How to Grow Bush Tomato in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Bush Tomato rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$10-20 per 50g on dried bush tomato spice. Premium native ingredient you can grow at home.
This guide covers when to plant Bush Tomato in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Bush Tomato is a warm-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October and November. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Desert Raisin (Solanum centrale)
Standard bush tomato. Small spreading shrub. Fruit dries on the bush and is harvested dried.
Try: Nindethana, Native Seeds, specialist bush food nurseries
Position and Soil
Give Bush Tomato full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 8. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 40cm+ with sandy mix, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Bush Tomato into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 100 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Solanum centrale. Australian native desert plant also known as bush raisin or desert raisin. Small yellow-brown fruit with a unique strong, pungent bush tucker flavour. Used dried and ground as a native spice (akudjura). Thrives in hot, dry, well-drained conditions. Sow September to November. Slow to establish but drought-hardy once going. Works in arid and semi-arid zones across inland Australia. Can be grown in pots with sandy, free-draining mix.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 2 L per plant every 7 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Bush Tomato is typically ready to harvest in about 6 months. Dry fruit on the bush or in a dehydrator. Ground spice stores for 12+ months in a sealed jar.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, bush tomato is good dried and ground as a native spice (akudjura), added to sauces, chutneys and relishes, used in rubs for red meat and kangaroo and mixed into bread dough and damper. Nutritionally: high in vitamin C and iron and rich in potassium and zinc.
Companion Planting
Bush Tomato grows well alongside Native plants. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Bush Tomato Growing
Add bush tomato to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bush Tomato in Australia?
Bush Tomato is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October and November. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Bush Tomato take to grow?
Bush Tomato is generally ready to harvest in about 6 months.
Can I grow Bush Tomato in a pot?
Yes. Bush Tomato grows well in a container of 40cm+ with sandy mix with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Bush Tomato need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Bush Tomato in the Plant Library
