Tropical fruit trees successfuly grown in Melbourne (forum)

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

Time: 14th August 2007 9:31am

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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

Time: 14th August 2007 8:44pm

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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/

Time: 15th August 2007 7:52am

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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

Time: 15th August 2007 9:43am

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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

Time: 15th August 2007 10:30pm

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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.

Time: 16th August 2007 7:44am

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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

Time: 16th August 2007 9:33am

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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.

Time: 16th August 2007 2:46pm

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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

Time: 16th August 2007 3:43pm

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Juliana says...
I saw guava tree in Bunnings in Werribee just before winter.

Time: 16th August 2007 9:45pm

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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

Time: 16th August 2007 9:54pm

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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.

Time: 17th August 2007 7:41am

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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

Time: 17th August 2007 9:05am

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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




Time: 17th August 2007 10:32pm

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Juliana says...
I have seen Banana (lady finger) in Bunnings too. Selling for about USD$30.00

Time: 20th August 2007 10:54pm

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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?

Time: 19th November 2007 12:25am

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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





Time: 6th December 2007 8:24pm

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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

Time: 7th December 2007 7:48am

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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.


Time: 8th December 2007 4:26am

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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

Time: 8th December 2007 6:22am

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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

Time: 1st January 2008 8:45pm

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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

Time: 1st January 2008 9:07pm

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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!


Time: 2nd January 2008 12:39am

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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



Time: 2nd January 2008 12:45am

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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...

Time: 2nd January 2008 12:46am

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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

Time: 2nd January 2008 12:40pm

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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.






Time: 3rd January 2008 3:29pm

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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!

Time: 3rd January 2008 7:14pm

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lynne says...
Bunnings (Notting Hill) currently stock several varieties of bananas (marketed as being for cool climates) and a few pepino plants.

Time: 7th January 2008 8:12pm

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Robbie says...
Bunnings in Melton has bananas too - about 6 varieties including one supposed to grow only to 2 metres. And mango and macadamias

Time: 10th January 2008 5:54pm

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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

Time: 27th January 2008 10:53am

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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.

Time: 29th January 2008 11:11am

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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

Time: 29th January 2008 12:07pm

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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

Time: 29th January 2008 8:20pm

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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.

Time: 30th January 2008 7:10pm

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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.

Time: 31st January 2008 8:23am

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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

Time: 31st January 2008 6:44pm

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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

Time: 3rd February 2008 12:40am

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bsilver says...
Right on.

Time: 5th February 2008 9:15am

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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...

Time: 11th February 2008 2:57pm

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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

Time: 12th February 2008 12:12pm

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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.

Time: 12th February 2008 5:00pm

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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

Time: 13th February 2008 9:55am

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Melbourne
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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.

Time: 13th February 2008 7:07pm

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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!!!!!

Time: 14th February 2008 9:19am

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Melbourne
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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) :)
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Time: 21st February 2008 8:33am

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Melbourne
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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

Time: 21st February 2008 8:51am

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Lysterfield South, Melbourne
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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

Time: 21st February 2008 1:59pm

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Eastern Melbourne
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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.

Time: 22nd February 2008 7:39pm

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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 ?
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Time: 23rd February 2008 12:44am

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melbourne
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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.

Time: 23rd February 2008 7:28pm

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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.
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Time: 23rd February 2008 11:28pm

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melbourne
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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

Time: 24th February 2008 1:07am

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juanita says...
Thanks Rob, I'll ring them asap... Ladyfinger & Cavendish are growing nicely in my yard.

Time: 25th February 2008 12:00am

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melbourne
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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.

Time: 25th February 2008 9:58am

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East Melbourne
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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.

Time: 25th February 2008 5:16pm

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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?

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Time: 26th February 2008 12:10am

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melbourne
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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

Time: 26th February 2008 4:47pm

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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 :)

Time: 27th February 2008 11:01pm

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Melbourne
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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

Time: 28th February 2008 9:18am

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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.
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Time: 28th February 2008 2:49pm

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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.



Time: 29th February 2008 12:30am

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melbourne
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Bsilver says...
Thick mulch may hinder the transfer of heat from the ground , which is warmer.

Time: 1st March 2008 6:10am

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sydney
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Di Tod says...
I wonder if anyone would know where I can buy a Jujube in VIC? Thanks, Di

Time: 5th March 2008 3:17pm

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Melbourne
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Di Tod says...
Hi Amy, could you tell me where you got this tree, please? Thanks, Di

Time: 5th March 2008 3:25pm

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Melbourne
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Rob says...
Cornucopia Seeds mail order Japanese Raisin Tree seeds if you have trouble getting a plant

Time: 6th March 2008 8:04pm

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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

Time: 8th March 2008 3:18pm

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East Melbourne
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Amy says...
Di: I got it off Daleys :)

Time: 8th March 2008 3:32pm

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Melbourne
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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

Time: 9th March 2008 6:51am

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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

Time: 9th March 2008 7:09am

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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

Time: 11th March 2008 10:06am

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Lysterfield South, Melbourne
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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!

Time: 11th March 2008 8:30pm

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Melbourne
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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



Time: 12th March 2008 7:47am

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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.

Time: 13th March 2008 11:42pm

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melbourne
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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

Time: 14th March 2008 7:19am

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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

Time: 14th March 2008 1:52pm

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melb
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Tran says...
Hi Lynne,

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

Regards

Tran

Time: 14th March 2008 6:28pm

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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

Time: 14th March 2008 8:48pm

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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

Time: 15th March 2008 7:12am

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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

Time: 15th March 2008 12:29pm

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Melbourne
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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

Time: 15th March 2008 9:33pm

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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!!!!!

Time: 19th March 2008 9:27am

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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.

Time: 19th March 2008 11:38am

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juanita says...
where can i buy bell apple? Pls anyone here knows where to get it from...Thanks

Time: 21st March 2008 12:07pm

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melbourne
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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.

Time: 21st March 2008 3:10pm

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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?

Time: 21st March 2008 11:29pm

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melbourne
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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

Time: 22nd March 2008 6:32pm

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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.

Time: 6th April 2008 7:27pm

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Amy says...
If anyone is still looking for some, Bunnings in Cranbourne have bananas (lady finger), tropical guavas & Australian macadamia at the moment. Yummy.

Time: 7th April 2008 12:27pm

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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.

Time: 7th April 2008 2:02pm

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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).

Time: 7th April 2008 7:47pm

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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

Time: 8th April 2008 9:09am

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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.

Time: 8th April 2008 9:30am

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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.

Time: 12th April 2008 9:34pm

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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.

Time: 13th April 2008 9:59pm

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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.

Time: 15th April 2008 11:43am

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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!

Time: 15th April 2008 7:37pm

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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.

Time: 15th April 2008 7:39pm

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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

Time: 15th April 2008 7:55pm

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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 ?

Time: 21st April 2008 1:31am

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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.

Time: 21st April 2008 9:08am

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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.

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Time: 28th April 2008 1:00am

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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.

Time: 28th April 2008 8:51am

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juanita says...
I wonder what type of fertilizer might help to initiate fruits set quickly for goji & how much chilling hours it needs?

Time: 29th April 2008 1:33am

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Anonymous says...
Has anyone tried growing wax jambu in Melb?

Time: 2nd May 2008 10:48am

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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.

Time: 2nd May 2008 11:27am

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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.

Time: 2nd May 2008 11:44am

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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.

Time: 2nd May 2008 12:40pm

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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.

Time: 2nd May 2008 1:53pm

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Anonymous says...
Has anyone tried growing Panama berries in Melb?

Time: 5th May 2008 8:54am

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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..

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Time: 9th May 2008 1:20am

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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.

Time: 9th May 2008 8:56am

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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

Time: 12th May 2008 9:41pm

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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.

