info helps
About the Author
Stephen
Lakes Entrance
29th January 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Stephen,

Many thanks for your advice and also to every one who has contributed on this topic.I am very much appreciated.

I have just learned from a book which said Star fruit need lots of water (rain) and we can't afford to water the tree all the time so I guess I have to wait for rain to come. I will look up the ABC webpage and find out more information.
I would like to add that Pineapples are very easy to grow in Melbourne. Mine have had fruits after 18 months. When I buy pine I always choose the one with multiple heads. Last year all 3 heads produced 3 medium size pines. They were very pretty.

I want to plant some more tropical fruit trees but due to a shortage of water I shelf my plan for the time being.
About the Author
Tran
Melbourne
30th January 2008
Reply |
Scott G says...
I have grown 2 Star fruit trees. One was in a drier spot in my garden for 2 years. It had such a tough time and produced no fruit so I pulled it out. Having it there fending for itself was a waste. A guava now grows like mad in the same spot. After the failure with the first one I planted the second one in a wetter position. That tree has been in the ground for 4 months (this has been a wet period). It has just finished growing 3 good fruits.
About the Author
Scott G
Gold Coast
31st January 2008
Reply |
Robbie says...
Hi Stephen,
Sounds like you are having a lot of success with tropical fruit in your area. What is your lowest temperature during winter down there in Lakes Entrance? Are your bananas out in the open or protected with buildings?
I have bought 7 different varieties of banana with the hope that at least one will a bit more cold tolerant than the others and survive. I know of one plant growing up here that has survived a winter outside.
Cheers,
Rob
About the Author
Robbie
Smythesdale Vic
31st January 2008
Reply |
Jason says...
Hass is the best Avocado for Southern Victoria if you live near the coast and don't have huge frosts. Fino de Jete the best Cherimoya by far that you can get from Daleys, don't grow "White" it needs more heat than we have and wont taste any good, Fino is superb in Southern Vic. Vernon is the easiest Sapote to grow and fruit in the cooler areas of Victoria. No one can go wrong with those 3 varieties
About the Author
Jason
Portland
3rd February 2008
Reply |
bsilver says...
Right on.
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bsilver
 
5th February 2008
Reply |
Margaret Smith says...
Excellent forum thanks Tran for starting this one...I have avocados Bacon and Hass both with fruit on and about 4-5 metres high after 3 years from Daleys. Also bananas, guavas fejoa, white sapote, cherimoya, babaco, pomegranate, all the citrus, inc finger limes and aussie round limes etc, macadamias, candlenut, persimmons, 3 types peaches, apricots, ice cream bean, golden fruit of the andes, blueberries, plumcot, bamboo for shoots, kaffir plum, and I'm sure there are more but cannot grow cassava, cinnamon outdoors...I keep trying and failing so I am thinking of having a small tunnel...just to have a go
BUT what I really want are female or bisexual pawpaws..as I got 2 in a pot from daleys and now they are 5 metres tall with enormous trunks and they are male...b@$%^*$er
can anyone help...oh Morrison Brothers in Doncaster is another brilliant place for fruit trees...
About the Author
Margaret Smith
Melbourne
11th February 2008
Reply |
Tim says...
Hi Lusy,

Oh man, had I read this forum sooner, I would have gone in 50/50 with you re: courier from Daley's. However, I've stock piled my list and have just ordered 13 trees/plants. Fingers crossed that they do succeed here in Melbourne:

Secondo Avacado
Coffee Arabica
Curry Tree
Drumstick/Horseradish Tree
Guava hawaiian
Guava Yellow cherry
Macadamia- A4
Mandarin - Okitsu Wase
Passion Granadilla x Lilkoi
Pine Nut Tree
Pitaya - Vietnam
Pitaya - Yellow
Taro

Rgds
Tim
Dingley Village
About the Author
Tim
Dingley
12th February 2008
Reply |
John says...
Hay Margerat, if you are sore the are male, then do this. Stress and nessecity is the mother of all evil. Pick out the one you can afford to lose the most, and stress it out. Reduce the watering patten just before the are due to flower. If it doesnt work in the first year. It will the next. But before you do this give it a feed of pot ash. I think you perhaps should also look at the paw paw blog and perhaps try pruning back the plant. This although they dont relize it performs the same outcome. I just have not learnt it properly yet to advice you on ho to do it.
About the Author
John
SB South Australia
12th February 2008
Reply |
Margaret Smith says...
Thanks so much John...the jolly things are huge..I don't know how I can stress them any more than the no rain that Melbourne hasn't...we have subterranean water in spots of the garden and if trees get their roots down away they go!!!..so I will indeed cut them down to half and potash them....willing to try anything....thanks again, facinated that this may "turn" them
About the Author
Margaret Smith
Melbourne
13th February 2008
Reply |
John says...
Margret, fruit tree trees tend not to travel to far or deep unless on top of a septic. This is why when planting things like large paws and jacks not so close to the house shed ect. Wish you luck.
About the Author
John
SB South Australia
13th February 2008
Reply |
Margaret Smith says...
thanks again...had a careful look at them last night and even though they are boys panicles of very small flowers...most of the panicles have 1 tiny fruit each kinda sweet really and my hubby thought "turning" the trees by sticking nails in them and chopping their heads off sounded really extreme and he ran away in case I took to him!!!!!
About the Author
Margaret Smith
Melbourne
14th February 2008
Reply |
Amy says...
Hey Lusy, Are you still wanting to share a carton? I'm in Narre South & want to order some stuff, so don't mind sharing if you like?

