VF1's Edible Backyard

Joined: 24/04/12 Updated: 30/09/12 Frost:
Location: Wongawallan

About My Edible Backyard

Main challenge is working on a block which has some terracing and some very steep parts on the side of Tamborine Mountain, at about 440m altitude.  Soil very variable - pockets of sandy-grey loam, black loam, sandy-clay loam, red volcanic soil, stoney sandy rubbish.  Some soil deep and in other parts shallow,  and mostly above sandstone. Lots of underground springs surprisingly. Good rainfall (av. 1500mm/yr) although these past 2 yrs, like most of  Qld, this has been greatly exceeded!  Our block mainly slopes down to west, so not really ideal aspect for orchard - have to plan layering so all plants get enough sun.  Orchard is mainly planted in a semi-cleared forest area, but some smaller fire-retardant plants are around house.  Biggest worry is bush-fire - block (13 acres) is mainly forest, and is surrounded by forest dominated by huge gums. 

Currently having fun starting a garden from scratch, (very little existed), with benefit of some experience from a previous property.  Very rewarding seeing every new growth flush, flowers and fruit growing - even better when eating them!

Developed my interest in growing plants by influence of my Father (likes to grow unusual/exotic plants), and my now deceased Grand-Father (Mum's side) who had studied Horticulture and Botany and always had fantastic fruit and vegies.

Comments

Mulberry- Black (Cutting)

Comments: -

I love, and now the children do too, the sweet and juicy fruit which is best eaten straight off the tree.  I'm not sure of variety I have, but fruit are about 30-35mm long, black and fat. Main fruiting is in spring, but can have some small, extra flushes of fruit in Summer and Autumn.  Can be messy due to staining fruit, and dropping  large leaves late Autumn (is deciduous).  Is a very fast grower and can be quite big - best to get a dwarf variety in an urban environment.  If in rural environment, go big! (Watch-out though, as livestock love the leaves and will "prune" quite heavily). 

Spring '12: Bumper crop this year with branches laden with fruit. Picking a strawberry punnet worth each day as well as stuffing ourselves at the same time. Such an easy and rewarding fruit to grow!

Fruiting Months September and October

Planted: 2010

Height 3.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 2 Years after I planted Cutting

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Spring

Pest Control:

Fig birds have finally discovered the fruit - netting now applied.

Organic Status:Organic

Dwarf Persimmon - Fuyu (NA) (Grafted)

Comments: -

I love the delicious fruit without worry of astringency. The tree is also attractive, especially in Autumn with the bright orange fruit and the leaves changing colour (is deciduous).  Good to plant where you want some Summer shade and Winter sun. 

Planted early '10.

Update late April,2012: First crop, no bird or bug problem so allowed fruit to fully ripen on tree. Colour was so intensely orange, almost red - flavour just beautiful, and oh so sweet!(Eaten semi-crisp) Fruit large, only 2.  Hopefully much bigger crop next year, (excessive rain during flowering this year - lucky to have gotten any).

Fruiting Months February, March, April, May

Planted: 2010

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 2 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Autumn

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure and Citrus fertiliser

When I Fertilise: Winter

Pest Control:

White oil used for scale, however thinking about trying barrier system against ants this coming spring.  Luckily I have no fruit fly or bird problem (yet), but at a previous property netting was a must .

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Pumelo - unknown graft (Grafted)

Comments: -

Lost the label ages ago - can't remember variety. Taken a long time to settle in - didn't flower for 2 years, but covered with them this spring(2012). Interesting looking flowers before they open - green and furry - when open they look the same as other citrus except much bigger!

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure and Citrus feed

Pest Control:

White oil used twice for scale.

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Guava Hawaiian (Seedling)

Comments: -

Guava aroma is fantastic- bit like passionfruit, sort of tropical musky smell. Tastes great juiced or in fruit salad.

This plant is a seedling sourced from commercial variety "Hawaiian Supreme".

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

These fruits are fruit fly magnets. Prevention with exclusion nets is the best. Keeps the birds off too.

Midyim Berry (Seedling)

Comments: -

This is supposed to be one of the few really tasty bush-tucker fruits so I thought I'd try it. Fruit is a small berry that is white with blue-black spots. Generally free of pests and diseases. Is low-growing (gen. 80-100cm) and can be planted in most spots as long as ground is constantly moist.

Fast growing even through our mild winter,but seem to really like water - have been leaving lots of water in the dishes under their pots, and the growth following is really fast.

Spring '12: Have had these in pots for about 5 months, and to my surprise I've noticed scores of flower buds growing.Hope they'll develop, as I'd love to taste these. (Now planted out a week later.)

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

Should only need bird-netting for fruit.

Lemonade Tree (Grafted)

Comments: -

A sweet lemon sounded delicious, and on tasting, they really are! Very refreshing.  Tough little tree - I accidently knocked half its' roots off when planting; it got a bit sick but has made a full recovery.  (It didn't even drop the 3 young fruit it was carrying at the time, and they grew beautifully.)  Having second crop maturing now, 31 good size fruit.

Very sweet and juicy, but with lemon flavour. My daughter takes these to school to eat as fresh fruit.

Height 1.4 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Fruit Harvest: 31 Fruit Per Year

First Fruited: 4 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure and citrus feed

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

White oil used once for scale.  No fruit fly. slugs seem to love the new growth on this particular citrus, so need to use snail pellets every growth spurt (the little slimers also attack my kaffir lime).

Nashi Pear - Tropical Sunshu (Grafted)

Comments: -

A low-chill, high quality fuit bearer, that is very productive after 2-3 years, and doesn't need a cross-pollinator.  Needs some sort of wind protection to protect fruit from bruising on the tree.