Time: 20th May 2008 10:05am

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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?

Time: 23rd May 2008 9:28pm

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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?

Time: 23rd May 2008 10:34pm

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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.

Time: 24th May 2008 9:33am

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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.

Time: 25th May 2008 9:51pm

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Rob says...
Oops... that's me anonymous above... forgot to enter my name sorry :-)

Time: 25th May 2008 9:52pm

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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
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Time: 2nd June 2008 1:28pm

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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?


Time: 2nd June 2008 1:35pm

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Ajay says...
Hi Steven,

Wow!, Would you consider trading 1 coacoa seedling with a guava seedling?

Time: 2nd June 2008 1:38pm

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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


Time: 2nd June 2008 10:32pm

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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.

Time: 3rd June 2008 10:25am

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Anonymous says...
Thanks Ajay. Might try one and see how it goes.

Time: 3rd June 2008 2:19pm

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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.


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Time: 4th June 2008 1:09am

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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 :)



Time: 4th June 2008 10:50am

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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

Time: 4th June 2008 11:33am

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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.

Time: 4th June 2008 12:04pm

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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

Time: 4th June 2008 4:08pm

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juanita says...
Hi Ajay,

I already gave you an answer to your question...Pls refer to rare fruit swap thread.

Time: 4th June 2008 9:51pm

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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

Time: 5th June 2008 1:06pm

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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.

Time: 5th June 2008 7:41pm

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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. Jaboticaba, white sapote, macadamia, custard apple all outside in open with cover on cold nights. So far ok. Mango and canistelle ok outside with flower pot/ candle and covered with sheet. Rollinia, dragon fruit, grumichama, rose apple, Brazilian cherry outside in unheated poly tunnel and ok. Jackfruit doing well until -2 then dropped dead.

Time: 5th June 2008 9:33pm

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Ajay says...
Oh !, Jackfruit dropped dead ! OK, this has spurred me into some serious weekend work. Am going to build a poly covered area at the side of my house and ensure that a alcohol lamp is lit through the night...

Time: 6th June 2008 10:34am

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Anonymous says...
The Jacks not worth it and will grow to tall. Try some paws, star apples, star fruit instead. John
I have had thge same problems.

Time: 6th June 2008 3:04pm

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lynne says...
Following Tran's tip, I've been moving the more frost sensitive fruit trees (still in pots) into the brick garage at night. The temperature the garage has been 4 degrees warmer than outside each morning. I plan to grow these in bigger pots and not in the ground. (BTW Flower Power in Chadstone currently have premium potting mix at 75% off - $2 from $8). Here is a list of some trees that can be grown in pots http://www.crfg.org/tidbits/container.html
In addition to taking them indoors at night, I'll put stakes around them and wrap them in bubble wrap throughout winter (I believe bubble wrap retains more heat than thinner plastic sheets - per the link to article on frost in the thread "Keeping plants warm in winter". For bigger trees grown in the ground that are extremely frost sensitive, I think they can be wrapped in horticultural fleece throughout winter. (With favourable exchange rates and the US & UK heading into summer, it's a good time to buy these o/s). That's the theory of frost protection anyway. John - you haven't been able to get star apples to fruit here have you? Would you very interested if you have (I thought even Southern Qld is too cold for them)

Time: 6th June 2008 5:14pm

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Steven says...
Hi everyone

I had an idea the other day and i thought i would share it with everyone here in case anyone was interested. I was thinking of how your could cheaply and easily keep young tropical trees warm during winter and i thought a good way to do this would be to build a simple greenhouse (four stakes and a plastic sheet) but build it in a way as to incorporate your hot water unit inside the greenhouse. The hot water unit would then provide a constant supply of heat and humidity with out having to buy a heater or worry about maintaining a burner and would not cost you any extra as your hot water unit would be running anyway.

You could even build a proper greenhouse and design it in a way as to put you hot water unit inside it as a heat source.

Anyway i just thought id share that with everyone....let me know what you think of the idea.

Thanks

Steven

Time: 9th June 2008 11:08am

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Anonymous says...
That's a good idea Steven. We built a poly tunnel last spring, but it's a bit away from the house. Might try doing a small one off the back of the house over the hot water cylinder (hope it doesn't melt the plastic :-) )and test your theory.

We used steel fence droppers and threaded poly pipe onto it for a cheap way to build a greenhouse. Was so sturdy we added a front and back by bolting some cheap pine straight onto the pipe. Covered it in cheap plastic sheeting, then ended up covering it all in shadecloth. Use it now to keep bananas and seedling mangos etc alive over winter. Pity we hadn't thought of doing it over the hot water at the time. Still, we poshed it up with a concrete path down the middle, and some raised brick edged beds. Keeps fairly warm at night due to the heat buildup during the day.

This has been a great forum. have learnt a lot from all you guys. Hope it keeps going for a while yet. Very interesting hearing about what you are able to grow. Gives me hope out here in the windy hills at Smythesdale.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

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Time: 9th June 2008 1:52pm

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Marg says...
Steven, I built a little poly house next to my gas heater it is a high efficiecy and blows steam all the time so I figure that the warmth and humidity will keep things ticketty poo in pots over winter...heres hoping..trouble is I don't keep the heater on over night...mmmmm
Marg

Time: 9th June 2008 2:35pm

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Steven says...
Hi Anonymous

Yeah i think it would work. most of the heat is lost off the top of the hot water unit. i have a polystyrene box one top of it to germinate some cacao seeds, seems to be working ok (however they are growing very slowly) and nothing has melted. but just to be safe i would probably keep everything clear of it.

Your greenhouse looks good. im planning to build one too, its going to be built with steel fence posts with a gable roof 6m x 8m x 4.5m high in the middle. What do you think? would you mind me asking how much it cost to build yours?

Hi marge, as long as your greenhouse heats up enough during the day (which it most likely would) it shouldnt get too cold at night. but if your concerned a cheap way to solve that could be to put a couple of large containers full of water (e.g. a garbage bin) inside the greenhouse to act as a thermal reservoir.

Thanks

Steven

Time: 10th June 2008 11:27am

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Anonymous says...
Hi Steven,
Rob here - for some reason l keep coming up as anonymous :-(
I think we spent about $220 for the poly pipe for the frame, but bought a whole roll, so probably enough for 2 more the same size. The plastic cover was $18 a metre, but is about 7 or 8 metres wide (called igloo plastic) and is uv stabilised to last for many years. The shadecloth was left over from another project, and we only had to buy a small piece to finish it. Already had the steel droppers, and they were the taller ones, so we could belt them well down into the soil for stability. Used second hand bricks for the raised beds, and they were free. had to buy a couple of bags of cement powder and a small load of gravel for the path. I guess all up it's cost about $400 - $500. Could have used cheaper plastic, but didn't come in that width and didn't want to have to replace it after a short while. It's about 8 metres long, about 4 metres wide, and about 2.5 metres high (or taller).
Wanted a big inside area so temperature fluctuations were not as rapid. It stays warm even on frosty nights, and the young mangos, my babaco, bananas etc haven't suffered without added heat. The raised soil beds seem to hold a bit of the warmth in.

If you buy the agricultural pipe for the frame, make sure it's wide enough bore to go over the droppers. About 2.5 inches l think from memory

If ever you up this way you're more than welcome to come check it out.

And, can anyone tell me if Canistelle will come back if they get defoliated?
The candle went out under the flower pot during a pretty heavy frost. It's still got a branch at the base of the plant with leaves, but a bit burnt at the tips, and the whole top of the tree has lost it leaves and looking a bit miserable.