Dave...does your Japanese raisin fruit? I'm interested in trying one but read in Lewis Glowinski's book that he had trouble getting his to flower.

This thread has been very interesting...we're just starting our garden & I'd like it to be a primarily edible garden. But choosing plants is a bit like christmas...so many possibilities to try (& of course, I'd love to try them all but would run out of room, I think) :)
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
  
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Amy
Melbourne
21st February 2008
Reply |
Lusy says...
Hi Amy

Yes, I would still like to share a carton. Please contact me on my mobile 0423 278 542 in the evening so that we can sort out the details.

Regards

Lusy
About the Author
Lusy
Lysterfield South, Melbourne
21st February 2008
Reply |
Steven says...
I have been going through this forum for the past few days because I am also interested in growing tropical fruit trees in Melbourne, I have only been growing them since last season but seem to be having great success with a Hass Avocado which I grew from a seed, Banana and pineapples so far that i grew from tops.

I have been doing a bit of research on tropical trees and wanted to point out a couple of things. First of all the tropics dont get four distinct seasons like we do. they get a wet season and a dry season and most trees start flowing just after the dry season. for example you can make a coffee tree fruit by significantly reducing the amount of water it gets for a couple of months and then start watering it heaps (simulating a wet and dry season) and it should start flowering. Places that get two wet seasons a year (i think Brazil does) get two coffee crops a year because of it and you can simulate that. Or Mango's dont like getting their flowers wet and this can prevent the fruit from setting. So if your not getting fruit it may not be the temperature it may be something like this which can usually be easily avoided. So its a good idea to do a bit of research and find out what the behavioral characteristics of your species/variety are.

Another thing, i dont think frost is a real problem in Melbourne, ive lived in the eastern suburbs about 1/2 an hour from the beach for 22 years and have never seen frost on trees, only on the ground, ive only ever seen condensation on leaves which wont damage them. So i dont think frost is really a big problem.

Thanks

Steven
About the Author
Steven
Eastern Melbourne
21st February 2008
Reply |
John says...
Steven, that condensation on the leaves, when below 7oC becomes a chile factor to these trees. Each hour is calculated to produced the chil facter. The fact that in your area things like stone fruits,apples, pears, cherrys,ect grow is prof of that, for without that they carnt set there fruit. For the same reason, if the tropical trees try to friut this problem may prevent it aswell or reduce the ablity to ripen fruit.
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John
SB South Australia
22nd February 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
It looks like my hass avoc is suffering from root rot... Im desperately trying to save it by spraying the leaves w/ anti-rot & put some lime granules around the base of the tree but it doesn't seem to be of any help to cure the prob....Any helpful hints will be very much appreciated...Maybe it's not too late yet to save my hass ?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
  
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juanita
melbourne
23rd February 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
I don't think your tree has root rot problem just dry up due to lacking of water because of the drought. I think your tree need some water. I would give it some water and some gypsum.
About the Author
Tran
Melbourne
23rd February 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Thanks Tran, i'll follow your advice, hopefully my suspicion about root rot is incorrect..Here's another pix & you can see the main trunk slowly turning brown.

Im also looking for a type of banana w/ red skin but i don't know the name. Do you know where i can get it from?.Thanks again.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
  
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juanita
melbourne
23rd February 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Hi Juanita,

Bunnings and Kmart both had Red Dacca bananas that according to the labels grow to about 2 metres high and have red skinned fruit.

Cheers,
Rob
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Anonymous
 
24th February 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Thanks Rob, I'll ring them asap... Ladyfinger & Cavendish are growing nicely in my yard.
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
25th February 2008
Reply |
Steven says...
Hi.

I am looking to a Chocolate tree (Theobroma Cacao). I know daleysfruits.com can get them but i have contacted them and have been told that they cannot get them in for a while because none are in production but if anyone knows any place where i can/may get them please let me know.

Thanks

P.S. Thanks John chill factors is one thing that i have not considered. What I meant by frost though is that i dont think the frost in Melbourne will damage the leaves or kill the trees.
About the Author
Steven
East Melbourne
25th February 2008
Reply |
Rob says...
Juanita, the bananas from Kmart and Bunnings came from a place in Mooroolbark called Humphris Nursery (I read the labels). Might be cheaper direct from the source if you can locate them. Have a ladyfinger and cavendish (dwarf) growing out here on the outskirts of ballarat - might be another story once the winter sets in again.... but can only try. First year they have been in.
About the Author
Rob
Smythesdale Vic
25th February 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Hi!Rob, where's mooroolbark, is it in dandenong?...Here's my cavendish & the ladyfinger's 1st yr on the ground still small.It'll be a big challenge for me to get them fruits but it can be done i guess?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Picture: 2
 
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
26th February 2008
Reply |
Dave says...
Amy,

The Japanese raisin Tree has not fruited as yet. It has only been in the ground for 1 and a half years. It is approx 8 feet tall and a lovely looking tree. I am thinking of putting another one l have growing in a pot in the front nature strip!