Planted early spring '12.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Peach - China Flat (Grafted)

Comments: -

White fleshed, flat doughnut-shaped peach with a greenish tinged skin. Low-chill variety. Very good taste. Freestone heritage variety.

Planted early spring '12.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

Fruit will need protection from fruit fly ,fruit moths, birds amd bats!

Tea (Cutting)

Comments: -

Thought I'd give it a go and have my own fresh green tea. May be a while yet as plant only small.

Will be kept potted probably for another year until it has grown a bit more. Will be with other acid-loving plants like blueberries and ugni. Seems to be fast growing, as has doubled in size in 4-5 weeks (was about 15cm when bought).

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: azalea ferilizer

Finger Lime - Ricks Red (Grafted)

Comments: -

This is a dark-red skin/red vesicle variety. I love the tang when the vesicles break in your mouth. Very tasty in a G&T!

Flowering prolifically late winter and has set heaps of fruit.

Have noticed that my finger-limes seem to get magnesium deficiency chlorosis easier than my other citrus, especially after heavy-flowering/fruit-set - they now get a  small regular dose of epsom salts, and are looking good and retaining more fruit.

Planted: 2012

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus, seasol, epsom salts

Avocado - Rincon (Grafted)

Comments: -

Love all avo's. Is one of my "A" varieties. Is a dwarf variety with a spreading habit, and much slower grower than my others. The tree's not attractive - very gangly looking.  Fruit written off by some, but my family found it nice tasting - very creamy/buttery and mild flavour (maybe only has nice fruit where it's not too hot/humid or too cold). Fruit not a good storer once cut though, as the invisible strings darken. Best eaten within 24-48hrs. Don't discount this one for the backyard if you have limited space.

Note: Fruit ripe now (April-May) when there is none at any road-side stalls (Tamborine Mt.), so I'm happy!

Fruiting Months March, April, May, June

Planted: 2010

Height 1.3 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 2 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Autumn

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Sheppard

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure and Citrus fertiliser

When I Fertilise: Spring

Pest Control:

None yet, but I may net next crop as something (possum/bushrats?) pulled off/damaged most of crop. Only 2 fruit survived.

Question:

When is it best to prune,as I'd like to attempt to shape tree?

Plum Pine (Seedling)

Comments: -

Mainly bought this to add to my small native pine tree collection - such beautiful trees - with the added bonus of fruit. Is actually a native rainforest plant.  Need both male and female plants to bear fruit, but you can't tell which is which until mature, so is recommended to plant 3 to get a good chance of a mix. I'll be getting my 3rd from a different source to hopefully provide some genetic diversity.

There is also a naturally dwarf growing variety too which I have found - will be trying these too shortly. (Podocarpus spinulosus apparently rarely grows above 2m in height, also fruits, and is a rainforest understorey plant.)

Planted: 2012

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: male and female needed

Avocado - Shepard (B) (Grafted)

Comments: -

Whole family loves the fruit, which is eaten almost every day.  Sheppard is my "B" variety. I've 3 varieties which fruit at different times, so hoping to have continual supply. Planted early '10.  Tree  set fruit in 2011, but promptly lost them when I fertilised (manure, too high in nitrogen) and instead had a huge growth spurt (20-40 cm on most branches).  Attractive tree presently.

Planted: 2010

Height 2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Lamb Hass and Rincon

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure and Citrus fertiliser

Pest Control:

None required yet.

Question:

Soursop - Kyogle (Grafted)

Comments: -

This a more cold-hardy variety developed in a frost-free region in Kyogle.  Conditions I can provide should be similar so I thought I'd give it a try. (Other varieties I would be struggling with).

Spring '12: sadly a branch from a gumtree has fallen on plant, and I may have lost the graft, time will tell. Will persevere with little tree and see how it goes.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Comments

Ambarella (Seedling)

Comments: -

The description of a fruit that tastes like mango-pineapple mix and can be eaten when crisp sounds delightful.  Supposed to also self shed fruit just before they're ripe - sounds great too!  Young leaves edible too, and can be steamed and eaten as a vegetable. Seems like a good all-round tree. Only real con is size of tree.

Tree is deciduous too, and can put on nice Autumn display of leaves. Could potentially be a nice summer shade tree that allows in winter sun.

Have generously been given some ultra-dwarf ambarella seeds by a fellow forum member. I hope I'll get at least one to germinate!

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Comments

Ambarella does not taste like mango or pineapple, or combination of them. It is crunchy and a bit sour sweet when green, sweet and watery when ripe. I like to eat green ambarella more.

Jaboticaba (Seedling)

Comments: -

Delicious fruit, sort of grape like in taste.  Can fruit several times a year, with only short time between flowering and harvesting.  May be many years though before tree starts bearing. Planted early Feb. and has grown 2-3 inches on most tips in 2 1/2 months. I planted in a mound over an under-ground spring - so far so good!

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed and Seasol -used sparingly

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Nil required yet.

Organic Status:Organic

Jaboticaba Large Leaf (Seedling)

Comments: -

Thought I'd try this variety too, as also have the Small leaf and Yellow varieties.  The fruit of this variety is large, and with tough skin.

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Question:

Peach - Flordaprince (Grafted)

Comments: -

Yellow fleshed, low-chill peach. Nice flavour but not outstanding, but is the earliest Peach to pick. Semi-clingstone.

Planted: 2012

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Peach - Tropic Snow (Grafted)

Comments: -

White fleshed low-chill Peach with an excellent flavour. Freestone.

Planted: 2012

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Babaco Cutting (Cutting)

Comments: -

Lovely fragrance, sort of strawberry/pineapple.  Initially I wasn't over-keen on them, but in Autumn there were some beautifully flavoured ones at local growers market, (Tamborine Mt.), that were much sweeter than ones previously tried. Am now converted to their taste. (Have found some winter fruit more bland though, and only really suitable for juicing - they may not have been tree ripened though as am finding some nicer ones again).