And a question about Golden Fruit of the Andes... only a small plant, but the leaves nearly all dropped off, and looks a bit soft and dark at the tips. Anyone know if they go completely dormant in winter? think it will come back again?
Cheers,
Rob

Time: 11th June 2008 5:37pm

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Steven says...
Hi Rob

So it only cost you $500 to build a greenhouse that big. Ive been looking for prices and its going to cost about $1500 for one 6m wide x 8m long x 4.5 high. Where did you get the poly pipe from? So far the best way i have found to do it is to use steel fence poles and with a gable roof, but its going to cost about $750 just for the frame.

If you could give me a few contacts that would be very helpful.

Regards

Steven

Time: 12th June 2008 10:59am

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Anonymous says...
Hi Steve,
I got the poly pipe at a rural store here in Ballarat. Think it was Bridges and Wade in Latrobe St. They sell all sorts of agricultural pipes and tanks etc. Was cheaper to buy the whole roll than just by the metre. We usually get our droppers from Elders Rural Supplies here in Ballarat. Think they are about $8 from memory for the tallest size. But we already had them from a fence we pulled down, so didn't have to add that to the cost. They tunnel plastic came from Gay's Hardware in Gillies St Ballarat. They usually have it on a roll and cut off whatever you need. That and the pipe frame were the most expensive items. The pine straps we used to stabilise the top and sides were about $2 a 2 metre length from a demolition yard.

Cheers
Rob

Time: 12th June 2008 1:13pm

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Ajay says...
Hi All,

I have sown 10 seeds of Cashew nut on the 7th of this month. I am maintaining the soil temparature at 25Deg C. The soild is offcourse always kept moist. Am keeping my fingers crossed on this one !

Time: 12th June 2008 2:38pm

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Rob says...
That will be interesting Ajay.
Rob

Time: 12th June 2008 9:15pm

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julie says...
Dear all,

I know it's not related with what this forum is about, but maybe some of u know the information i need. I'm looking for to buy guava leaves. If anyone know where i can buy them please inform me.Thanks a lot.

Julie

Time: 12th June 2008 9:42pm

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Anonymous says...
Why?

Time: 13th June 2008 10:36am

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justjuice says...
This is a great forum. Am planning a garden right now, so the info has been really useful. The first trees I'm going to get in the ground are feijoas (aka pineapple guava) - I'm from NZ and we Kiwis grew up on them.

I have a few questions, if anyone can help:
1) I saw mention of the lucuma. From the description it sounds like a canistel. Is it the same, or if not, does it taste the same?
2) Has anyone successfully grown longans (with fruit)? Any idea whether you can espalier or fan it?
3) Any black sapote successes in Melbourne?

And to answer someone's question about what a babaco tastes like: tastes like lemonade or champagne. Very refreshing. I tried it at Tropical Fruit World near Tweed Heads - would recommend visiting that place if you're in the area, although some seasons are better than others. You should see the massive Linda avocados they have there. Wonder if we can get them from somewhere?

Thanks.



Time: 13th June 2008 1:36pm

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juanita says...
I think guava leaves have healing properties coz i remember the old folks back home use it for cleaning cuts/wounds...Boil the leaves & use the liquid as disenfectant.

Time: 14th June 2008 2:09am

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julie says...
The guava leaves can be used for some diseases treatment. U are right Juanita. I need it for that purpose. So if someone has any information where i can find them. It'll be really helpful. Thanks

Time: 14th June 2008 10:24am

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Steven says...
Hi Rob.

Thanks alot for that information. i will definitely look into that. I didnt think about using poly pipe.

Julie, why dont you buy a couple guava trees. They grow fine in melbourne, youll have nice fruit and all the leaves you want. They arent hard to get. Daleys has them and im sure plenty of nursery around have them also.

Steven

Time: 14th June 2008 6:28pm

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juanita says...
Hi Julie,

You can buy guava trees from Bunnings & other nurseries comes summer.Steven is quite right, guavas thrive well in Melb, in fact i got 1 small tree in my backyard.

Time: 14th June 2008 8:59pm

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Rob says...
Does it have to be a particular type of guava? Have Hawaiian and Indian here. Interesting to find another use for it. Would be welcome to my leaves Julie, but only very small trees as yet.
Rob

Time: 14th June 2008 10:00pm

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juanita says...
I think any type of guava leaves can be used as natural antiseptic.

Time: 15th June 2008 1:41pm

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Ajay says...
Hi All,
Does anyone know about mamoncillo (Melicoccus bijugatus) in terms of where a plant/seed material can be obtained, or whether anyone has a plant from which a cutting can be made ?

Time: 17th June 2008 11:06am

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Tran says...
This fruit looks very much like a rambai. You could find rambi tree in Tropical north private garden but not commerciallize anywhere.

Time: 18th June 2008 11:09am

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Ajay says...
Hi Tran,

I am on the lookout for any seed from the Indian Jujube. Do you have any fruit that I could use ? Thanks.

Time: 18th June 2008 12:02pm

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Tran says...
I can't remember clearly which season but I have seen Indian jujube sold in Springvale for 14 per kg and I bought some and planted one tree and lost it over winter. When I see them again I will alert you. I have chinese jujube but most of them seedless and season finished now the trees are domant. I only colected 2 seeds this season and planted 3 months ago and They have not come up yet. You have to put seeds in the fridge for 6 weeks, then break the stone to help with the sprouting.

Tran

Time: 18th June 2008 1:26pm

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Ajay says...
Hi Tran,
As you tell from my location, I'm Hoppers crossing which is at the other end. i was wondering if when you had the chance to come accross some Indian Jujube, you could contact me and I could get some off you?
I visit this site regularly.

Time: 18th June 2008 5:09pm

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Tran says...
Hi Ajay,

If I see indian jujube in Springvale then you should see them in Footscray ( which must be closed to your house) too. All the Asian shops in footscray sell the same thing as Springvale. Anyway, I will let you know.

Time: 19th June 2008 8:27am

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Ajay says...
Thanks for that Tran !

Time: 19th June 2008 12:01pm

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james says...
hello, can any body tell me if the Ambarella tree (Hog Plum) will grow and fruit in Melbourne. cheers james

Time: 19th June 2008 2:08pm

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Tran says...
I had mine for 3 years and it was getting smaller every year and at the end did not survive even though I covered the soil in winter and it was under black cloth

Time: 19th June 2008 5:58pm

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Steven says...
Hi Everyone

I heard a couple of years ago from a nursery that because the climate of melbourne is different from the tropics its not necessary to have two Avocado trees to pollinate the flowers. I have 2 Hass seedlings at the moment and I wanted to ask if anyone knew if this was true or should i get a couple of sheppard seeds in summer.

Thanks

Steven

Time: 21st June 2008 12:53am

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Tran says...
In my neiboughood, 1 km apart there are two houses with this tree. One, a hass tree with lots of fruit and the other a fuette with a mix of cocktail and normal fruits.It proves that you don't need two. people said that if you have two varieties then the chance to have more fruit is much better. I hope that help.

Time: 21st June 2008 5:16am

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juanita says...
2 types of avocadoes w/in the vicinity can pollinate each other.

Time: 22nd June 2008 12:18am

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lynne says...
justjuice
Lucuma has been described as having a similar taste to canistel. Problem is finding the Lucuma plant. If you don't already have it - Louis Glowinsky's book has in depth information about fruits that can be grown in Melbourne.

Time: 22nd June 2008 6:34pm

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Steven says...
Hi Tran

Thanks alot, that is alot of help. i think ill get a sheppard this summer anyway just to help with pollination.

I was told that because melbourne is not a tropical climate then the avocado flower opens up both its male and female parts of the flower for about 2 hours a day. However I have no way to prove that thats true.

The hass are doing very well though, one its about 1m tall. At the start of spring last yeah it was tiny with a few small leaves.

Thanks

Steven

Time: 23rd June 2008 3:17pm

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Tran says...
You are welcome. I think you may need to read this piece pf info. I investigated and found hass and fuette or Shawill are compatible in term of flowering time/momth. I have 2 trees in 1 hole: hass and fuette.

