My Edibles: Stone Fruit WA

apricot - trevat (Grafted)

Comments: -

As they are only babies I removed all the fruit as soon as it set as I want them to get their roots fully established so they can survive the summer!They are being espilared against the fence. A few have been hard hit by the storm and had some unorthordox pruning (thanks Perth storms) - but they seem to have recovered well. All their leaves have been removed for winter and I'm hoping they spring out of dormancy soon)

leavs are emerging late September. There are not many flowers - this could be due to Perth storm pruning, or insufficient chill, but a few fruit have set (obviously not enough ... one can never have too many apricots!) I always knew apricots would be a challenge in Perth!

I striped the plants of leaves in June. Hopefully they will learn that it is winter and crop in summer (maybe). The first blossom has appeared mid September 2011. It is still just waking up as of mid October 2011. There might be tiny fruitlets (just a few). It would be wonderful to get apricots in Perth (given we have far too few chill hours)

Jan 2012 - yummy, yummy, yummy ... fresh apricots are so delicious. The is no danger of an apricot crop in Perth breaking the branches of the tree, but a dozen fruit per tree is a nice treat, and so much more flavour than in the shops.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

ladybugs!

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Plum - Gulf Ruby (Grafted)

Comments: -

purchased as a pot-bound throw-out from Bunnings I have teased out its roots and provided much compost. It is low chill so has lost its leaves. I am hoping that Spring will reveal a happier plant. It is going to need to cope with some fierce WA sun in its current location.

leaves and blossom emerged in August 2010. I think it is still a bit grumpy about being pot-bound previously, but it seems to have picked up toward the end of October

The plant has large (still green) fruit attached as of October 2011. I tested one of the fruit in Jan 2012, they are alright but standard plum flavour. I think the plant is missing something as it the leaves just don't have the colour of the other plums. Being planted next to a cement driveway can't help. In autumn I'll seek to improve the soil further. In the meatime I've mulched under the canopy with pinebark

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Santa Rosa

Pest Control:

ladybugs

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Mango - Kensington Pride grafted (Seedling)

Comments: -

This is actually a seedling ... but I couldn't find 'seedling' in the selection list

It is very young, it has been planted on the front verge (my garden cannot fit a tree as large as I hope this will become!). To prevent root interference I have planted the tree in a plastic soak-well that will keep the roots in improved soil until they are at least a meter deep. This also means I can easily keep the grass out (although tomatos from the compost have popped up!)

The plant does not seem to have done a great deal during spring, but it is still alive. It has a lot of growing to do if it is to become as big as I hope in the next 10 years! I've noticed another mango in a naturestrip a few blocks away that looks fantastic. How do I make mine feel more at home and welcome?

Unfortunately someone pulled this plant out around New Years. However I managed to retrieve it and re-plant it again. The shock seems to have stimulated growth (or the additional water and sea-sol to assist with the unexpected transplant). I'm hoping that by next summer the tree will be strong enough to keep growing).

The plant is the 'come back kid'! After its "trashing" of being ripped out and broken in half so there were no leaves left - it is back and plodding on. It has certainly earned my respect for toughness. It is also only watered with my shower water or washing-machine grey water. Tough!

The little tree is now about 2/3 its original height and covered in leaves less than 3 months after being ripped out of the ground again and snapped in half! Rock on come-back-kid!

Jan 2012 - and again someone ripped this poor plant out. The come-back kid might have lost his last round. I've put him in a pot with loads of TLC. If he survives he'll go to a new home with a family that can protect him. The mulberry will take his place.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Organic Status:Partially Organic

plum - amber gold (Grafted)

Comments: -

I needed something tough to survive the location (full Perth summer sun against a reflective metal fence) that would 'match' the other plums I have.

Blossom commenced late August, early September 2010. It only really seems to have taken off late October - maybe next year it will feel more at home.

Plant is still not thriving. Leaves removed June 2011. I'm not sure why it isn't very happy ... it is just taking a long time to feel thoroughly at home.

Jan 2012 - This is NOT an amber gold ... the fruit (half a dozen) are very large (circumference 20cm), heart shaped, green-red on the outside, pink on the inside and SUBLIME. Clearly the wrong lable - but delicious. Not another blood plum either (as I've got these and this fruit is different). The plant took awhile to establish, but is growing well now. Clearly requires more chill than offered by Perth ... but just divine.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Santa Rosa

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

Lady-bugs and removal of any 'bad critters' or sick leaves

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

Nectarine - Sunwright (Grafted) ^7/10

Comments: -

Wonderful blossom. Is supposed to be hardy to WA.  It has attempted to set fruit quickly. I have removed all fruit as plants are young and need to establish roots rather than fruit

flowers and leaves emerged in July - I've left the fruit on as the tree is growing rapidly ... it is a prolific cropper and at 1.5m and 12 months in the ground I'd estimate there are over 80 fruit per plant after thinning! Unfortunately the fruit-fly struck so I had to collect all the fruit and pack it tightly into a bucket and 'drown' the fruit fly for a month before the muck was composted (fruit fly can be drowned when the fruit is underwater for over a week and the top of the water covered with a layer of vegetable oil to stop oxygen getting in).