Regards

Dave
About the Author
Dave
Melbourne
26th February 2008
Reply |
Amy says...
Dave...wow! That's growing quickly! I ended up ordering one & it arrived today (& yes, very pretty)...I'm going to put it out the front of my house. Hopefully it fruits sometime in the future :)
About the Author
Amy
Melbourne
27th February 2008
Reply |
Margaret Smith says...
Just an observation about cocoa I worked in PNG for years and on many plantations. coaoa was grown under the canopy of coconuts to protect them, and grown in areas of 1 metre plus rainfall a month in the wet season(not like melbourne with 400mm a year) The humidity 12 months of the year was unbelievable and the heat about 35 - 40 constant daytime, never below 25 at night....we also had trouble with rot, for obvious reasons, but many tropical things will grow here if the water is restricted around their roots in winter when they cannot dry out, perhaps try it in a pot and in a warm plastic house over winter, and keep it protected from direct sun...love to know how you go!!!! cheers Marg
About the Author
Margaret Smith
Melbourne
28th February 2008
Reply |
Rob says...
Juanita, the address for Humphris Nursery is 218 - 220 Cardigan Road Mooroolbark 3138. (03) 97619688. I think that suburb is over near Dandenong... I live near Ballarat so l'm not familiar with that area.
Your banana plants look great. I have mine in large tubs so l can move them under a poly tunnel during the frost and snow. Have tried one out in the ground (a red Dacca) and so far it's growing well... but getting it to survive our winters up here might be a big ask. Going to wrap blankets around it and over top during frost... and have been told that a long burning candle placed under a terra cotta pot nest to the plant will help keep air warm around the plant. Will try anything to be able to just keep it alive outside.
Also planted a Japanese Raisin Tree this year l bought from Daleys. Amazed at how quickly they grow. Grasshoppers ate almost every leaf off it the first week l planted it, but soon shot back and has almost doubled it's size. Jackfruit got eaten too, and has some shoots regrowing, so hope it can get a bit sturdier before winter hits it.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Picture: 2
 
About the Author
Rob
Smythesdale Vic
28th February 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Rob, thanks for the add & tel of the nursery...Our local Bunnings here will be able to get me red dacca for $28.00 ( i think it's a bit dear? )...Kmart here hasn't got any but Big W has 6 potted bananas left, 4 dwarf red daccas & 2 pisang(banana)ceylon all for $25.00/ea, $3.00 cheaper than Bunnings.Big W & Bunning's nanas are all from Humphris Nursery.
Last yr i covered the big banana tree w/ old quilts & bedsheets but it wasn't a good idea coz the frost penetrated right thru, luckily the main p-stem didn't die completely.This coming winter i'll cover the top w/ plastic & wrap around it either w/ plastic or bedsheets, also will put the xmas light on to keep them warm. Lastly, thick mulch around the base of the tree.
My caimito & drumstick trees grow very slow.Hopefully they'll survive this coming winter (their 3rd winter).
Good luck to your ultra tropical jackfruit tree.

About the Author
juanita
melbourne
29th February 2008
Reply |
Bsilver says...
Thick mulch may hinder the transfer of heat from the ground , which is warmer.
About the Author
Bsilver
sydney
1st March 2008
Reply |
Di Tod says...
I wonder if anyone would know where I can buy a Jujube in VIC? Thanks, Di
About the Author
Di Tod
Melbourne
5th March 2008
Reply |
Di Tod says...
Hi Amy, could you tell me where you got this tree, please? Thanks, Di
About the Author
Di Tod
Melbourne
5th March 2008
Reply |
Rob says...
Cornucopia Seeds mail order Japanese Raisin Tree seeds if you have trouble getting a plant
About the Author
Rob
Smythesdale
6th March 2008
Reply |
Steven says...
Hi Margaret

Thanks for your advice, if i do get a Cacao I will try and climatise it but probably leave it in a greenhouse that im in the process of building. Hopefully it will be sucessful and fruit but I have my doubts. But there is no harm in trying.

The main problem at the moment is getting my hands on one but if do get one ill let you know how it goes.

Thanks

Steven
About the Author
Steven
East Melbourne
8th March 2008
Reply |
Amy says...
Di: I got it off Daleys :)
About the Author
Amy
Melbourne
8th March 2008
Reply |
Di says...
Hi Rob, thanks for the advice re Cornocopia. I ordered some Japanese raisin tree seeds from Green Harvest a couple of years ago, propagated them last year and tehy al grew amazingly - thrived on neglect - unfortunately, I don't think they're Japanese Raisin, but some incredibly fast-growing acaciatype tree, as they bear no resemblance to the pictures I've seen!
Cheers, Di
About the Author
Di
Melbourne
9th March 2008
Reply |
Di says...
Hi Lucy and Kath,

I have just ordered some fruit trees from Daley's and am happy for any extras to come down with my order if you like. I think they're sending next week, so you'd have to let me know fairly fast. My mob is 0414 902 738. A text might be good as I'm out and about a lot. Im sure Daley's wouldn't mind.

The other place that supplies avocacos is Sunraysia Nurseries near Mildura. I have ordered 25 for a bush block from them (for $12.50 each) and am happy to up the number, but they won't come 'til spring
About the Author
Di
Box Hill South
9th March 2008
Reply |
Lusy says...
Hi Di

Thank you for your offer. Amy was kind enough to include my order with hers and I contributed to the cost of the freight. We have already received our trees. I planted my avocado last week. It looks very happy although some sort of pest has nibbled at some of the leaves since I planted it. I have placed snail pellets around it and sprayed the plant with pest oil. This seems to be working as no further damage has been done to the leaves.

Regards

Lusy
About the Author
Lusy
Lysterfield South, Melbourne
11th March 2008
Reply |
Dave says...
Di,
the only place l know who has ever had Jujube available is Perry's in SA.

I bought two from them and both are growing and fruiting very well. They are one of my all time favorite fruits!
About the Author
Dave
Melbourne
11th March 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Di,

Which part of Melbourne are you located? South East? I also want one or two jujubee trees too. If you are not too far from my house then I can share the cost of the freight. I have two jujubee trees I bought few years ago from Perry's in SA. I am very happy with mine.