Tree planted on 30cm mound of soil, mostly comprised of compost. Planted mid-autumn '12.

Both Father and F-I-L now converted to fruit too, and have bought them a tree each.

Has started flowering in August. 

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Compost, manure,seasol

Pest Control:

Nil yet.

Sapodilla - Tropical (Grafted)

Comments: -

I love the taste of the fruit- sort of cooked pear infused with brown sugar caramel and touch of cinnamon - I could eat a big bowl of these! This is my 3rd variety - will be interesting to see/taste how they compare. (Others are Sawo Manilla and BKD110)

Planted: 2012

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Davidson Plum NSW (Seedling)

Comments: -

Would like to make a sour plum conserve from native fruit, as the bought European one is delicious!

Plant bought as tubestock, potted up immediately - a little slower growing than QLD variety. Has darker leaves, and new growth a fantastic pink colour.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Davidsons Plum - QLD (Seedling)

Comments: -

Sour plum conserve is delicious, so hope to be able to make my own using native fruit instead.

Bought plant as tube-stock, potted it up immediately, and seems to be fast growing. Leaves a little paler than NSW form, and the new growth (at this stage) has a light pink tinge to it.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Leaf litter/ extra mulch

Mandarin - Emperor (Grafted)

Comments: -

Delicious sweet fruit that is very easy to peel. A favourite with my daughter.

Planted early Spring ('12),growing well and flowering its' head off, and setting fruit - will remove most, and leave only 1 or 2.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus, Seasol, B

Dwarf Mulberry - Red Shahtoot (Grafted)

Comments: -

I love, and now the kids too, mulberrys. This variety sounds great - a dwarf tree with tasty long fruit. Fruit is supposed to be up to 30% sugar, a little tangy, and about 10 cm long. Can be eaten fresh, (apparently even when still green), or dried like sultanas.

Planted out early winter '12: now 3 months on (Sept.), plant only about 80cm but has over 12 fruit coming on (some buds to open yet), so seems like it will be a productive tree eventually. Interesting leaves, look alot like fig leaves.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: citrus,B

White Sapote - Reinecke Commercial (Grafted)

Comments: -

Bought it to compliment my "Lemon Gold". Upright tree with branches not uneven and droopy like my LG. New growth is a beautiful red - attractive tree.

Planted mid-autumn.

Planted: 2012

Height 1.4 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Lemon Gold

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Seasol and Citrus feed. Some gypsum as in heavier soil.

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

None yet.

Comments

What other fertiliser do you use now, if any? Where at the tree do you put the fertiliser? Any good effects noticed?

Lime - Tahitian (Grafted)

Comments: -

Love all things lime !  Mainly use juice, but is nice in marmalade.

Update Spring 2012: absolutely covered with flowers, and hopefully this year the fruit don't all drop off (have lost all fruit in last 2 yrs, possibly due to excessively wet and cool conditions exacerbated by cold-winds.)

Planted: 2010

Height 1.8 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure and Citrus feed

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Manually squish some of Swallow-tail Butterfly caterpillars if they get a bit excessive (they seem to prefer this lime to the other citrus). Nil other problems. 

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

Longan - Kohala (Marcot) (Cutting)

Comments: -

I love fresh Longan fruit (usually a bit old and tatty at shops).  I'm not familiar with varieties, but Kohala sounded nice enough so I went with it. Was planted early Feb. this year ('12), and has taken 2 1/2 months to finally start growing - beautifully coloured, and new flushes growing rapidly.  Has been planted in path of water run-off, but is in a mound on a slope, and seems quite happy.

Spring '12: after initial slow start, has now doubled its' size, and at present appears to be developing flower buds. Too young to allow to fruit yet though.

Planted: 2012

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed and seasol

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Nil required yet.

Lychee - Wai Chee (Cutting)

Comments: -

One of my favourite fruits.  I know there are better varieties, but I had to think of size of tree - this is a dwarf.  These should still taste as good, if not better than the tired old ones at the supermarket!  Planted early Feb. and had a new flush shortly after.  Planted in direct line of rain-water run-off - is in a mound on a slope , and seems to be healthy and happy.

Had some chlorosis developing on new growth - problem solved with Zinc /Manganese foliar feed (and a good gound soak too!) May have to treat anually?

Update: now Sept. (plant in ground for 7 months) and flower buds developing. Too young to allow to fruit yet though.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed and Seasol

Pest Control:

Nil required yet.

Question:

White Sapote - Lemon Gold (Grafted)

Comments: -

Haven't actually tasted this one, but so many people on Daley's Forum seem to love them, I thought I'll give it a go!  Bought one 2 weeks ago and planted immediately, and is now producing flower buds from several sites (won't let fruit set for at least a year though).

Planted Autumn 2012.

Dropped all its' leaves  in late July/August - now September and can see many new growth buds developing.

Planted: 2012

Height 55 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed

Pest Control:

Nil required yet.

Question:

Fig - St. Dominique de Viollette (Cutting)

Comments: -

Is an Heirloom variety of French origin. Has Violet coloured fruit with pink flesh, and supposedly excellent flavour.

At the moment (Sept.), the current leaves are lobe-less unlike my other figs, and look similar to mulberry leaves (I guess they are in the same family.) Maybe as plant grows, leaves will look more typical fig like.

Planted: 2012

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: citrus feed

Cape Gooseberry (Seedling)

Comments: - Have found a couple of volunteer seedlings growing in semi-cleared area of bushland on our property. Nice enough fruit to graze on, but not outstanding.  Highlights to me the weed potential of this plant in bushland - all fruit should be picked if growing it, to stop it becoming invasive. (Will be pulling one out, and keep tabs on the other.)