These guys really struggled with the 2011 summer and lost most of their leaves. I'm hoping that autumn comes soon so they can recover.

Plants recovered in autumn and required substantial pruning. Leaves were removed in June 2011 to encourage dormancy

Jan 2012 - once again fruit fly were about earlier than expected so the entire crop (sans one bag) was picked and treated to prevent re-infection. Delicious crop ... but nectarines are not suited to Perth as they are too susceptiable to fruit fly. The destruction methods and spraying has prevented fruit fly being observed anywhere else - but I fear untended trees in the district are breeding zones for this pest.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter and Spring

Pruned By: 30% in Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

leaf curl was initially a problem. I removed all the affected leaves by hand and also removed all the healthy leaves in winter (July). The plants ahve been pruned so that no branches or leaves are within 1m of the ground so the fungus shouldn

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

Comments

spores will be in cracks in the bark and also the soil. Reinfestation likely without autumn sprays and/or pre bud burst spray. since you have many trees that can be affected, I'd recommend you spray rather than suffer major outbreak

Peach - Tropic Snow (Grafted) ^6/10

Comments: -

 It is quite vigerous although this has been curtailed with storms removing branches. They have really kicked into gear for 'spring' (July) and is blossoming and budding like a champ. No signs of infection - but a few leaves indicate that the risk is still very much there. It appears that leaf curl can occur after leaves emerge. I'll definitely spray next year.

Flowers and leaves emerged in late July 2010. Alas fruit-fly struck and much of the fruit was lost. Next year I'm getting nasty and using chemicals!

These guys really struggled with the Perth summer in 2011. They seem to be getting hit by every pest and disease possible as they are clearly weakened. Leaves are pale in colour despite addition of water and balanced fertiliser.

Leaves were removed in June 2011 to encourage dormancy. The plants clearly need a break. Additional feed and TLC will be required next summer.

Jan 2012 - Most of the fruitletts were removed to reduce the stress on the plant for this summer. Plants haven't had much disease - but clearly are not enjoying being planted near the driveway. At over 3 m high now they are too large to transplant and have been mulched with pine bark to assist - but they are not ideal for the climate. Tasty fruit that was allowed to remain.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

hand removal of any nasty bugs or infected leaves. Natural predators also assist. The tree is pruned so that no branches or leaves are less than 1m from the ground - this seems to have prevented re-infection of leaf-curl

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Mango - Sensation

Comments: -

The sound of this fruit and the idea of a red dwarf mango is rather exciting to me. The plan is to put it in a giant pot (about 0.5 m3) to match the other dwarf mango (which will also be in a giant pot). I've gently rubbed its tip (spring 2010) and it now seems to be preparing to branch (yippee). I've planted strawberries all around the pot to act as a living mulch

Alas, no branching ... but LOADS of fruit. In Jan 2012 I've had to remove over a dozen the size of apricots to stop them weighing down the plant. I've added support to stop the remaining fruit from bending the plant to the ground (I intend to thin down to 1-2 fruit, but want to see how they develp first)

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Mango - Ono (Grafted)

Comments: -

This is supposed to be a very tough form of mango. It is growing in a large pot after my Palmer dwarf finally expired. I've put down strawberries as a living mulch and the mango seems quite happy. It has a few branches but isn't growing at a great rate yet (April 2011)

As of June 2011 the plant has put on a spurt and added a further 2 branches. It doesn't seem to want to get any taller - but it does seem healthy!

By the end of 2011 it had several flowers and set fruit. In Jan 2012 I thinned this to 3 fruit only. It is still putting on new growth.

Planted: 2011

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Question:

Plum - Mariposa (Grafted)

Comments: -

Still very young. I am hoping I will get some fruit set eventually; despite the warm winters in Perth. Leaves are removed by hand throughout July to encourage the impact of chill hours. Plant broke dormancy late October. There are a few flowers, but not many.

I have removed all the leaves in June 2011. Hopefully there will be fruit next year.

Planted: 2009

Height 2 metres

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Satsuma & Santa Rosa

Pest Control:

ladybugs

Organic Status:Partially Organic

plum - Santa Rosa (Grafted)

Comments: -

Still very young. With luck I will get some fruit set despite only having 300 chill hours. This is my main pollinator for the other plums, so flowers are important, unfortunately there aren't too many! Plant broke dormancy early October

Leaves removed in June 2011. Hopefully there will be sufficient chill for fruit.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Mariposa & Satsuma

Pest Control:

N/A

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Nectarine - Dwarf Crimson Baby

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Winter and Spring

Peach - Trixie

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Winter and Spring

Peach - Dwarf O\'Henry (Grafted)

Comments: -

Like the shape and like the Plantnet varieties.