Thanks


Tran

About the Author
Tran
Clayton
12th March 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
I've heard about jujube fruit tree but I have no idea how tall it grows & what the fruits look & taste like?..I don't see them selling in the shops & so w/ white sapotes...!1st time i saw white sapote's tree loaded w/ fruits was in Dr. Glowinski's backyard.
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
13th March 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Juanita,

more info on this webpage
http://www.perrysfruitnursery.com.au/jujube.php
By the way, does anyone know if Dr. Glowinski's garden on display this year? and when? Please tell me. I would like to visit his garden. I saw his garden on ABC TV few years ago.

Thanks

Tran
About the Author
Tran
VIC
14th March 2008
Reply |
lynne says...
Tran
Yes it is open on Sun 6 Apr as per the following link (about half way down the page)

http://www.opengarden.org.au/regions/vic.htm
About the Author
lynne
melb
14th March 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Lynne,

Many thanks for your juicy information. Much appreciated. I will go for sure.

Regards

Tran
About the Author
Tran
VIC
14th March 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Hi Tran,

Glad everyone got their trees. I got mine too - they seem OK despite today's terrible heat. I'm going to repot them all as they're ready for planting, but the block's not!

Re the Jujubes: I've contacted Perry's and they don't have any this year but they can be ordered for next year, but are $100.00 per tree. I've ordered 5 kgs of jujube fruit from them as I thought I'd try to propagate the seeds. Although I know they don't come true to type from seed, I thought I'd have a go. If anyone would like to taste them, they're arriving after Easter. I thought I'd extract the seed and dry the fruit. Ph no. 0414 902 738.

I contacted Roger Meyer who grows them in California and he says they're not difficult to propagate and that there are growers other than Perry's in SA and WA, so will keep you posted when I find out who they are :)

I put a Hass and Reed in this year and both are doing well; Ryan and Fuerte not so good.

Cheers,
Di
About the Author
Anonymous
Box Hill South
14th March 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Di,

Thank you very much for the reply. Much appreciated. You should eat the fruits fresh (very yummy indeed) if you want dry ones just go to Springvale Asian shop they sell only $1 for a big bag. May I ask how much for the 5 kg of Jujube fruit including postage? one of my trees (in the ground) has 2 fruits this year and the other in a pot has about 20 fruits. Unfortunately due to drought I did not look after them well so most of the fruit ripe immaturely and seedless.

I have tried to grow the Indian jujube from seeds I bought from Springvale. They look the same but the texture like a very ripe apple when turn yellow (the chinese would turn brown when over ripe). You can find them growing wild like weed in Townsville. Those are true tropical so I did manage to grow one tree from seed last year but died soon after winter cold. The good news is the Chinese one can cope with temperature of -10C

By the way with jujube you can order the seeds from Eden Seed (9 seeds for $2.5) and to aid the germination you should store your seed in the fridge for 6 weeks. I did grow mine that way. Dr. Glowinski's book said you break the hard cover of a seed will help to speed up the process. I have so far saved only 1 seed from my tree. I am experimenting and see if I can have an extra tree.

My avocado trees : Hass and fuerte are about 1 and a half years just doing just OK. They are in the same hole and drought does not help in term of growing.

All the best with your trees including jujube.

Tran
About the Author
Tran
VIC
15th March 2008
Reply |
Margaret says...
Avocados we have 2 from Daleys Hass and either Bacon or Fuerte (I think it is bacon because of the utterly incredible number of flowers) this is their 3rd season so about 2.5 years in ground..gets lots of underground water in sandy soil (camberwell) and sun all day...both about 5-6m tall and both have half to a dozen big fruit and this is their first year> Cannot recommend to plant more around Melbourne....oh we foliar fertilize only and give extra zinc..Marg
About the Author
Margaret
Melbourne
15th March 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Well done Margaret! I was told those avocado trees will fruit after 3 years and yours in 2 years that is excellent.
Mine are Hass and fuerte grafted on Bacon root stocks.
It is about 1 m tall with very weak stem. I hope rains will come soon. In the mean time I will give them a feed with a little drink and see what happens.

Tran
About the Author
Tran
Vic
15th March 2008
Reply |
Margaret says...
Hi Tran I am thrilled with the growth of mine, at first they were really floppy and spindly, and then after a year in the ground, hassled by cold winds etc, they took off last spring, the hass lost almost all it's leaves the first year and were burnt by the cold the second year, and the bacon was exceptionally floppy...I was told to spray with zinc..which I added to the foliar spray of seaweed, fumic acid and potash, and away they went..got strong and flowered like nothing else...we actually started with hundreds of little fruit all over the palnts but come 3 weeks later almost all had dropped off leaving the dozen or so left..perhaps this is all they can cope with first time around...That was November and now they are 10-12 cm long...looking grouse...now can anyone help with the indian mynah problem....they are eating everything on my trees long before ripening..eg persimmons are being stripped off the trees when they are 1 month old, hard green (and I would have thought highly unpalatable)and about an inch across.... have tried netting, but the number and desperation of the birds is too much...they also had heaps of young....and I thought the bats were a problem!!!!!
About the Author
Margaret
Melbourne
19th March 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Margaret,

I will follow your method to give my avocado trees a treat and see if they will take off like yours. Thanks for your advice. My persimon trees currently have lots of green fruits about 2 inches across. Every year around April I watch if there is a sign of birds eating the fruits then I use plastic shopping bag to cover them a few fruits at the time until all done. Mine you, some birds break the bag and eat the fruit but 80% of those are ok until June which is not too bad.
About the Author
Tran
VIC
19th March 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
where can i buy bell apple? Pls anyone here knows where to get it from...Thanks
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
21st March 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Juanita,

I used to buy those in Springvale Asian shopping centre. I am not sure if they have it now. By the way, I tried this fruit tree twice and manage to produce fruit both time. However, after 2 years they did not survive winter.
About the Author
Tran
VIC
21st March 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Hi Tran,

Growing bell apple tree down here doesn't sound promising & success rate of surviving thru winter is nil??...Im just trying to get this fruit tree for my friend as she's very keen of having one..Where can i buy it from?
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
21st March 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Juanita,

I think you can check garden mart inside Garden World in Springvale or Asian shopping centre in Springvale. I bought mine the first time from Daley and the second time from Springvale shopping centre.