Growing: In the Ground

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Never

Blueberry - Brightwell (Cutting)

Comments: -

Fresh grown fruit noticeably superior in taste to shop bought ones. The kids love them

Is a rabbit-eye variety with a chill requiremant at upper-end of low chill hours. Has attractive powdery dark blue-green leaves.

Wanting to flower heavily at the moment (Sept.), and I'm picking flowers off daily so plant can put its' energy into growing rather than fruit producing, for the next year or two.

Will be planted next spring when plant much bigger.

Best with a cross-pollinator, although is somewhat self-fertile.

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Powderblue

Fertiliser or Organics Used: azalea fertilizer,

Avocado - Hass (A) (Grafted)

Comments: - I actually have Lamb Hass, which is supposed to be a semi-dwarf variety with larger fruit than Hass.  Hass is my favourite avo. as I love the nutty flavour. ( This is my second attempt of this variety - the first drowned after receiving 400mm rain in 24hrs and it's dish not draining fast enough.) This is my second "A" type. Was planted Oct.'11 and as far as bushyness goes, in 6mth it has doubled.  Nice shape , attractive tree.

Planted: 2011

Height 1.2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Sheppard

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure and Citrus food

Pest Control:

Nil required yet.

Blueberry - Gulfcoast (Cutting)

Comments: -

Fresh ones are noticeably more flavouful than shop bought ones. One of the kids favourite fruits.

Will be kept in pots for another year until bigger in size.

Acid-lovers, so gives me plenty of time to get a good bed ready for them (my soil neutral pH).

Currently finishing flowering(late winter/early spring), but am plucking them all off so plant will grow better- will let fruit in a year or two depending on size of bush.

GC can self-pollinate, but better with 2. Is a high-bush variety with very low-chill requirement.

Planted: 2012

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: azalea fertilizer,peat moss,pine bark/needle mulch

Pest Control:

Will have to net plant s eventually to save fruit from birds.

Lime - Sublime (Seedling)

Comments: -

Is a relatively new selectively bred, naturally dwarf-growing version of West Indian Lime (aka Key Lime). Same tasting and same size fruit, just a much smaller growing plant that is also a little more tolerant of cold, and wetter growing conditions. Is suitable for pot-growing as max. height about 1.5 metres.

I'm giving mine a few more months pot growing ( a lot of new shoots presently), and will be planted out (probably early summer). Flowering prolifically already, and plant is only small (in August).

Height 35 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus, Epsom salts

Guava Yellow Cherry

Comments: -

Similar fuit to Strawberry Guava, but sweeter and less resinous flavour. Slightly smaller growing plant too. Tolerates pruning well, so will be kept at a reasonable size.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

All guava seem to be a magnet for fruit fly, so will be using exclusion netting.

Finger Lime - Sunshine Yellow (Grafted)

Comments: -

I love the little vesicles breaking open in your mouth as a tangy treat. This variety yellow skin/yellow flesh. Great in a G & T!

Just starting to flower in Sept.

Planted: 2012

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus, epsom salts, seasol

Finger Lime - Collette (Grafted)

Comments: -

Fantastic tasting fruit which seem to be tastier and more aromatic then my other finger-limes.  Bought tree already bearing fruit (tree about 30cm height), and a few weeks ago started flowering again  - can see tiny little Limes forming

Flowering again in Sept. - seems quite precocious. Great little tree.

Dark skinned fruit with bright lime-green vesicles.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 1 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed, Seasol, Blood/bone

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

No pests as yet, but seems a little more prone to magnesium deficiency chlorosis than my other citrus, so now will be getting regular epsom salts.

Fig - Brown Turkey (Cutting)

Comments: -

My Grand-parents used to grow a variety of figs when I was a girl, and I remember me and one of my cousins stuffing ourselves with them every year. I don't think this was one of the varieties I used to eat, but by all accounts are delicious.

It's nearing the end of winter, and the tree is putting out new growth including some small figs ( I can definitely see at least 4)- hope they grow!

I'll most likely keep this plant in a pot - the roots can be invasive and I'm too lazy to do root pruning each year in addition to regular pruning

This one is easily the fastest grower out of the 4 varieties I have.

Planted: 2012

Height 70 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

May have to use nets to keep birds off fruit.

Fig Black Genoa (Cutting)

Comments: -

Shop bought figs are picked too early, and cannot be compared with a fully tree-ripened fruit!

My BG seems to be the slowest mover of my 4 varieties- is only just starting to break buds, while some of my others are growing branches now.

Planted: 2012

Height 100 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: citrus

Ugni ( Tazziberry ) (Cutting)

Comments: -

By all accounts, the fresh fruit is supposed to taste special - intense strawberry flavoured sherbet bombs sound good to me! Also great scent from flowering bushes.

Have 2 varieties growing: U.molinae, 'Chilean Guava' (the more common variety) and U. montana, 'Mountain Guava' - the fruit is supposedly very similar, but plants have some differences in their growth habit.

Will probably keep potted for another year until they get a bit more size on them. Are apparently acid-lovers, so will share a part of garden with the blueberries and camellia sinensis (other acid lovers).

Have been slow but steady growers throughout winter, and have bushed up nicely from looking twig like. Seem to like quite moist soil.

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: azalea fertilizer

Comments

Fruited yet ? How's the taste ? Any difference between the two varieties ?

Malay Apple (Seedling)

Comments: -

Has lovely large glossy leaves, and an apparently stunning pink flower which is produced abundantly, followed by large pink/red fruits which can vary in quality from sweet to sour.

Is one of my more tropical plants so will probably be babied a year or two in a pot.