Good luck.

Time: 23rd June 2008 5:18pm

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Steven says...
Hi Tran

I have never heard of those varieties. maybe i should inquire into that as they may be nicer than Sheppard.

I would also like to ask. does anyone know of any good/cheap places in Melbourne where you can get irrigation and/or greenhouse supplies.

Thanks alot

Steven

Time: 26th June 2008 9:36am

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lynne says...
Steven
I've found a couple of places that may have some of the materials you're looking for (at discount prices). If you want to email me cclynne@gmail.com I can go into further details

Time: 27th June 2008 8:00pm

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Steven says...
Hi everyone

Just thought id let you all know of an idea i got from the abc website.

I was having problems growing my cacao seedlings. The new leaves were always turning brown and falling off so i made a simplefungicide made of 1 liter of water, 1 drop of vegetable oil, a drop of detergent and two teaspoons of bicarb or soda and so far it seems to be helping alot. the cacao seeds are growing very slowly because its winter but the new growth doesnt seem to die off anywhere near as much so hopefully it has worked.

So if you need a cheap mild fungicide then try that.

Regards

Steven

Time: 17th July 2008 2:37pm

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Tran says...
Thanks for the hints Steven. I will apply to my summer vine soon.

Time: 18th July 2008 8:24am

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Anonymous says...
Too cold in Melbourne so you can not grow tropical fruit trees.

You can resolve this problem by moving up to Cairns where you could buy a brick house on 600 m2 block for less than $250,000 and about less than 10 kms from the Cairns city.

You can grow any thing you like or even better you just drive to Rusty market at CBD and buy almost every tropical fruit in the whole world including durian and mangosteen.

How good is that? I have just bought a house and will be there permanently soon.

By the way, I have seen people moving in from all over Australia to Cairns lately.

Time: 6th August 2008 9:52am

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Anonymous says...
Hope you enjoy your move, but not everyone can uproot and move across the country. Some of us just have to stay put and battle with the cold - l enjoy a challenge anyway.

Rob

Time: 6th August 2008 11:05am

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Les says...
Hi Ajay & Tran. You state that you grow your curry leaf by seeds. Could you please help me find some seeds as I have been searching every where with no luck.
Thanks
Les

Time: 13th August 2008 4:54pm

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Tran says...
Those seeds are not in season any more. You have to wait until next year around March onward.

Time: 14th August 2008 7:50am

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marie says...
Hi Margaret, I also have macadamia trees I have two both have produced nuts but I was wondering do they need to be sprayed for any diseases and how do you look after yours. Mine are about 5 years old, one of them only started bearing fruit last year while the other one has for the last 3 years. and they are about three metres high

Time: 17th August 2008 9:57pm

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Janet Cheriton says...
Macadamia growers in Melbourne...which cultivars are you growing please? I'm confused about which one may be most reliable here.
Any advice much appreciated, and do I need two?

Time: 18th August 2008 2:04pm

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Dandenong Ranges Melbourne
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David Johnson says...
Janet,

I have a four year old Beaumont Macadamia which fruited for the first time last year (three nuts!). It is now developing many flowers so hopefully this year will be better. I have read that having two differnet cultivars will aid greatly in pollination. They can become very big trees but can be pruned fairly hard.

Regards

Dave

Time: 20th August 2008 6:25pm

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Kate says...
I have a dwarf cavendish banana tree I bought before winter. It has been frost damaged and the leaves are now limp and going brown & black. Anyone know if it can be rescued the stem is still looking fairly healthy. Now the weather is warming up, I have my fingers crossed. It's about 60cm tall.
Any advice appreciated.
Regards,
Kate

Time: 29th August 2008 1:08pm

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Rye VIC
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Tran says...
Hi Kate,

Don't worry about that. they will grow back soon. I have two kinds of banana in my garden and they don't look good every winter but return to greeny stage around November.

Good luck.

Time: 29th August 2008 1:49pm

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Margaret says...
re macadamia growers of Melbourne
I am growing A14
and they are loving it at the moment...huge amount of rich new growth with this luverly rain we are getting!!!!
there are 3 old trees locally and the one that is hard pruned to 3 metres is the best cropper...it is also in the full blast of sun.

My bananas luckily do not go black but they do look very ordinary...hower not to fret, as I know by November they will be growing big green banana leaves again.
And if you have been following this thread, my clove treeling has survived the winter!!!!!!

Time: 30th August 2008 7:12pm

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juanita says...
I got my dwarf red dacca banana plant from BigW last summer.

Time: 14th September 2008 1:36am

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melbourne
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Kirst says...
Hi...I have been reading the banana post on this forum with interest. I had a small banana 'forest' growing along a fence in my yard last year but chopped it down because it was invading my other fruit trees. Not sure what the variety is as it was planted before I moved in. I have lived in this house for 6 years now and they have fruited every year but the bananas are very small and only a few in each bunch ripens (they did taste good but I still couldn't pick the variety). My neighbour covered his bunches in black plastic bags so this might help the whole bunch ripen better. My experience is that as far as backyard food crops they are not the most productive for the space they take up though (leaves are good for steaming with...)

Kirst

Time: 15th September 2008 2:11pm

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Jantina says...
Hi Kirst,any chance of buying, borrowing, or stealing a bit of your banana forest? I am very keen to try some Thanks Jantina

Time: 15th September 2008 6:56pm

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Rob says...
Hi Siva,
Red Dacca were available during summer from Woolworths, Kmart, Bunnings, Dahlsen's hardware, and a few local nurseries here. Originally marketed as "Cool Bananas" and came from Humphris wholesale nursery in Mooroolbark... have the address listed in previous post way up near the top of this page

Banana planted outside had cover blown off in storm a few weeks ago, then got snowed on - looking mighty dead :-(

The ones in the poly tunnel are doing ok, few brown leaves, but new growth coming on them with the few warm spring days we've had.

Candle burnt to ground under the pot l had warming the canistelle, and set fire to the mulch - cremated it :-(

Mango still with leaves, macadamia thriving, jaboticaba, white sapote, and guavas all alive and well...curry leaf lost a few leaves, but shooting again. Snow didn't kill as much as l thought it would have

babaco lost it's last leaf this week, but looks like it's going to shoot again
Guess l need to cut the top off now and strike cuttings?

Rob

Time: 15th September 2008 7:26pm

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Ajay says...
Hi All,
My damage list:
(1) Tamarind (Indica):From seed, 6 seedlings,9" high, facing their first winter - SUCESSFULL
(2) Murraya Koenigii (Curry leaf): From seed, 5 seedlings, 4" high, have grown these before and they tolerate winter quite
well - LOST ALL LEAVES, BUT IS CAPABLE OF REGENERATION
(3) Papaya (Paw-Paw): From seed, 6 seeedlings, 8" tall, first winter- SUCESSFULL
(4) Indian Guava: From seed, 16 seedlings, 3" to 9" tall, first winter- SUCESSFULL, ACTUALLY GREW 4 INCHES !!
(5) Custar Apple: From seed, 1 seedling, 5" tall, first winter.- SUCESSFULL, NO CHANGE IN GROWTH
(6) Neem : 12" tall, bought from nursery, first winter-LOST ALL LEAVES, BUT LOADS OF NEW BUDS NOW!!
(7) Mango: From seed, 6 seedlings,12" tall, first winter - SUCESSFULL
(8) Longan: From seed, 3 seedlings, 9" tall, first winter- SUCESSFULL
(9) Lychee: From seed, 3 seedlings, 8" tall, first winter.- SUCESSFULL
(10) Jakfruit: From seed, 1 seedling, 10" tall, frist winter - DEAD :(
(11) Acerola Cherry: 12" tall, plant from nursery, first winter - LOST ALL LEAVES, BUT FEW SHOOTS NOW.
(12) Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): 14" tall, plant bought from nursery, first winter - LOST ALL LEAVES, BUT FEW SHOOTS NOW.
(13) Chikku (manilkara sapot): From seed, 8 seedlings, 4" tall, first winter- SUCESSFULL
(14) Moringa: From seed, 4 seedlings (3 in pot, 1 in ground) 6" tall, first winter - ON THE BRINK OF SURVIVAL :`|
(15) Avacado: 5 seedlings: From seed, 16" tall, have grown outside in winter before.- SUCESSFULL
(16) Carambola: From seed, 3 sprouts (just emerging) - SUCESSFULL

I have added a Piper Nigrum (spice pepper) to my collection !! growing beautifully

Time: 16th September 2008 10:55am

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Janet Cheriton says...
Margaret, Thanks. I've been advised to grow A4, but still feel uneasy. Any difference between your cultivar and A4 do you think?