Good luck.

Tran
About the Author
Tran
VIC
22nd March 2008
Reply |
Amy says...
Just wanted to update the comment I made earlier about Lewis Glowinski's book mentioning his Japanese Raisin didn't fruit. I went to his open garden today (very inspiring) & asked him about it...he said the book needs a big update (long story about the publisher) but yes, his did fruit & it flowers prolificly. Which is good news for those trying it here in Melbourne.

I was astounded how much he has fit into his garden. I was thinking I was going to have to espalier a lot of my trees to get everything in that I would like to try & grow...but his garden just proves you can grow a lot in a suburban backyard.
About the Author
Amy
Melbourne
6th April 2008
Reply |
Amy says...
If anyone is still looking for some, Bunnings in Cranbourne have bananas (lady finger), tropical guavas & Australian macadamia at the moment. Yummy.
About the Author
Amy
Melbourne
7th April 2008
Reply |
Julie says...
Hi Amy,

Many thanks for the update on Dr Lewis Glowinski 's garden. I must visit his garden next year on open garden scheme. By the way, any new trees grown successfully that the doctor needs to update his book. I have his book too.
About the Author
Julie
VIC
7th April 2008
Reply |
lynne says...
Louis Glowinski rocks! He is a fruit tree walking encyclopedia, is so willing to share yet modest about this knowledge.
For those who couldn't make it to his open garden, here are some of his recommendations:
saskatoon - some find them to taste better than blueberries
arguta- sweeter than kiwifruit
vista is best white sapote for Melb
lucuma - tastes like dried egg yolk but delicious if used to make milk shakes etc & is preferred to coffee in Peru
wampi - most people who've tasted it like it
strawberry guava - must have in Melbourne garden
chilean guava - flavour bursts in your mouth - consider this over boxed hedge
ice cream bean - if you have limited space, give this one a miss
longans and lychees grow here
southern knights cherimoya don't require hand pollinating but are hard to get and aren't as tasty
Those who were there, please correct me if any of the above is not what was said

With such avast array of practical experience and technical knowledge, the more books he writes the more informed we can be. I think the ABC would be doing a community service if they can convince him to appear more often (on TV and radio where he can take questions).
About the Author
lynne
melb
7th April 2008
Reply |
Happy Earth says...
The lucuma sounds interesting....I keep reading good things about this fruit but have never come across it for sale.

Does anyone know where you can buy a lucuma fruit tree in Oz? Any plans at Daleys to sell this fruit tree?

Rich
www.happyearth.com.au
About the Author
Happy Earth
Wollongong
8th April 2008
Reply |
Julie says...
Hi Lynne,
Many thanks for updating the juicy information on the doctor 's recommendations. Much appreciated. I did not know that we can grow lucuma successfully in Melbourne. I bought those fruits around Y2K time in David Jones in the city. They are delicious as sandwich filling. Unfortunately they don't sell them any more. There are plenty in Cairns around September but I have not seen them in Asian shop in Melbourne perhaps due to they are very soft to handle when ripe.
About the Author
Julie
VIC
8th April 2008
Reply |
lynne says...
Julie
At the open garden, there were one or two small lucuma plants there. I think they flourish in the part of Peru that has similar climatic conditions to Melbourne, so they should do well here. The hard thing now is getting the plant itself.
About the Author
lynne
melb
12th April 2008
Reply |
Brendan says...
I spoke with Louis Glowinski at his open garden last weekend and he mentioned that this was likely to be the last time he would participate in the Open Garden Scheme. I also bought a strawberry guava from him that he propogated.

I just bought a Goji berry plant from Gardenworld in Springvale for $19.95 for something different.

Has anyone tasted a babaco fruit? If so what do they taste like? I am considering growing one but want to know if they taste nice first.
About the Author
Brendan
Mordialloc
13th April 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Goji berry plants are also for sale here in one of the nurseries in Werribee.Same price as in Gardenworld..Im glad that i can get it here w/c saves me the trip to Sprinvale...I got babaco but it's not fruiting yet.
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
15th April 2008
Reply |
Rev says...
Babaco is as louis glowinski describes it
nothing like a papaya
more champagne melon
very pleasant and mild
a great breakfast fruit

if only i could grow it! im making a last ditch attempt (inland ) with Papayuelo (Carica goudoutiana)- daleys and Channon markets and Chamburo ( Carica pubescens)- imported seed. Failing that then its quits for carica for me

you lucky melbournites!
About the Author
Rev
Tabulam
15th April 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Which nursery in Werribee Janita? Have one Goji growing, wouldn't mind getting another couple seeing it's doing well here. Have tried growing them from seeds taken out of dried fruit in packs from supermarket, but never got any to germinate.
About the Author
Anonymous
Smythesdale
15th April 2008
Reply |
Rev says...
Jujube can be grown using stones
a friend of mine would crack the stones, and those of olives using the proximal end of a pair of secauteurs
before planting is a free draining inert mix- sandy loam/ river sand kep moist and warm
She had chinese and indian jujubes
ive eaten the ones near bowen in qld. dry riverbeds lined with native veg and significant numbers of tamarind and indian jujube and wild birds eye chillis eps in the few km before the mangroves

