October Newsletter
Ugni (Myrtus ugni)
This little berry is certainly gaining its fair share of attention lately. Its the size of a large blueberry, has 5 times the flavour and makes the most magnificent muffins you'll ever taste. 
And how do you know when to pick it? - well you just walk outside into the garden and get bowled over by the wonderful scent.
A small evergreen shrub with its delicate foliage they are far tougher than they look. I've recently planted three in a shady position on the southern side of the house, just the position Camellias love, and you should see the little things grow. The area is well composted and mulched with a well drained soil.
They seem happy in most soils and conditions and appreciate summer watering. They can withstand mild frosts and don't mind being thirsty although this would effect the fruit yield. A great shrub for the 'lazy' gardener as they're virtually maintenance free. No pruning is needed and as far as we can see they are relatively unaffected by pests.
The small glossy dark-green leaves are tinged with a beautiful red growth when young and the plant becomes smothered with fluffy bell-shaped white or pink flowers.
Like blueberries the fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. Its gaining huge exceptance in with gourmet chefs throughout the world for its unique aromatic flavour and its reputed to make an ice-cream that will rival any. The shrubs begin to yield ruit after 3 years when they should bear about one kilogram per plant. The yield will then increase by one kilogram each year as the plant matures.
Name change for Aloe Vera
Most Australians are familiar with the cactus looking Aloe Vera plant. It has been used for centuries for it's health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. Currently known as Aloe barbadensis it is now agreed that Aloe vera can take precendence. That's much easier for us to remember and the vera distinguishes the more popular garden aloe from that of the A. maculata which is a much larger and more vigorous plant that has become naturalised in the eastern and southern parts of the continent.
Citrus
Every home should have it’s own instant supply of vitamin C! And what better fruit to supply an abundance of it than the many Citrus varieties available. Of all the trees we sell Australia wide Citrus is without a doubt the most popular and spring is the best time to plant and to give them the care and attention they need.
The Best time to plant
The best time for planting citrus is in spring or summer. It is best to avoid planting during the cold of winter.
Position
All Citrus likes a warm, sunny position with some shelter from winds. They particularly need well-drained soil and won't tolerate waterlogged sites. If your site is particularly damp, try digging through compost or peat to help break up the clay soils. When digging a hole for the plant fill an already moistened hole with water. If that water doesn't fully drain away in about 15 minutes it will be necessary to plant the citrus on a raised mound to aid soil drainage. Of all the Citrus, Lemons tolerate damp conditions better than other citrus.
Planting
When planting water the plant thoroughly in its container and allow to drain. Dig a hole slightly larger than the container and deep enough that the citrus will sit at its present depth. Transfer the plant from its container to the new site. Fill in the hole with soil or compost and water well. As a general rule it is better to wait about 6 weeks before fertilising newly planted trees.
Feeding
Citrus trees are heavy feeders and require regularly feeding with a suitable Citrus fertiliser. Water the tree well before feeding, apply the fertiliser around the drip line of the tree not too close to the trunk. Water in the fertiliser well. Citrus trees in containers should be fed with a slow release citrus fertiliser.
Watering
Citrus have a shallow, fibrous root system that can quickly become dry during periods of low rainfall. If rainfall is not adequate the trees should be watered deeply twice a week. Mulching with compost will greatly help conserve moisture whilst also adding life to the soil.
Pruning
Citrus require little pruning other than corrective pruning - removal of dead or broken branches or general shaping of the tree. Mandarins have a dense growing habit and may need some thinning of branches to allow better air circulation. This is usually done after the fruit is picked. Diseased branches such as that affected by gall wasp will also need removal from infected trees.
Remove any shoots that sprout from below the graft, as this is the rootstock. It is distinctly different, being dark green and thorny and if left unchecked will eventually take over.
Harvesting
We often see customers get really excited about buying your trees with fruit already beginning to form. I know its difficult for some but it is strongly advisable to remove all fruit before it gets much bigger than a plum. This allows all the trees energy to go into helping it become established. When picking the fruit leave a little stem so that the fruit will keep longer. Always harvest with secateurs if possible as they leave a clean cut which prevents disease entering through torn wood.
Growing Citrus in Pots
Almost all citrus will fruit when grown in pots and much of it is now available on a dwarf rootstock. Lemons, limes and kumquats will grow and fruit extremely well and add a spectacular ornamental look to the garden or courtyard. Dwarf Oranges and Dwarf Grapefruit are recommended for pot growing as standard trees need large pots and won't perform as prolifically as they would in the garden.
When potting use a quality potting mix that contains a controlled release fertiliser and preferably a wetting agent or water storage granules. A potting mix with Peat Moss will aid in keeping the soil moist. Regular watering is important. Feed established trees in early spring and late summer with a controlled release fertiliser such as Osmocote. A liquid feed with liquid manure, seaweed concentrate or a product such as Thrive Flower and fruit is advisable every fortnight in spring and summer. Trees can remain in the same pot for several seasons before repotting into fresh potting mix provided the trees are regularly fed.