Time: 16th September 2008 1:48pm

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Kirst says...
Hi Jantina...you are welcome to dig some of the small ones out. My brother chopped them to the ground about a year and a half ago but I didn't dig out the roots so they have sent out fresh young ones about 1m high now. I think after they fruit that is what you have to do anyway. I have bananas in another part of my backyard but they have never taken off like these...apart from location the only other difference is that I have built up the soil into a slightly raised bed for my other fruit trees and they would also get a bit of the fertilizer and mulch when I feed these.
I live on the sth Eastern side of Melb and I noticed your location said SA???

Kirst

Time: 17th September 2008 4:05pm

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Jantina says...
Hi Kirst, yes I live at Caroline (below Mt. Gambier) but my sister lives in Ringwood and we visit every so often.Thank you very much for your kind offer I would like to take you up on it.My email is jantinarohde@activ8.net.au thanks Jantina

Time: 20th September 2008 9:16am

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Asha says...
Hi Ajay, How did you get the seeds for the drumstick tree? I want to plant one in a pot in my backyard - I live in the inner city, so not much ground to plant the tree. Anyone have any ideas how this would work?

I have asked Daley's to let me know when a plant is available, but listening to the comments, getting one plant is probably too expensive.

Asha

Time: 24th September 2008 3:44pm

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Melbourne
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Margaret says...
Hi Janet oops mine is A4 They are brilliant..

And thank goodness the real icy cold seems to have gone, and cross fingers no losses at all this year thanks to the poly house and heater advice.

Now I am about to plant the sugar cane which is shooting etc.
I can put it where it will always be damp but shady for much of the day or sunny all the time but will need water..
any advice??

And my avocadoes are touching the ground with so much flower on them
Has anyone grown dragon fruit? what conditions do they like..
cheers Marg

Time: 28th September 2008 11:48am

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Camberwell
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Tran says...
Hi Margaret,

Sugar cane loves grass clipping stuff and also water well in Summer. You treat them as big grass that what I am told. To grow those, place trunks flat with eyes on the sides and cover with soil on Sunny spot.
I grow dragon fruit (5 years) but nevr seen any flowers. I was told they flower when there are lots of rain so I am going to try to give plenty of water and see if it busts into flower.

Good luck.

Time: 28th September 2008 2:00pm

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Margaret says...
Thanks Tran and I'll give the dragons a whirl as well in the same spot...it is very warm and I should be able to keep it most as well..

Time: 29th September 2008 1:06pm

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Janet says...
Thanks Margaret. I'm onto getting an A4 now.But sugar cane? You're kidding!!
My avocado has suddenly grown enormous, and has funny flower heads on top of the branches. It hasn't ever flowered before, and I was on the point of digging it out. Can this mean that I might at last get fruit? But at that height, I've got no chance of picking it I'm afraid, unless I hire an elevating lift.
Cheers.

Time: 1st October 2008 11:13am

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Jason says...
Jantina, I could cut you a sucker off a Lady Finger banana. It probably will fruit, but it's not IDEAL for Mount Gambier. I have a few other much better cold climate varieties but I wont be able to offer you anything from those for a couple of years at least

Time: 2nd October 2008 4:34am

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Thao says...
Hi Tran,

Did you grow Acerola (Indian cherry) from seed or you buy the plant from a nursery? Does the plant produce a lot of fruits?

I'd like to grow Acerole but don't know how big the pot should be. Can you please show me a photo of your Acerola pot and tell me how to take care of the plant? I'd like to have more information about Acerola before I decide to grow it.

Thank you very much.

Thao




Time: 2nd October 2008 2:03pm

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Tran says...
Hi Thao,

I bought 2 trees from Daleys at the same time. One of them gave me plenty of fruit (between 10 to 50 fruits each time) a couple of times in Summer. the other had a very light crop in the first couple of years. Last year I think it was my fault to give them too much lime and the one that had heavy crop did not survive. I now have only one left and that one has started given me more fruit then before.
It is in a big pot but I suppose to replace some of the soil every couple of years and I have not done so. It may be the reason one of them did not make it because I gave both the same amount of lime. Then again I am not sure. I know for sure that if you don't replace the soil, salt left over from fertiliser would kill them.
They only produce flowers starting from October and finish about April. The more water you give it the more flowers they produce. their flowers are very beautiful. Please note that 95% of them don't set fruit but it is OK because I just want to have some because I missed them. I used to eat lots when I was young in my home town.
I will post photos later.

Time: 2nd October 2008 2:43pm

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Kate says...
Thanks Tran,
Now the worst of the cold weather is over my Banana is starting to look much healthier a new leaf has shot up out of the dead looking stem this week. Hope it keeps going.

Time: 3rd October 2008 12:45am

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Rye VIC
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Thao says...
Hi Tran,

I wonder how long it'll take the plant to produce fruit and what kind of fertiliser you give the plant. Does the plant need a lot of sun? It's a lot of questions, isn't it?

Anyway, thank you for your information. Look forward to seeing the photo of your plant.

Thao

Time: 3rd October 2008 9:44am

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Margaret says...
Janet, brilliant your avocado will most likely set fruit..we first had hundreds of little ones but most fell off leaving about 12..which I reckon is fine first year..
Our fuerte (or is it a zutano?) too is absolutely covered in flowers, to the point of drooping...and even though we see a couple of bees pollinating, it does seem that flies are the main pollinators..this avocado has a very heavy musky fragrance.
The Hass on the other hand poor baby has had a hard time of winter but it will come good and has been pruned by possums. Hass has a lot less flowers, I'd estimate only a tenth of the other, but they got the same number of fruit.
Now with the height, off with their heads!!! I have seen heavily pruned avocados so don't be shy..

cheers Marg

Time: 3rd October 2008 7:43pm

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Margaret says...
Oh I forgot the sugar cane survived the winter perfectly. It was a new plant in late autumn, hey and the cats love chewing the new shoots.

Marg

Time: 3rd October 2008 7:44pm

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Thao says...
Hi Tran,

Thanks a lot for you information and pictures. Your Acerola plant looks very big. It's grown in the same big pot like Jujube, isn't it?

I like Jujube as well. I bough some jujube fruits from Flemington market in Sydney and saved some seeds to grow. I think it's better to order a plant. Did you order Jujube from Daleys? Does the plant need lots of sun? Is it easy to take care of the plant?

I used to eat lots of Acerola and Jujube when I was in Vietnam. I hope I can grow them successfully here.




Time: 5th October 2008 7:55pm

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Tran says...
Hi Thao,
I bought my jujube trees (one on the ground) from
PERRY'S FRUIT and NUT NURSERY
McLaren Flat, South Australia 5171
PH 08 8383 0268 Fax 08 8383 0503
email perrys@adelaide.on.net
Daleys don't sell them. I bought $35 per tree but I think it is now about $100 plus delivery cost.