Id be keen on bacon. even/especially on hass x bacon, baconx hass seed
see wher i am is cold and dry n windter (-5c) yet hot and humid in mid/late summer

Bacon may be cold hardy bu ive been told no nursery man in qld grows it because in warm conditions its very susceptible to multiple diseases

ive read im mexico most village trees are seed grown. this might be the only way.
Though ive seen large mature trees with fruit in toowoomba, qld - if i coud find out what they are then that might be the one for me.

damn it . i was weaned on avos, i just cant settle anywhere these trees wont flourish :D
About the Author
Rev
Tabulam
15th April 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
To anonymous,
You can get it from grevilla nursery. You can find their phone no in the phonebk...I usually find goji berries in the health food shops not in the supermarket...Which supermarket is selling goji berries?...W/ regards to fertiliser, w/c is the best for goji berry ?
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
21st April 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
You can get dried goji berries in Asian Groceries around Footscray, Richmond and Springvale for about $1 something imported from China. I have grown mine from cuttings bought from these shops. 80 cents a bunch where we cook the leaves and grow the stem. They are very easy to strike. Mine got flowers in 4 months but have not set any fruit yet. It tends to get mildew when it rains too much. Please tell me if your trees have successfully set fruits. What fetirliser to use? I gave it potassium but still not set fruits.
About the Author
Tran
VIC
21st April 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
This is my small potted goji berry w/c i bought few wks ago...I'll be quite happy if it survives thru this winter.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Picture: 2
 
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
28th April 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
It looks very healthy too me. It should survive. I have this long leaf type which flowers in 4 months and to my surprise the rounded leaf type busted into flowers after 7 years but still no fruit yet.

Good Luck Juanita.
About the Author
Tran
VIC
28th April 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
I wonder what type of fertilizer might help to initiate fruits set quickly for goji & how much chilling hours it needs?
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
29th April 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Has anyone tried growing wax jambu in Melb?
About the Author
Anonymous
 
2nd May 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Yes, I did try it twice, a couple of years apart. I had some fruits each time but They later died in the second year at winter time.
About the Author
Tran
VIC
2nd May 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Thank you Tran - your info is helpful and hard to get growing info on this plant in cool climate. I've heard it grows well in Adelaide. I thought it only need frosts protection when young. I was thinking of getting some and either growing them in pots (move to warmer spot in winter) or plant in ground put plastic over them throughout winter. Now I'm not sure if that will make a difference.... Maybe will put plastic over it every winter and not just when young.
About the Author
Anonymous
 
2nd May 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
I did have mine in pot, The first time cover the leaves and the soil. The second time just cover the soil with plastic sheet. Both were under shelter at winter time. They lost all their leaves after first winter, did not come back the second year.
About the Author
Tran
VIC
2nd May 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Thanks again Tran. It's a real pity that they won't grow here. You have done more than I would've. So I won't waste time and effort trying this plant here.
About the Author
Anonymous
 
2nd May 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Has anyone tried growing Panama berries in Melb?
About the Author
Anonymous
 
5th May 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Has anyone grown cape gooseberries (one of the lost food plants of the incas) in Melb?...Here's my potted cape gooseberry plant..
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Picture: 2

Picture: 3
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
9th May 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Juanita,

YES, it is a very easy plant to manage. you can put in the ground or in a pot no prob. They cope well with cold weather and produce fruit quickly too.
About the Author
Tran
VIC
9th May 2008
Reply |
Rob says...
Hi Jaanita,

Have the cape gooseberry growing at Smythesdale, west of Ballarat. They are under cover and go a bit ordinary in winter, but come back again in spring.

Have had our first few frosts out here for the year and so far have lost only the jackfruit. Been putting pillar candles under terracotta pots (upside down) next to mango, bananas, macadamia, sapote, canistelle, indian guava and covering with blankets. Looks like a row of tents and neighbours must think we're a bit weird, but things doing ok so far. Candles burn all night and pots give off a good amount of heat under the trees. Rob
About the Author
Rob
Smythesdale
12th May 2008
Reply |
Mary says...
Hi Dave - I have a Japanese Raisin tree about the same age. I'm in the Yarra Valley. I got it from Yamina Rare Plants and the guy there told me he sold one to a woman in Doncaster and it fruited after three years. It is a beautiful tree and seems to weather both cold winters and hot dry summers.
About the Author
Mary
Victoria
20th May 2008
Reply |
lynne says...
Rob
You've inspired me to start covering a couple of my trees too. Have you gotten any fruits from the banana and Canistel plants yet? It sounds like you use ordinary blankets to cover them and night and presumably remove them during the day. Have you considered using frost fleece (which can be left on day and night) and/or bubble wrap part of it (eg the sides to let sunlight through during the day but leave top open and maybe cover whole plant at night)? Or do you find blankets to be better?
About the Author
lynne
melb
23rd May 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Hi! Tran & Rob,
These cape gooseberries taste kind of tart to me..Does it get any sweeter if we leave the berries on the vine for a bit longer? How do you normally eat these berries?
Covered all my nanas, indian guava, curry leaf, young mandarin & babaco as frost was forecasted tonight, while potted white sapote's seedlings, drumstick tree & macademia's are all kept in the gh w/ my orchids.
Rob, sorry to hear your jackfruit didn't make it...will you try another one?
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
23rd May 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Juanita,