Pest and Disease Control
Several Pest and Disease affect citrus but the instances are greatly reduced when the trees are kept in excellent health. Veruccosis appears as scabby, wart-like growth on the fruit, leaves and stems. It doesn't affect the taste of the fruit, it has an unsightly appearance. Mites, mealy bug or scale insect can be a problem and will require an oil spray during winter. Citrus can become covered in a black sooty mould when sucking insects such as aphids, mealy bug and scale insect become a problem. Sucking insects exude honey-dew that the mould thrives upon. Ask you local garden centre for a recommended product to control the insect pests and the sooty mould will go away.
For more information on citrus visit
Perennial Vegetables
Perennial Vegetables make an unusual, highly appealing ornamental plant that provides edible leaves or tubers for most of the year. Apart from being ornamental and edible, perennial vegetables serve other functions around the house such as screening (Arrowroot), ground covers (sweet potato), and edge plants used as a barrier against weeds (comfrey).
Available now from Daley's Nursery are:
YACON (Polymnia sonchifolia) The Yacon is a vigorous, herbaceous perennial plant 
related to the sunflower. The plant produces large tubers similar in appearance to sweet potatoes, but they have a much sweeter taste and crunchy flesh. The plants are extremely hardy and will grow in hot or cold conditions.Click here for more info.....
Ht 1; Fr High; Pol No; Deciduous; H most of year
ARROWROOT (Canna edulis) An edible canna displaying attractive red flowers similar to its close relative the Canna lilly. The large round red rhizomes can be eaten raw, cooked as potatoes or used as a flour and thickening agent. The tubers multiply prolifically in deep rich friable soil.
Ht 1-2; Fr High; Pol No; Rootcrop; H All year
ROCOTO (Capsicum pubescens) With another common name of 'Hotlips' there is no 
question of the heat in these perennial chilies. Abundantly fruiting within 6 months they can be either red, yellow or green. Click here for more info on preserving chilies....
Ht 3; Fr Low; Pol No; Evergreen; H most of the year
FALSE CARDAMON (Afromomum angustifolium) is a leafy ginger like plant that grows in clumps and makes an excellent low screen that adds a tropical feel to any garden. While the seeds don't resemble true cardamon the leaves can be used in desserts, to add flavour when steaming rice or used to wrap fish.
Ht 1.5; Fr High; Pol No; Evergreen; H all year round
CHINESE WATER CHESTNUT (Eleocharis dulcis) These nutritious underground corms have 
an appealing crisp nut like texture when eaten raw and cooked. Plant in wet areas and harvest annually.
Ht 1; Fr Low; Pol no; Aquatic plant; H June or July
COMFREY (Symphytum officinale) This well-known showy plant is a member of the Borage and Forget-me-not tribe, Boraginaceae. A hardy perennial, its large leaves are rough and hairy all over. Comfrey thrives in almost any soil or situation, but does best in moist conditions. A useful plant it can be used with great success as a liquid manure, activator for compost heaps, a weed barrier or attractive understory plant.
Ht 1; Fr Low; Pol No; Evergreen; H all year
SWEET POTATO (Ipomea batters) The Sweet Potato is a perennial trailing plant that 
develops fleshy tuberous roots. Click here for more info.....
Hernandez - a new orange fleshed variety from the US with a good shape, colour and uniformity of size.
Eureka -A promising commercial variety with heavy cropping characteristics and orange flesh.
Ht 50cm; Fr Med; Pol No; Evergreen; H most of the year
GINGER (Zingiber officinale) Fresh ginger is available in two forms, young and mature. Young ginger has a pale, thin skin that requires no peeling. It is very tender and has a milder flavour than its mature form. Mature ginger has a tough skin that must be carefully peeled to preserve the most delicate and tasty flesh just under the surface. The flavour is peppery and slightly sweet with a pungent and spicy aroma.
Ht 1; Fr Low; Pol No; Deciduous; H June to August
RHUBARB (Rheum rhabarbarum) The perennial rhubarb is often referred to as the 'pie plant' due to its use in pies but it also lends itself to a wide range of muffins, biscuits, cakes, as well as fancier desserts. Versatile in savory dishes, rhubarb provides a piquant base for marinades and condiments to pair with roasted meats and poultry. It is a highly productive fruit that can be harvested within 6 months. Click here for more info.....
Ht 1; Fr High; Pol No; Deciduous; H Summer
Putting a face to your newsletters
Greg and I look forward to putting the monthly newsletters together. It gives us an opportunity to keep in touch, thank you for your continued interest and offer you some new and exciting information.
When Greg isn't busy running the nursery he finds time for photography - Botanical photography of course so he is entirely to thank for the excellent photoes you receive. Greg is also very innovative, has some wonderful ideas and is a wealth of information which is where I come in. I put all that knowledge and passion into words for you to share.
We are always happy to hear of the many success stories from fellow fruit tree enthusiasts. If you have anything you would like to share please email us and we would love to include it in a future newsletter for everyone to enjoy.
Donna
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