Height 30 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Blueberry - Powderblue (Cutting)

Comments: -

The fresh fruit noticeably superior tasting to shop bought fruit. The kids love them.

Acid-loving rabbit-eye variety with required chill at upper-end of low chill. Constantly flowering at the moment (Sept.), which I keep plucking off - want vigour to go into foliar growth, not fruit, for another year or two.

Attractive looking  powdery dark blue-green leaves.

Best with a cross-pollinator.

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Brightwell

Fertiliser or Organics Used: azalea

Green Sapote (Seedling)

Comments: -

 Tastes apparently like a superior Mamey Sapote (which I LOVE), and is a smaller fruit (easier to eat) than M.S., and the bonus is that the seeds can be eaten like a nut too when roasted! The tree is also cold-hardier than M.S., so I'm hoping it will be successful.

I have a seedling as is near impossible to find a grafted plant.

Tree attractive presently - looks very much like a Loquat!  Needs a bit of space as can get to 18-20m tall.

Planted mid-autumn.  Will be protected for winter.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed and Seasol

Dwarf Persimmon - Ichikikijiro (NA) (Grafted)

Comments: -

 My second Persimmon (other is Fuyu). This one is also non-astringent, so can be eaten crisp. Is a dwarf variety, growing to 2-3m.

Planted mid-winter.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus, Seasol and manure

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Winter

Pest Control:

Pomegranate - Rosavaya (Cutting)

Comments: -

Me and my daughter love eating Pomegranate - such a refreshing and tasty flavour, and like eaing little jewels. Love eating by itself, or sprinkled over salads. If I get enough fruit eventually, will attempt to make syrup. Is a variety from a Soviet state.

Planted winter 2012

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Winter

Lime - Kaffir (Grafted)

Comments: -

Use it in Thai style cooking - gorgeous aroma and taste!  I use mainly the leaves, but the zest of the fruit is good too.  Tough plant - I have on occassion forgotten to water plant and it will loose all leaves.  After having a drink, they all re-grow. (Not done deliberately, but keeps a cap on sooty mould and tree barely needs a prune!)

Update Sept. '12: finally planted tree out last month after 7yrs in pot. Now covered in new growth - never seen it as happy!

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed and coffee grinds.

Pest Control:

I must use white oil spray every couple of months and occassionally ant bait,as the little critters help overrun the poor tree with scale and the sooty mould gets out of hand.

Organic Status:Pesticides Used

Pomegranate - Elcite (Cutting)

Comments: -

My daughter and I love Pomegranate. I bought this variety as it is sweet and soft-seeded. Also has a yellow skin, which will be a nice contrast amongst my other varieties. Is a Spanish variety.

Planted winter 2012.

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Winter

Pomegranate - Elche (Cutting)

Comments: -

My daughter and I love eating Pomegranate. I bought this variety as is supposed to be sweetest variety in world. Is also soft-seeded. Is a Spanish variety.

Planted winter 2012.

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Winter

Aniseed Myrtle (Cutting)

Comments: -

The leaves taste like black jelly beans. Will be used for tea and cooking when plant a little larger. My 7yr old loves to pick leaves and just chew them. The strong aroma is lovely.

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Native fertilizer

Lemon Myrtle (Cutting)

Comments: -

I've been drinking LM tea for a couple of years, so decided to grow my own. Bought an advanced size, and have harvested immediately. The aroma is fabulous. Plan to experiment as a flavouring in cooking too.

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Native fertilizer

Fig White Adriatic

Comments: -

This was one of the varieties I used to stuff myself with when I was a child, at my Grand-parents house. I remember gnawing all the outer bits off, and saving the sweet and sticky interior for last (yes, a bit messy)! Finally, I have a plant of my own, and now my kids can enjoy them too!

Will be spending it's life in a pot for the time being, as roots can be invasive and I can't be bothered pruning roots too.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Canistel - Emma (Grafted)

Comments: -

A cold-hardy variety I thought I would give a try.  I 've eaten a round variety of Canistel from Tropical Fruit World and they were delicious- a thick, but smooth textured fruit whose flavour was very much like 'Juicy Fruit chewing gum' - I think it would be nice in smoothies.  The fruit seems decorative too, when hanging on the tree.

(Note: now winter, 2012. Temp. to 6C, plant unaffected. Will probably get slightly colder by about 1-1.5C, but looking good) 

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Guiana Chestnut (Seedling)

Comments: -

I haven't tried the nuts yet, but are supposed to taste like peanuts when raw, and chestnuts when fried or roasted. Sounds like a good option to try in sub-tropics where not so suitable to grow traditional type nuts. Should start bearing when a few years old.

The tree itself is attractive too, with a bulbous base (already noticeable as a young plant) similar to Qld. Bottle tree. Likes moist soil as in natural environment lives on river-banks.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Blackberry Jam Fruit (Cutting)

Comments: -

This is probably more of a novelty fruit, but I thought I'd give it a go - a small fruit whose interior contains a black-seedy pulp that tastes (and sort of looks) like black-berry jam!

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Ross Sapote ( pouteria spp.). (Seedling)

Comments: -

From what I have read, is a similar fruit to Canistel (which I enjoy), but even tastier and usually liked by even those who don't like Canistel - I like the sound of that!

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Jaboticaba - Yellow (Seedling)

Comments: -

Bears fruit much earlier (early as 3 yrs.) than the black skinned varieties (from 6 yrs  ). Self-pollinating, but apparently bears better if a second plant is around.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Seasol (half-strength), citrus feed

Dill (Seedling)

Comments: -

Lovely aromatic herb that's versatile:  pickles, fish, soups, mayonaise. Self-sows (have to thin out at times), and grows most of year except Summer. Leaves, flowers and seeds can all be used for different things.