The Jujube tree is now in 80cm in diameter pot. The Acelora tree is in 55 cm pot, so far it has been under shade cloth so if I change to bigger pot it may not fit under the cloth so I may have to change the soil instead.
With Chinese jujube I never saw fresh ones in VN. The one we have in VN is Indian jujube which is now declared weed in QLD. The chinese variety I have is very cold hardy. It could stand up to -2c and always under full sun. I give them some fertilizer once a year and some water, that is all.
Good luck and I am sure you can grow them in Sysney because Melbourne is much colder.

Time: 6th October 2008 9:21am

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Thao says...
Hi Tran
I thought your Jujube is Indian one. The jujube I bought from Flemington market in Sydney is the Indian one and that's the one we have in VN.

I'll try to grow Acerola first and then I will consider about the Chinese jujube.

Thank you very much for your help.


Time: 6th October 2008 8:15pm

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Ajay says...
Hi Thao,

Could you please post me some of the seed, I have tried to get the Indian Jujube here in Melbourne, but have been unsuccessfull. I only get the Chinese jujube which I am not interested in. In India we ge the exact same jujbe you are talking about in VN.

Please let me know what your postage costs are. I would be interested in 20 seeds If you can please.

Thanks

Time: 7th October 2008 8:58am

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Ajay says...
Hi Taho,

I forgot, you could contact me 0458580062 If you want and we can discuss.

Thanks a lot !

Time: 7th October 2008 9:01am

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Anonymous says...
Hi Jason, Thankyou for the very kind offer which I will definitely be taking you up on.Apologies for the delay in responding, we are currently in Japan with some students of my husbands karate school and this is the first time I have been near a computor for 10 days, they are all at evening training and this is my opportunity to get my fruit forum fix.I would be very interested to know what else you are successfully growing at Portland, I was talking to a man from there over winter and he said he got some light frosts there, do you?Maybe I can swap you something for a banana sucker?I have yacon, root vegetable, or occa a root vegetable too.We are staying at Okayama which is a fairly large city.The climate has 4 distinct seasons but it is more extreme than at home,and the summer is not only hot but very humid, nevertheless I see things growing here that also grow at home e.g. persimmon.There is lots of evidence of keen food growers here with rice paddies on any vacant spot,they also have lots of taro growing and what looks like a variety of winter greens starting off.Unfortunately my Japanese leaves a lot to be desired and the gardeners do not speak much English so its hard to get much detail. I found a fruit on a stall yesterday which is about 12 cm long ,shaped like a slightly lumpy oval,and mauve/purple in colour, inside it has a slightly bitter pith and inside that a sweet pulp somewhat like a passionfruit only its colourless and lacks the passionfruit tang, quite palatable though.The seeds look like passionfruit seeds.So far no Japanese people have been able to recognize and name it for me, so if this rings a bell for anyone please let me know what it is.Thanks again Jason and I will contact you when we get back. Jantina

Time: 7th October 2008 9:26pm

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Jason says...
Yeah we have a few frosts, But nothing serious. I'm growing or have grown or have killed pretty much everything talk about on here. Currently I'm just sticking to Avocaods, White sapotes and Cherimoyas and the usual temperate fruits. I had alot of tubers but "bush rats" decided they liked to eat them and I ended up with alot of damage to my trees, I might even loose a decent size Cherimoya which I grew from seed I collected in Mexico so I'm not happy about that. So no more tubers :).

There's 3 or 4 rare fruit guys in Portland and a few more over near Warrnambool. I was amazed in Japan how they will use any 5 meter patch of dirt in a carpark or beside the highway to jam in a vegge patch :) no wasted land going on there. Meanwhile you can drive from here to Melbourne and see 400kmx200km of nothing but one cow here one cow there, pretty much nothing, Massive difference. Japan probably grow more food in 10kmx10km that we manage in 100x100

Time: 8th October 2008 6:58am

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Pacific Islander says...
Has anyone had success growing Pacific Taro and if so, grateful if you will share some tips on cultivation.

Time: 8th October 2008 9:04am

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Blckburn
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Thao says...
Hi Ajay,
I just bought a few of Indian jujube because it was quite expensive at that time. The fruit was very small so I saved 3 biggest seeds to grow. I'm waiting to see if I'm successful.

I'll let you know when the next season come. Hope it'll be cheaper so I can buy a lot and share with you some of the seed.

Time: 8th October 2008 10:40am

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Ajay says...
Hi Thao,

Sorry, I should have mentioned but I would pay for the fruit as well... ;-)

Time: 9th October 2008 9:48am

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Jantina says...
Hi Jason,I put the fruit question to the general forum and Phil has identified it as an akebia, an apparently very hardy vine.You have a good point about the bush rats, we have lots of them as well as other native wildlife.So far they have left my vegetables alone, probably because we fenced it off carefully to keep the chooks out.I did have jerusalem artichokes planted outside the vegie garden and the poteroos dug them up and ate the lot, as well as all my freesias and babianas etc,at least I thought it was the poteroos but maybe the bush rats were the culprits.Today we used our Japan rail pass to go down to Nagasaki and back purely so I could check out all the little vegie gardens along the track .Very inspirational.I can see though that we will have to fence off some more ground if I want to try growing taro with bush rats around.Our other biggest problem has been rabbits and we had to wire off all the trees as they were getting stuck into the bark.I have a cherimoya but its still in a pot as I have not had the nerve to plant it after a an american paw paw I planted died and I read they need some symbiotic stuff in the soil which obviously I do not have.I got another paw paw from Perrys at Kangarilla but have not been game to plant that yet either.Have you tried any pidgeon peas where you are?Wampi?heard that was tough.Thought I would add lotus, pidgeon peas,and taro to my try it list this year.My husband says he grew lotus successfully in a previous garden here near the Mt.but only as an ornamental, he never harvested it.If you havent lost all your enthusiasm perhaps you could grow yacon and occa in a big pot with some netting over the top?If its o.k. with you here is my home email address and if you send me your phone no.I can ring you when we get back.Thanks Jantina.email jantinarohde#activ8.net.au the # is supposedto be an at but I cannot get this Japanese keyboard to bring it up.

Time: 9th October 2008 9:11pm

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Steven says...
Hi Everyone

I just got back from my trip to Europe, it was amazing up there, and it was funny to see bananas growing almost throughout Italy. It sad to see how wasteful we are in Australia with our land though. All you see in Europe is beautiful country side of, vines, olives, and fresh produce. in Australia all you can find is dead grass and a few cows.

My trees are looking quite good, (ive got, 4 coffee, 3 mango, 2 avacado, 2 guavas, a banana, 6 pineapples, and cacao seedlings). Ive read that many people's have died or died back almost completely. I had most of mine up against the west side of my house under a bit of shade and sheltered from strong winds but still in a quite open space and other than looking a bit weathered they all are fine. I think the best thing to do is water and fertilize them heaps during the growing season that way they can 'fatten' up for winter (like an Alaskan bear). I give them a weekly dose of seasol and liquid fertilizer during the growing season and water them almost every day, i also use manure a few times a year.

Also I would like to ask if anyone knows of where i can buy a kit to grow Porcini mushrooms??

Thanks

Steven

Time: 17th November 2008 11:36am

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Jon says...
Hey everyone.

I'm wanting to grow two avocado trees in my backyard and am looking to keep them under ~4 metres tall. There are so many varieties to choose from and conflicting facts all over the internet so I thought I'd ask someone who has grown some personally.

At the moment I'm thinking about growing a Gwen (heavy producing, dwarf, excellent quality fruit, type A) and a bacon (hardy, frost resistant, type B).

1. Is it necessary for them to cross pollinate?
2. Do the harvest seasons need to cross over?
3. Has anyone grown these trees in Melbourne?
4. What type of quality are the Bacon avocados?
5. Will I be able to contain the Bacon tree to a area of about 2.5 metres wide?

