Grumichama Not Growing

Dorota starts with ...
I have had one Gumichama plant for over a year now and find it very slow growing - every other tree grew, but this one is still the same size? I water and fertilise with liquid fish & kelp.

What am I doing wrong?

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PeterG says...
Mine took off last year after being in the ground for 4 years and being very well looked after, as it sounds yours is. Once it got a few branches going the growth seemed to multiply quickly. Mine is covered in fruit at the moment and a lot of new growth this year. I love the colour of the foliage and wait until yours flowers, they have a delicate little white flower. Keep patient with it, it is one of my favour trees now - I remember being in the same boat as you a few years ago when I thought mine was never going to start growing and I felt like digging it out. I have noticed that mine doesn't like long dry spells. It is my indicator plant as to when things have been dry for too long and need a water. It seems to like a good watering if you haven't had rain for 1-2 weeks.

Dorota says...
Thank you Peter and Leona, I will just have to be patient with my tree. It is very deeply mulched, even after three weeks without waterring the soil was still moist. The tree looks healthy, leaves are shiny and it has some new growth this spring. Paul, I was adviced to mulch fruit trees as much as you can and don't let anything else grow in 1m diameter. I was also told not to use too much blood&bone as this might leave traces of heavy metals in fruit. I am setting up a worm farm, this is the best fertiliser for fruit and veg.

amanda says...
I have one growing in semi shade (and one in mostly sun) denise1 so should be able to compare in a year (once they have settled in to their new homes) the one in semi shade did fruit recently tho - and the fruit ripened no problems and tasted great....
Only a small crop as it was just transplanted.

I agree denise - I reckon they are a lovely fruit and a beautiful looking plant too...really think some selective breeding, for larger fruits, would be great too!? :)

amanda says...
Black, SG...sorry! :) Have never seen yellows in WA and can't import the plants anymore :( Mike - does yellow seed come true to type do u know?

BJ says...
They will grow in pots, and they have a shallow and not very extensive roots system, so tend to dry out fairly quickly. If in pots try using a saucer underneath to kee the water in if you are near Perth - taking it away when it is wet.

kim says...
I have a tiny grumichama seedling (approx. 10cm tall), will this need to be protected during winter or will it survive Perth's winter ok outdoors? thanks.

amanda says...
Hi Anonymous - the bags I used are one's I actually bought from Daleys..? I call them tree sacks? Didn't know they were called bonsai bags?
They worked great - I especially like the good drainage on those bags - they had little holes up the sides of the bags too..?
Nothing got soggy and all did well...
I wouldn't let direct sunlight hit them tho - they get a bit sweaty inside then..
Hope this helps?

mtyr says...
My grumichamas took 8 years to fruit. Bur when they did, they are sort of OK, not much more.

denise1 says...
The first good crop on my tree was a bit insipid, even a bit soapy. The second crop was very sweet and tangy. Certainly worth going a distance to eat them. and as good or better than noermal cherries.

Anonymous says...
Did you get the grumichamas from Daleys, Amanda?

Interesting about the root stuff, Amanda. It answers my question, so thank you!

MJ

amanda says...
Yes I got them from Daleys some time ago now...I hoping that this coming summer they will be settled enough for a proper crop at last..
I love them - but my husband isn't fussed on them...
But then - he's not a fruit addict so don't be put off by that ;-)