Height 1.4 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 6

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

Occassional aphids easily blasted off with garden hose - usually only aphids though if plant stressed from lack of water (give a drink).

Black Sapote - Maher (Grafted)

Comments: -

Very soft, sweet fruit .  Not choclatey in flavour, but is nice especially when mixed with other flavours (rum, vanilla ice-cream,etc).  My children love it. Planted early May 2012.

Planted: 2012

Height 70 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Seasol and citrus feed

Mango - Bowen Seedling (Seedling)

Comments: -

Another of my favourite fruits, that has true mango aroma and great flavour. The seeds of these grow true to parent. Have 2 growing, one of which is a red skinned variety (Strawberry). Lovely big trees eventually.

Planted Autumn '12.

Height 35 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Nil needed yet. Will need fungicide most likely when flowering to prevent anthracnose.

Peanut Butter Tree (Seedling)

Growing: In a Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Banana - Blue Java (Cutting)

Comments: -

I love bananas, and eat every day, but I hate super-market Cavendish.  The price of nice varieties can be high so I thought I'd grow my own. This one has apparently a taste reminiscent of Vanilla ice-cream.  This plant is a tissue culture specimen, so was quite small when I received it. It's now 3 months old and is actually looking like a small banana plant. (It looked like my Turmeric at one stage.) Awaiting some other varieties.

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Lots of Seasol Powerfeed, citrus feed,compost,everything really!

Pest Control:

Nil needed yet.

Comments

where can i get a blue java sucker or two thanks Mat -0266795916

or email mathuranathadas108@gmail.com --thanks --mat--

Mat, my plant too young presently, but try googling "Blue Sky Banana" - they are the source of mine, and as the plants are tissue cultured in a sterile environ., you can be certain they are disease free. They have other unusual varieties too.

Papaya - Sri Lankan Red (Seedling)

Comments: -

Sweet, delicious fruit without the nasty after-taste experienced when I was younger. Tasty on its own,but excellent in fruit salad.  Seems to be a slower grower than my yellow variety even though conditions identical, and were both planted at the same time and were the same size.

Fruiting Months January, February, March, April

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 2 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed, compost

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

None used.

Question:

Papaya - Richter Gold (Seedling)

Comments: -

 Much nicer than the horrid fruit with the vomit after-taste from years ago. Much more vigorous grower than my red version.

Fruiting Months January, February, March, April, December

Height 2.3 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Fruit Harvest: 20 Fruit Per Year

First Fruited: 16 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed and compost

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Nil required yet.

Custard Apple -KJ Pinks (Grafted)

Comments: -

Bought as I love the fruit, but wanted an easy care variety ie. no hand pollination required, and smaller tree.  Should taste good as is a bud sport of "Pinks Mammoth", a tasty fruit.  Plant very eager to set fruit (set a couple when still in pot, and again when planted out early this year - I removed, as plant too immature and shapeless yet.)  Looking forward to great fruit.

Height 1.3 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed and Seasol

When I Fertilise: Spring

Pest Control:

Tree small enough for me to manually remove the odd scale insect, but may have to use white oil spray as tree grows.  Nil other problems yet.

Question:

Orange - Joppa (Grafted)

Comments: -

Supposed to develop into a small, attractive tree.  Bought this variety as tolerates wind. (Planted on exposed side of steep hill - growing beautifully). The fruit are tasty and juicy, a little seedy - fruit tastes like the drink "Tang"!  Does need watering if it hasn't rained for a few weeks (generally winter).

Planted: 2011

Height 1.2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure and citrus feed

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Have used white oil spray once for scale.

Wax Jambu - Pink (Cutting)

Comments: -

 Lilly-pilly like flavour, but fruit much larger, seedless and very ornamental (bell-shaped).  Crisp and refreshing fruit for summer.  Bought mainly for my daughter as she really loves eating these. Would like to try making jam from these.

Planted mid-autumn.  Will be protected first winter.

(Note: had some strong swirling winds (30-50kph), and several long lanky branches were badly damaged with splits in the centre from being twisted around. Has had a prune, and hoping new growth will be more bushy and withstand wind better. Of all my plants, this suffered the worst.)

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: all purpose, Blood/bone

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

None yet

Macadamia - Tetraphylla (Seedling)

Comments: -

Delicious nut that is native to area where I live.  This is the prickly-leaf form. Nuts are sweeter raw but are not as good to roast as the smoother leaf form. Food source for Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos.  Attractive and hardy tree.

Planted: 2012

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

Nil required.

Mamey Sapote (Seedling)

Comments: -

Tasted the fruit at Tropical Fruit World and was hooked. The description of the taste of the fruit (pumpkin or sweet potato) doesn't do it justice - it does taste a bit like cooked filling of sweet pumpkin pie, but richer. Great in smoothies or as flavouring when making ice-cream. Fruit is super-sweet so is not for everyone.

Am growing a handful of seedlings at present to see if they cope with conditions I have before I get a grafted variety. Seed germination is 100% from fresh fruit.

Pollination: Self Pollination

Chinese Water Chestnut (Cutting)

Comments: -

I love the crunchy texture in stir-frys. Easy to grow in water container.

(Note : now winter 2012, and roots have been harvested. Extremely prolific and worth growing again. Have put aside a handful to re-plant for next year.)

Planted: 2012

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 5 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Small amount slow release all purpose

When I Fertilise: Spring

Pest Control:

Mosquito larvae in water need to be eliminated - best with small fish.