Thanks in advance,

Jon

Time: 21st December 2008 6:47pm

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Jon says...
"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)"

Wow, that's exactly what I want to grow. I know that I can get Bacon avocados from Daley's or other nurseries you listed but where can I get gwen? Did you have to ship yours in?

How are they growing together?

Thanks

Time: 21st December 2008 6:51pm

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Tiff says...
Great news for Melbourners, there is a nursery just opened in Mulgrave that sells lots of Tropical Fruit Trees. Can't remember the address but it's on Police Rd, Mulgrave. Looking at the tags they may have got their trees from Daley's (only assuming.)

Time: 22nd December 2008 2:05pm

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Damian says...
Went to have a look yesterday, it's corner dundoon court and police road.

They are fairly expenssive per plant, for example i think their lychees were $45, but worth your while if you only want 1 plant so as not to fork out $30 in delivery costs from daleys.

Tropicals caught my eye were lychees, 2 very small longan and lots of dragon fruits. They also have very large about 2mtr tall grafted bowen mangos, didn't check price. Large collection of persimmon (asians luv persimmons and the owners appear to be mainland chinese). Apart from these, nothing more tropical, lots of common citrus and lots of fancy pots for chinese gardens. Glad to see a nursery that don't stock apples and stone fruits.

Time: 24th December 2008 7:36am

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Jon says...
Do they sell Gwen avocado trees?

Time: 3rd January 2009 11:00am

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liem says...
Hi,
Just to add to the forum what I have tried for 2 years with tropical plants from Daleys. I live in Geelong, Geelong is a little colder than Melbourne. I have bought 7 guavas red and white variety ranging from 20cm to 2 m tall. They all survive Winter well and are thriving now. My 4 poincianas (1/2 m tall) are all dead except 1 is recovering with lots of young leaves. My 2 mangoes and longans all 1.5 m tall live through winter and are now taller with branches coming out. All Ambarellas are dead. My only one jackfruit orange crispy seems to be quite tough, it lost part of its leaves but starts growing again since September. My bananas and pineapple are OK, both get taller and have new leaves since November. I have no luck with malay apples. all dead.
I have them in small pots covered in plastic under the front veranda. No heating provided. Half of my tropical plants are now in Horsham Victoria. All do well in the green house. I am most surprised to see the jackfruit alive. Winter was nasty.

Cheers
Liem

Time: 3rd January 2009 9:45pm

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Geelong
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Jantina says...
Thanks liem, it is helpful to know who gets what to grow where. Spent most of my childhood summer holidays in Geelong at the Eastern Beach. Great memories.

Time: 3rd January 2009 10:42pm

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Mt. Gambier S.A.
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Maha says...
Ajay,

My curry leaf plant is on the ground for the last 7 years. No issues with melbourne winter. During winter time, the leaves may drop or turns into yellow.

Are you growing Drumstick in a pot? What do you do during winter time?

Cheers
Maha

Time: 13th January 2009 1:30pm

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juanita says...
Just wondering why my curry leaf in ground didn't lose its leaves during winter but shed its leaves during summer & now leaves are growing back again?...Will post the pix later.

I keep my potted drumstick tree in my small unheated gh during winter.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2

Time: 14th January 2009 3:56pm

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melbourne
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juanita says...
My in ground young curry leaf tree is taking off nicely w/ new leaves coming out...

Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 15th January 2009 12:31am

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melbourne
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Hayden says...
Liem,
I am very pleased to hear you are growing such tropical plants. Where in Geelong are you? With the mangoes, are they in pots or in the ground? How do you protect them in winter? What are you feeding them?

Thanks,
Hayden

Time: 16th January 2009 9:51am

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Grovedale, Geelong, VIC
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Ajay says...
Hi Maha,

Unfortunately all my drumstick have died - my seed did not sprout as well. :(

I am now trying to get some drumstick seed but without much success

Nice one ! about the curry leaf being in the ground for 7 years !

-cheers
Ajay

Time: 17th January 2009 12:23pm

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Hoppers Crossing,MELB
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bhagya says...
Hello Ajay, I would LOVE to try to grow a chikku on the NSW south coast. I have no idea where to obtain seeds in this country. What they call sapote here isn't chikku, although related. The brown Indian fruit that tastes like heaven is what I'm after.
Any ideas?
Thanks! bhagya

Time: 18th January 2009 11:20am

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NSW
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Ajay says...
Hi Bhagya,

I got my seed from the Footscray market in melbourne. My seedlings are 18 months old but only 5 inches tall !. The chikku I got is the real thing. I'll see if I can get chikku seed for you. Do you have any interesting tropical seed ?
Cheers-
Ajay

Time: 19th January 2009 6:41pm

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Liem says...
Hi Hayden,
I was from Grovedale like you but shifted to Ballarat Road Bell Park now.
My mangoes are in medium size pots, I feed them with chicken manure and liquid fertiliser every week in Summer. I have 2 plants for most of my tropical plants. From May last year throughout Winter I kept them under the veranda, covered in green clear plastic from top to root and watered once every 3 weeks.
I hope they again survive this year's winter. This year I will try brown materials cotton like sold in Bunnings to cover my plants to see if its superior to plastic. This year I will move to Horsham and up there I have a green house and a glass house. Banana, jackfruit, longan, poinciana are thriving now.

Cheers

Liem

Time: 19th January 2009 7:44pm

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Geelong
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Hayden says...
Thanks for your helpful advice, i'm going to purchase a brewing heater and wrap my plants in plastic like you did, with the heater adding extra heat. Have you had flowers/fruit?

Thanks,
Hayden

Time: 21st January 2009 2:31pm

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liem says...
Hi Hayden,

No I have no flowers or fruit yet; if my tropical plants are alive, it would be a success already. My longan is 1.7 meters tall now and my guavas grow 10 cm per week. I reckon Guava and longan can defitely withstand Vic. Winter with some protection.
Is brewer heater costly to run? where do you buy it?

Liem

Time: 27th January 2009 6:50pm

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Geelong
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Hayden says...
Brewing heaters are inexpensive to run and you can get them at brewing shops. Alternitively you could use an aquarium heater, but i dont know if it would HAVE to be immersed in water. They cost $20-30 and you can purchase one from

Geelong Home Brewing Supplies
164 Bellerine Street
Geelong, VIC, 3216
Telephone: 03 5221 3985
Fax: 03 5221 3985

Hayden

Time: 29th January 2009 6:30pm

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Geelong
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Steven says...
Hi Everyone

I haven't written anything on this forum for a while but i have been following it.

I live in eastern melbourne on the falling hill of a small valley where the front of my block reaches the lowest peak of it. I have several of each; coffee, mango, banana, cinnamon, guava, cacao and pineapple. During winter most of my trees were unprotected and i didnt notice any real damage due to the cold. The largest mango, banana and coffee were in the courtyard for most of the winter however the rest were huddled close together next to the house, slightly protected from winds and under a shade cloth as to protect them from hail (especially the pineapples). To be honest (and it depends on where you live) i dont think it is really necessary to cover your trees and add heaters etc. By the end of winter my banana looked a bit sick and so did the pineapples but once the weather warmed up they picked up again and are fine now.

Next winter try leaving a few of your tropical trees (that you can afford to lose) outside in a similar place to where i put mine and monitor them carefully and see how they are. Most of mine lost a few leaves and looked a little sick but they picked up very quickly.

Regards

Steven

Time: 30th January 2009 8:31am

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Damian says...
Hi,

This is a question for Tran or anyone in Melbourne.

Has anyone had success with carambola and Jackfruit in Melbourne?

