How to Grow Davidson Plum in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Davidson Plum at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$8-15/punnet. Premium native fruit rarely available commercially.
This guide covers when to plant Davidson Plum 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
Davidson Plum 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, November, December, January and February. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Davidson Plum part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5 to 6.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 50cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Davidson Plum into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 400 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.
Australian native plum with intensely sour, deep purple fruit. Too tart to eat raw but exceptional in jams, sauces and desserts. Rainforest understorey tree that handles SEQ shade. Slow to fruit (3-5 years) but long-lived. Buy a grafted plant.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 10 L per plant every 4 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 Fruit fly and Birds. 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
Davidson Plum is typically ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze whole or as pulp for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, davidson plum is good made into jam, sauce and chutney, added to desserts and ice cream, used in native-inspired dressings and paired with meat as a glaze. Nutritionally: extremely high in antioxidants and rich in vitamin C and minerals.
Companion Planting
Davidson Plum grows well alongside Native plants. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Davidson Plum Growing
Add davidson plum 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 Davidson Plum in Australia?
Davidson Plum is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Davidson Plum take to grow?
Davidson Plum is generally ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Davidson Plum in a pot?
Yes. Davidson Plum grows well in a container of 50cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Davidson Plum need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Davidson Plum in the Plant Library