I would wait for the lantern cover to turn brown before picking the fruit. By that time the fruit should be very yellow. You eat it out of hand. It can be added to salad. Years ago I bought some from David Jones in Burke mall city for $22 per kg. I was told Sydney price is $25/kg.Good luck.
By the way, don't worry about the white sapote because we eat our fruits and throw the seeds in the garden and seedlings cam up every where. I pull them out all the time. I let one grows very tall now. it is in it fifth year and no sign of flowers.
May be another 10 years before I can see any fruit. It would be too long. This is only a trial.
About the Author
Tran
VIC
24th May 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Hi Lynne,
Yes, l uncover the trees every morning. I cover them just before dark at night and uncover in the mornings. I did use a frost protection material l bought on a roll from Bunnings... like a thick tissue, but it ripped off every time the wind hit it. I live on a very windy hill, so had to go for thick plastic out of desperation. Clear plastic on north and west side, black woven weed mat on other 2 sides. Seems to collect a bit of warmth being black.
No fruit on bananas yet. Have dwarf Red Dacca growing outside and 6 other varieties in tubs under a polythene tunnel.
Juanita, my cape gooseberries always taste a bit tart too. And l have a seedling jackfruit in the tunnel house to repace the dead one, but it's not looking too flash right now either :-(
Maybe a bit too much to ask of Ballarat's winter climate.
About the Author
Anonymous
 
25th May 2008
Reply |
Rob says...
Oops... that's me anonymous above... forgot to enter my name sorry :-)
About the Author
Rob
 
25th May 2008
Reply |
Steven says...
Hi

A few months ago i was asking if anyone knew where i could obtain some cacao seeds from and a few people asked me if i got any to let them know how they go.

Finally after a lot of searching I found a farm that was willing to send me a couple of pods I planted them about a month ago and now almost all of them have grown. I keep them inside in polystyrene boxes and put boiling water in milk cartons to keep them warm. So far most of them are developing leaves and hopefully they will keep on growing. There are pictures of the seedlings below.

One thing however that I found very interesting was that i placed the leftover seeds in a box outside on top of the hot water until which at most keeps the temperature at the low twenties however even with record low weather for may there are now 16 seeds that have already germinated (but are growing much slower that the ones inside) and are just starting to produce leaves. It would be very interesting to see how they go too.

Regards

Steven
Pictures - Click to enlarge

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About the Author
Steven
Eastern Melbourne
2nd June 2008
Reply |
Ajay says...
Hi All,
Its great to read about the effort you go through to raise very tropical plants in cool temperate climates - Melbourne. I live in Hoppers Crossing and have successfully grown from seed, the following:
(1) Tamarind (Indica):From seed, 6 seedlings,9" high, facing their first winter.
(2) Murraya Koenigii (Curry leaf): From seed, 5 seedlings, 4" high, have grown these before and they tolerate winter quite
well
(3) Papaya (Paw-Paw): From seed, 6 seeedlings, 8" tall, first winter.
(4) Indian Guava: From seed, 16 seedlings, 3" to 9" tall, first winter.
(5) Custar Apple: From seed, 1 seedling, 5" tall, first winter.
(6) Neem : 12" tall, bought from nursery, first winter
(7) Mango: From seed, 6 seedlings,12" tall, first winter
(8) Longan: From seed, 3 seedlings, 9" tall, first winter
(9) Lychee: From seed, 3 seedlings, 8" tall, first winter.
(10) Jakfruit: From seed, 1 seedling, 10" tall, frist winter
(11) Acerola Cherry: 12" tall, plant from nursery, first winter
(12) Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): 14" tall, plant bought from nursery, first winter
(13) Chikku (manilkara sapot): From seed, 8 seedlings, 4" tall, first winter
(14) Moringa: From seed, 4 seedlings (3 in pot, 1 in ground) 6" tall, first winter
(15) Avacado: 5 seedlings: From seed, 16" tall, have grown outside in winter before.
(16) Carambola: From seed, 3 sprouts (just emerging)

Do any of you have experience with winter conditions for the above plants?
About the Author
Ajay
Hoppers Crossing,MELB
2nd June 2008
Reply |
Ajay says...
Hi Steven,

Wow!, Would you consider trading 1 coacoa seedling with a guava seedling?
About the Author
Ajay
Hoppers Crossing,MELB
2nd June 2008
Reply |
Rob says...
Ajay, l'm interested in the curry leaf you have growing. You say you have grown them before - can l ask what minimum temps they were exposed to?
I'd like to try one, but the ones in the nursery here are fairly expensive, so want to make sure l could grow one before l buy it.

That's an impressive list of seedlings you've raised. Good on you.

I have bacon avocado growing here and has survived snow in it's second year, flowered last spring and still doing well. Wertz avocado doing well with frost, but growth a bit slower. Have a Sharwill just in this year at start of summer so first winter, but has had several heavy frosts and still in leaf.
Indian guava still with new growth but under a blanket at night during winter.