Time: 3rd February 2009 1:46pm

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Tran says...
Hi Damian,

carambola (Kary variery): I have had the tree in a 50cm pot. I used to cover it in winter but not the last two years(under shade cloth)and it does have new shoots during winter too (?).
It flowers sometime but no fruit set for the last 8 years. May be I need two.

Jackfruit: I did try 8 years ago. It was getting smaller every year and could not cope after 3 years. I think our winter is too cold for it. I did cover up and took care during the time.
jujube, white sapote, acerola, pepino have given me plenty of fruits.


Time: 3rd February 2009 4:25pm

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Ellen says...
Tran,

how old was acerola before it giving you edible fruits ?

I've got mine last year, and so far it giving me 2x flowers sets, but it kept falling off, couldn't set fruit after the bloom . And I am down here in Sydney, so it's a bit warmer than in Vic.

Time: 4th February 2009 4:00am

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Tran says...
Hi Ellen,

It was about 2 years old when it started to set fruit. At first, it had just one or two only, when the tree getting older it gives more and more fruits. Mine flowers a couple of times a year from Oct to April. They love water so much that the more you give them, the more flowers you will have but 95% of the flowers don't set fruit.
BTW, mine is in a 50cm pot and I feed it with slow release fertiliser twice a year.
I love it b/c it takes less than a month from flower to ripen fruit.
You could give it some potasium or slow release pearl right now and see what happen(a bit at the time)

Time: 4th February 2009 7:07am

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Ellen says...
Thanks for the prompt answer Tran,

yes I'll try your recommendation. And Yes, mine is in a 50cm pot as well, and so far it has grown 3x bigger than when I got it from Daleys back last Sept 08.
Do you prune it back Tran ?

Time: 4th February 2009 7:50am

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Tran says...
Hi Ellen,

I have done only for dead branches or tips just to tidy up that is all. every year I top up the pot with more potting mix and give it some fertiliser around October where flower buds coming out( even before leaf buds).
I have to use net sometime when fruits are in season because birds love the fruits so much that you may have none left.

BTW mine is under shade cloth permanently ever since.

All the best.

Time: 4th February 2009 9:21am

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wanderer says...
Hi ...

I am very very interested in growing Lychee and Longan Trees in Clayton Melbourne.

But this is something I only want to start if they actually do 'fruit', 'ripens' and can be consumed . . .

Being that the high price to pay and that the time to wait is so long . . .
has anyone really has these 2 fruits trees that do exactly that . . .

Please understand that I luv these 2 fruits and if I cannot eat its fruits,
I will have to choose to grow a different fruit trees.

I have been to the new nursery on Police Road, does anyone know when they will have 20% off again ? . . . I missed the openning special . .



Time: 4th February 2009 10:43am

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Tran says...
Hi Wanderer,
I started with those 2 trees 8 years ago in 50 cm pot and I now have lychee only. It is still the same height after 8 years and flowers once the year after arrival and no fruits so far.

The longan survived for 6 years and fruited twice (2 fruits each time, dropped after 2 months due to winter).
I think it flowered too late and the fruit could not ripe.
My friend have had a longan in Sydney very big, lots of flowers but no fruit so far.


Time: 5th February 2009 7:53am

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wanderer says...
Tran,

Thanks for the info.
I will probably give it (lychee & longan) a miss now.

But I got thinking right now . .what if I were (desparate) to build a greenhouse for the lychee & longan.

Would they have a better chance of fruiting and ripening for consumption ?

Another question: Over the weekend, I saw at Bunnings Nunawading a couple of mango trees . . would they fruit(and ripen) in Melbourne ?







Time: 9th February 2009 4:12pm

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Tran says...
Wanderer,

I think you could build a greenhouse for the lychee & longan but in that environement they grow quick and become huge trees and I think they will fruit but by that time your greenhouse may not be tall enough.
I have seen mango fruiting in Melbourne but I don't know if the fruit ripen or not. There was an article in the Herald Sun few years ago that some body has had the mango tree fruiting in Victoria.

Time: 10th February 2009 11:15am

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Jantina says...
Wanderer I'm going to have a go with longan,mango etc in a glasshouse here at Mt. Gambier but I am going to grow them in those dwarfing growbags (Daleys sell them ) and keep them pruned. So far they are doing very well in a three quarters north facing enclosed verandah.The longans ,wampees, green sapote etc have all grown about 6-8 inches in 6 weeks.

Time: 10th February 2009 11:44am

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Damian says...
Jantina, have you tasted green sapote before? what's it like? is it just like a sweet mush like sweet potato?

Time: 10th February 2009 1:56pm

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Jantina says...
No I haven't tasted it Damian.Daleys list it as hardier than the Mamey sapote and a superior flavour. If anyone out there has green sapote growing experience and or tasted one please enlighten us.

Time: 10th February 2009 2:04pm

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frank says...
Hi Dave
i live in sydney and i wonder if you can tell me tell me were i can buy a jujube tree and a caper bush since you can grow them easyly.

thank you
Frank

Time: 11th February 2009 9:41am

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wanderer says...
Ok,
I think I better verify this information(assumption) then.

I was informed by a certain nursery that sells them (wink wink) that once the lychee or longan trees reached 5 feet tall, they will be strong enough to handle the frost.

Naturally, I assume that they will fruit and ripen from then on, being accustomed with Melbourne weather.
(and that means the greenhouse can be dismantled after that because it would be of no need at all after that)

Is my assumption wrong ?

Also, I heard from someone many years ago, that there are certain tricks to make Longan trees flowers (therefore fruits). . .and it is by 'stressing' it.

Unfortunatley, I was at an age where growing things was never in my mind (I was renting too) and had never asked how it was done !!

Anybody know how to 'stress' a fruit tree ?

Thanks







Time: 11th February 2009 4:28pm

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Tran says...
it means you stop watering for some time so the tree get stress and bust into flowers.

Time: 11th February 2009 6:33pm

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wanderer says...
Thanks Tran . . again.

Didn't know it was that simple.

Anyhow, was my assumption correct ?
I mean that once they are 5 feet+ tall,
they won't require a greenhouse and they would grow as they should in a tropical climate . . . meaning they will fruit and bear edible fruits.
Also, they won't need 'stressing' to bust into flowers (then fruits) and then they will ripen properly ?

Sorry, many questions. I really like
to make this a success if i do start it.

Thanks in advance . .!!





Time: 12th February 2009 9:02am

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Clayton South
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Tran says...
Hi Wanderer,

The chance of not having greenhouse would delay the flowering process so fruits could be developed around Feb and they would not be enough time to ripe before winter comes. in southern area, tropical fruits trees may produce fruit around 3 months behind the true tropical climate

Time: 12th February 2009 5:20pm

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bhagya says...
Hi Ajay, Thanks for your reply. I don't have any other tropical trees. I am simply in love with the Indian chikku. I've since purchased two seedlings from Daleys Fruit, SAPODILLA, Manilkara zapota. I have my fingers crossed that they will grow in Tilba, where there is no frost. I'm also hoping that what I've purchased is the very same chikku I'm after.
So good to read what you all are growing!
Good luck with it!

Time: 15th February 2009 12:56pm

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NSW south coast
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Tran says...
Hi all,

It would be nice to know if any one In Melbourne has grown dragon fruit successfully. I mean producing fruit.

Thanks

Tran

Time: 16th February 2009 7:16pm

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Asha says...
Hi Bhagya,

I too love the Indian chikku. Do keep us posted on whether this is the Indian chikku - it seems to be from the description online.

I have recently acquired a drumstick plant as well as a dwarf mulberry from Daley's. I love the eggplant and drumstick sambhar, and there is nothing as good as fresh drumstick! The plant is flowering, so will have to wait and see if it bears any fruit.

Also has anyone grown Amla (gooseberry) in Melbourne?

Time: 18th February 2009 12:43pm

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Melbourne
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