Organic Status:Organic

Tamarillo - Orange (Seedling)

Comments: -

Tasted these orange ones at local produce market, (Tamborine Mt.)- delicious sweet-tangy taste, somewhat reminiscent of passionfruit but without the muskiness. Fruit must be fully ripe though, otherwise too tart. Good eaten fresh, but made into a very tasty chutney too. Have read that can be substituted for tomatoes in many dishes - have not tried this yet.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Dwarf Apple - Dorsett Golden (Grafted)

Comments: -

Fruit is meant to be similar to Golden Delicious, so should be very sweet.

Planted out early winter.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Anna & Tropic Sweet

Comments

Achacha (Seedling)

Comments: -

Am attempting to grow these from seed I planted, as the fruit is absolutely delicious - sort of sherbert sweet/sour tang with its' own flavour, and just melts in your mouth as you suck it off the seeds. The drink made from skins is pleasant too, but has very different taste to fruit.

Seedlings very slow to grow - 4 months to germinate and very slow growth rate. Currently being grown under cover for protection (cut off soft-drink bottles)

Planted: 2012

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Rhubarb - unknown (Cutting)

Comments: -

I loved stewed Rhubarb as a child, and it's now a favourite of my daughter - fantastic with ice-cream or custard, or in a crumble!  Stems grow longer if in partial shade.  Need moist, fertile soil to grow fast.

I have two varieties - 'Victoria' which is red at base of stem, and becomes green further up. This seems a fast growing variety, and have been able to harvest after 1 yr. Stalks are long, leaf is a medium size, taste is a little less tart than some others.

Unknown variety is very red,  slower growing initially and has taken 2  yrs to be harvestable. Stems are shorter than 'Victoria', but are very fat and the leaves are huge. Taste is very tart.

Both taste great, but for presentation when cooked, the red variety comes up trumps.

Planted: 2010

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: All purpose general feed

Pest Control:

Squish the odd caterpillar or grasshopper.

Basil - Sweet (Seedling)

Comments: - Such a versatile herb - great in Asian and European style cooking, and also fresh in salads.  I  grow a variety - Sweet, Thai, Cinnamon and Lime - each year; these are annuals. Am trying this year a perrenial variety too - Greek Columnar (see how it goes). Great plant to attract bees to garden.

Fruiting Months January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 5

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: General all-purpose

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Pick off occassional grass-hoppers.

Guava - Mexican Cream

Panama Berry

Sapodilla - Sawo Manila (Grafted)

Comments: -

Tasted the fruit and was sold -  really does taste like pear stewed in brown sugar with a hint of cinnamon. Ugly fruit (look like a scruffy potato), but tastes delicious.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: BKD110

Sapodilla - BKD110 (Grafted)

Comments: -

Fruit that look like a scruffy potato but taste like pear stewed in brown sugar with a hint of cinnamon.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Sawo Manilla

Dwarf Apple - Tropic Sweet (Grafted)

Comments: -

Have grown this before and is my favourite of all tropical apples - very crisp and sweet with some acidity, tasting much like a Jonathon. A rewarding tree, but does require some mainenance to keep productive. At least this time I have a  dwarf variety, so pruning won't be such a chore! (They can grow very big normally.) 

Read a tip if not getting enough chill - manually defoliate tree about July/August, and this will activate a hormone to produce flowers and fruit.(Same as if naturally dropped leaves.)  Wonder if this would work on non-tropical varieties?

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Tropical Anna

Pest Control:

Everything loves apples/apple trees - fungi, bugs, birds, bats, possums. If vigilant, can keep fungal diseases in check with organic sprays.  If exclusion nets then used, can have a really nice crop - must net as soon as fruit sets though.

Rosemary (Cutting)

Comments: - Who doesn't use Rosemary when cooking Lamb?  Has a wonderful aroma, even when just brushing past bush. Twigs stripped of leaves can be used as kebeb skewers (season meat from inside),  finely chopped leaves used in cooking, sprigs poked into lamb roast, leaf infusion for rinsing hair - versatile bush!

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: No

Pest Control:

Water is its enemy! Has to be one of the easiest plants to kill by over-watering.

Passionfruit - Panama Gold (Seedling)

Comments: -

I used to grow this variety previously - tastes fantastic! Opted for seedling - technically a graft should be superior, but my previous vine fruited abundantly for 10 years (until drought killed it) and it was a seedling too.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Abiu (Seedling)

Comments: -

Supposed to taste like caramel - I can't taste it, but very pleasant nonetheless.  My daughter loves this fruit.

When I first tasted this fruit, it was early in the season and the fruit was a bit bland. I persevered and bought some twice more later down the track, and the third time was when I found the fruit really delicious. I don't know if the later fruit was a different cultivar or had ripened better.

Be prepared for gummy lips and knife!

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Passionfruit - Panama Red (Seedling)

Comments: -

I bought this as both a comparison to Panama Gold for taste, and aesthetics, (should be attractive as the two plants will inter-mingle).

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Guava - China Pear

Comments: -

This variety is supposed to have outstanding flavour.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

Guava is a fruit fly magnet - exclusion netting is the best, and it keeps the birds out too.

Dwarf Apple - Tropical Anna (Grafted)

Comments: -

Have grown at previous property, and they really are like a Red Delicious. I didn't really want to grow apples again as they are high maintenance plants, but they are my son's favourite fruit.  At least now I know what I'm in for!  At least there should be less pruning, as this is a dwarf.

When growing your own apples, apart from the obvious benefit of having super fresh fruit, you can avoid all the stronger chemicals used in commercial orchards which are sprayed frequently.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Tropic Sweet

Pest Control:

Be vigilant with fungal sprays (organic ok), and use exclusion nets as soon as fruit sets - keeps out bugs, birds, bats, possums.

Yacon - Apple of the Earth (Cutting)

Comments: -

Initially bought some at local produce market to taste as I wasn't too sure about this one - my husband and I loved it.  Looks like sweet potato, but texturally very different - it tastes like a very sweet, but mild-flavoured baby carrot, but with a crisp texture something like a Water Chestnut , but also very juicy at the same time. Can be eaten raw or cooked (retains crisp texture), or even juiced.