Planted: 2011

Height 60 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Winter and Spring

Mango - Bowen (Grafted) ^10/10

Fruiting Months January and December

Planted: 2010

Height 2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Autumn

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Spring

Pest Control:

none

Organic Status:Organic

Apricot - Fireball

Peach - Tropic Beauty

Nectarine - Sunblaze

Plum - Prune dAgen

Planted: 2011

Plumcott - Flavour Supreme

Mango - Kensington Pride grafted

Dwarf Mango - Irwin (Grafted)

Comments: -

just planted at 4 ft tall, but feeling good as researched it's yield v high, resistance to disease good, and good for people who want lots of fruit trees as only grows 2-3 m tall. Dug a hole almost 1m cubed, filled with well draining compost and soil, so it should be happy.

Planted: 2011

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Autumn and Spring

Pollination: No

When I Fertilise: When Fruiting, Winter, Spring

Organic Status:Organic

Davidsonia jerseyana - Davidson Plum NSW ^8/10

Plum - Satsuma (Grafted)

Comments: -

One plant was lost due to a heat wave, followed by unorthodox pruning in a storm, and then a dog trying to dig it up and eat it. The other plant appears to be thriving, it is covered in buds ready for spring. Leaves emerged late September, not many flowers. I think I'll need to take steps to increase the "chill hours" it feels

Planted: 2009

Height 2 metres

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Mariposa & Santa Rosa

Pest Control:

none required

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Burdekin Plum (Seedling) ^7/10

Height 2 metres

Qty: 8

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

When I Fertilise: Spring

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Comments

Thanks for the tip re Burdekin Plums - wasn't quite sure how to deal with the produce! Phil.

Peach - Flordagold (Grafted) ^10/10

Comments: -

Fruits early, and heavily year after year.

Fruiting Months November and December

Planted: 1996

Height 3 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

Fruit Harvest: 20 kilograms per Year

First Fruited: 2 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Autumn

Pruned By: 50% in After Fruiting and Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Chook Manure, phosphate and potassium nitrate

When I Fertilise: Spring

Pest Control:

Susceptible to peach curl - spray with bordeaux and copper sprays twice in winter if possible - hard to get two in though as loses leaves late and buds early.

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Peach - Toodyay Seedling (Seedling) ^10/10

Comments: -

This peach produces large late fruit - freestone, yellow flesh and very sweet.

Fruiting Months February and March

Planted: 2001

Height 3 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Fruit Harvest: 15 kilograms per Year

First Fruited: 3 Years from Seed

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 50% in After Fruiting and Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: chook manure, phosphate, potassium nitrate

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

copper sprays or  bordeaux in winter. Fruit fly baiting was necessary one year.

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Apricot - Trevatt (Grafted) ^7/10

Comments: -

Planted in the same hole as a Moorpark Apricot and trained to form half of a vase (The moorpark forms the other half). Not fruiting yet- expect the first fruit this year.

Heaps of fruit summer 09/10- enought for eating over the relatively short season (hey it is stonefruit after all) but not enough yet for jam

Planted: 2007

Height 2 metres

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pruned By: 25% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Spring

Pest Control:

Fruit fly plus bordeaux spray in winter just before bud burst

Organic Status:Pesticides Used

Apricot - Moorepark (Grafted) ^6/10

Comments: -

Planted in the same hole as a Trevatt Apricot and trained to form half of a vase (The Trevatt forms the other half). Not fruiting yet- expect the first fruit this year.

Heaps of fruit summer 09/10- enought for eating over the relatively short season (hey it is stonefruit after all) but not enough yet for jam

Planted: 2007

Height 2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pruned By: 25% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Spring

Pest Control:

Fruit fly spray and bordeaux spray in winter just before bud burst

Organic Status:Pesticides Used

Plum - Santa rosa ^4/10

Comments: -

Pulled this one out as it wasn't performing very well (fruit yield wise). Getting plenty off my Mariposa and have a Ruby blood now for cross pollination (plus grafted a Satsuma onto the Mariposa)

Planted as a pollinator for my original Mariposa plum. It's an ok tree but really planted as a pollinator only as the fruit is nothing compared to blood plums. Now grafting Satsuma and Narabeen onto some of hte branches

Planted: 2003

Height 4 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Fruit Harvest: 10 kilograms per Year

First Fruited: 4 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pruned By: 25% in Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

Fruit fly spray and Bordeaux spray in late winter just prior to bud burst

Mango - R2E2 (Grafted) (Grafted)

Planted: 2003

Height 3.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Pollination: Self Pollination