Steven, good luck with the seedlings. They look very healthy. Hope they grow :-) very interesting
About the Author
Rob
Smythesdale
2nd June 2008
Reply |
Ajay says...
Hi Rob,

Curry leaf are a bit particular with their env before they decide to germinate. But I think I have got it down pat. Use any free draining potting mix, though, I suggest you microwave it on high for about 2-3 minutes.
I use a heated bed of sand to maintain the soil temperature at 22-24 Deg C, and always keep the soil moist.
One more thing I learnt through experimentation, is that the seeds need bright light to germinate faster - cant understand why as they are under the soil level anyway.
I have just germinated 5 seedlings which range from 1" to 4" in height.
Once established, and by this I mean about 12"+ in height, they can survive under shade cloth in winter in a terracota pot - I havent tried keeping them in the ground without cover - too scared of the frost getting them !
Hope this helps.
About the Author
Ajay
Hoppers Crossing,MELB
3rd June 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Thanks Ajay. Might try one and see how it goes.
About the Author
Anonymous
Smythesdale
3rd June 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Hi Ajay,

How do you heat up the bed of sand to maintain 22c up soil temp? Im thinking of putting my newly acquired Pandanus A on that kind of bed to keep the soil warm.
I have 2 curry leaf plants ( both are seedlings), 1 in ground w/c is over half a metre tall & still growing leaves in this cold weather (2nd winter)...The 2nd potted curry leaf plant was given to me as a gift from Qld is about 7-8 inches tall, is in my mini gh (1st winter)...Im amazed that they thrive very well in our frosty cold Melb winter.

Pictures - Click to enlarge

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About the Author
juanita
melbourne
4th June 2008
Reply |
Ajay says...
Hi Juanita,
I made a wooden box whcih had 2 bulbs inside it and a computer fan. The bulbs provided the heat. covering the box at the top was a sand filled tray (kept most for better heat conduction) onto which I placed the pots. Hope this helps.
BTW, I read on some other post that y ou had a lot of cavendish banana suckers - wondering if you could spare a couple :)

About the Author
Ajay
Hoppers Crossing,MELB
4th June 2008
Reply |
Steven says...
Hi

I would like to ask everyone if they know how well tropical tree's cope outside during our melbourne winters.

I have quite a few small trees in pots which are close to the house which gives them some warmth and shelter and so far they seem to be coping well however the coldest months are approaching and I'm a little concerned.

I have
1 dwarf caverndish banana
4 coffea arabica
4 mango's
2 guava's
6 pineapples

The most of the tree are still growing (although very slowly) and apart from a little damage from when they were delivered and a little hail damage on the pineapples they seem ok. they are all sheltered from wind and frost so I think they will be ok but if anyone knows how they cope during winter please let me know....Thanks

Hi Ajay.

Where did you get your cinnamon from, I've been looking for a cinnamonum verum but haven't had much luck so far.

Yeah i wouldn't have a problem trading a cacao, although I already have 2 guava's and I wouldn't suggest trading them anytime soon. I would probably wait until towards the end of the year so they get a little bigger (I usually expect around half of the seeds I plant to die). I wouldn't want to trade you something thats just going to die a month later.

Regards

Steven
About the Author
Steven
Eastern Melbourne
4th June 2008
Reply |
Ajay says...
Hi Steven,

No worries, here is my phone number 0411587396, lets discuss the Cocoa seedlings/trade over the phone. As regards wintering our plants (we are both in a similar situation) , I thought of getting some poly sheets and covering the space between the side of my house and the fence, thereby providing a sheltered space while at the same time allowing sunlight in - I have a north facing side of the house. For heating, I will be using an alcohol lamp over which I will place an inverted terracota pot to evenly distribute the heat. I will leave the lamp burning all night. I would suggest placeing the lamp in a tray of water so that if amy spils occur or the lamp should get knocked over, the water in the tray will prevent fire from spreading - remember that alcohol does not float on water, it disolves in it.
As regards Cinamon, here is the address:
http://www.allrareherbs.com.au/plants/plant-list/

Hope this helps.
About the Author
Ajay
Hoppers Crossing,MELB
4th June 2008
Reply |
Tran says...
Hi Steven,

My coffee arabica has been in a small pot for 5 years (50 cm tall). I have not covered it in winter at all. I thought I lost it last year but new shoots came back this year so I think yours would be ok. The same with banana. With pineapple I shelter them every year under veranda until November and make sure no watering from the top because the cold and the water in the rossete will kill the plant. In fact I don't water them at all during that time. I have fruits every year by forcing them to flowers after 18 months.
I tried to plant pineapple in the garden and they did not make it due to the cold and wet winter soil.

Good luck
About the Author
Tran
VIC
4th June 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
Hi Ajay,

I already gave you an answer to your question...Pls refer to rare fruit swap thread.
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
4th June 2008
Reply |
Steven says...
Hi Tran

Thanks for that, the coffee trees should be ok then, they are the only ones i am really concerned about.

I planted two pineapples in the garden during summer and so far they are ok but not the best. the hot sun weakened one during summer and it hasnt really recovered and now their leaves are burnt from hail. But i spread some dynamic lifter around them and they seem to have picked up a bit so hopefully they'll be ok.

During the growing season I would feed my tropical plants seasol and fish emulsion once a week and they seem to respond very well to that. they all grew quite well and looked very healthy. A stong tree would obviously be much more resistant to everything, including climate. So i though id point that out.

Regards

Steven
About the Author
Steven
Eastern Melbourne
5th June 2008
Reply |
juanita says...
It just occured to me that i've grown Pommelos or shaddocks (2nd winter), moringa oleifeira (2nd winter), white sapotes & star apple/caimito (2nd winter) all from seeds quite successfully.
About the Author
juanita
melbourne
5th June 2008
Reply |
Anonymous says...
Hi Steven,
Regarding tropical plants outside - I live just outside Ballarat, so you know how cold that gets. Colder than Melbourne. Banana doing well but covered with polythene tunnel, no heat. One planted outside needs cover and flower pot with candle during frost. Hawaiian and indian guava thriving without warmth, just an old sheet thrown over plants on clear nights. Jaboti