Apparently can be very productive.  Harvest is when plant dies down for winter.

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Brazilian Cherry (Seedling)

Comments: -

Very attractive fruit (look abit like a tiny red pumpkin) that could be grown as an ornamental if the taste not liked. Have grown it as an attractive hedge at a previous property.  Fruit from different plants quite variable in taste - some very resinous and not very sweet (quite nasty), and others very sweet with a distinctive, but mild after-taste. If you've had a bad one it would probably put you off the fruit.  Only eat when fully ripe, (a very dark red to almost maroon colour), otherwise may be unpleasant.

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 8

Pollination: No

Grumichama - Orange (Seedling)

Comments: -

Thought of growing orange variety to compliment the black - hope the taste is the same.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Pollination: No

Grumichama - Black (Seedling)

Comments: -

Delicious fruit I used to grow at a previous property. Was one of the fruits that was universally liked by all who tasted it. Cherry sized fruit with one seed, and sweet white flesh with a slight tang to it. Birds LOVE it - must net when fruiting or you'll be lucky to get one. I found it only fruited when in med-sun or full sun.

Planted: 2012

Growing: In a Pot

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

Birds - must net tree.

Pomegranate - Indian (Cutting)

Comments: -

Delicious, attractive fruit.  Very tough plant that reponds well to the slightest TLC.

Planted: 2012

Height 1.4 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Anything I have

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

None required.

Cherimoya - Forbidden Fruit variety (Grafted)

Comments: -

Cherimoya has to be one of the most delicious fruits I've eaten. It is slightly warmer where I live than its' preferred range (by a couple of degrees), but I'm still hopefull of some fruit.  This variety is a bonus as it self-pollinates.

Planted early May - will need some shelter from cold winter winds.

Planted: 2012

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Seasol and citrus feed

Bay Tree (Seedling)

Comments: -

Dried leaves useful in soups and stews - can be picked and dried all year round.  Leaves do not impart same flavour if not dried first.

Planted: 2011

Height 70 Centimetres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: General all purpose

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

None

Dwarf Kumquat Calamondin (Grafted)

Comments: - Mainly grown for ornamental reason, but can be used for cooking (I don't get enough). Very attractive when in fruit.

Planted: 2006

Height 1.2 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 1 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed, coffee grinds

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Occassional scale, but don't use commercial White Oil spray - all leaves fell off, and some branches died-back.

Question:

What can I use for scale - White oil made all the leaves drop off?

Native Ginger (Cutting)

Comments: -

Planted in my ornamental garden, but plant is edible (incl. blue berrys).  Plant is native to my area.

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

Nil requiredd

Vietnamese Mint (Cutting)

Comments: -

Useful in Asian style cooking - tastes like a hot coriander. Year round picking. Loves moist part of garden.

Height 65 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: General all-purpose

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Spring

Pest Control:

Nil required.

Kangkong ( Water Spinach ) (Cutting)

Comments: - Similar taste to English Spinach, and used in same way, also in stir-fry dishes.  Extremely easy to grow in water container. Continual harvest in warmer months.

Height 40 Centimetres

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: No

Pest Control:

Need to keep mosquito larvae under control - small fish the best.

Organic Status:Organic

Pineapple - unknown (Cutting)

Comments: -

Great aroma,sweet and juicy.  Will pick mine later than shop bought ones - I often find they're picked too early and haven't sweetened enough (they won't ripen further once picked).

Planted: 2011

Height 40 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure and Citrus feed

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Spring

Pest Control:

Nil required.

Lemongrass (Cutting)

Comments: -

Useful in both cooking, and herbal teas (nice with a bit of ginger).  Can use all year around.

Planted: 2010

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Lawn fertilizer

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Nil required.

Galangal (Cutting)

Comments: -

Tasty in Thai style curry paste I make.

Planted: 2012

Height 35 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Compost, general all-purpose feed

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Nil required.

Turmeric - Orange (Cutting)

Comments: -

Lovely spice used in cooking.  Very attractive flowers .

Planted: 2011

Height 70 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: General all purpose feed

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Spring

Pest Control:

Not required.

Question:

What ratio do you use freshly grated root in comparison to powdered form?

Ginger QLD (Cutting)

Comments: -

I use regularly in making curry pastes, herbal tea and stir-frys - delicious!

Height 55 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: General all-purpose feed

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Spring

Pest Control:

None required.

Sorrel - French (Seedling)

Comments: -

Sharp tasting, semi-crisp leaves great in salads. Can also use in soups . Continual harvest.

Fruiting Months January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Planted: 2011

Height 50 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: No

Fertiliser or Organics Used: compost

When I Fertilise: Yearly and Spring

Pest Control:

Manually remove occassional grasshoppers.

Organic Status:Organic

Wampee - Yeem Pay (Grafted)

Comments: -

I read somewhere that the fruit tastes like a sweet grapefruit but without the bitterness - if this is true, I'll enjoy it.  Grows to be a small tree with fruit clusters similar to Lychee and Longan.  Already appears quite attractive. Related to citrus, so treat the same. Planted early Feb. and rewarded me with almost instant growth.

Height 65 Centimetres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Citrus feed and seasol

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

Nil needed yet.

Carambola Starfruit - Arkin (Grafted)

Comments: -

Delicious fruit that's juicy, sweet and tangy, and very attractive too. I've grown it before, and had to have another.  A very productive tree once it starts to fruit. 

Planted: 2010

Height 1.6 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

Fertiliser or Organics Used: Manure

When I Fertilise: Yearly

Pest Control:

None required yet.

Comments