How to Grow Kakadu Plum in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Kakadu 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. Dried powder sells for $30-50 per 100g. One tree eventually produces kilos of fruit.
This guide covers when to plant Kakadu 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
Kakadu 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.
Varieties to Try
Kakadu Plum
Standard species. Medium tree. Small green-yellow fruit in wet season (Dec-Mar).
Try: Daleys, Northern Territory native nurseries, specialist growers
Position and Soil
Give Kakadu Plum full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+ (slow-growing, manageable young), though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Kakadu Plum into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 600 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.
Terminalia ferdinandiana. The world's highest known source of vitamin C (50-100x an orange). Small green fruit with tart flavour. Native to northern Australia (NT, WA, QLD). Deciduous tree. Reliable in Darwin, North QLD and warm subtropical zones. Slow growing but drought-tolerant once established. Culturally significant to many First Nations peoples.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 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 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
Kakadu Plum is typically ready to harvest within roughly 61 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Freeze fresh fruit immediately. Dried powder stores for 12+ months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, kakadu plum is good made into powder as a vitamin C supplement, used in jams, sauces and chutneys, added to smoothies and drinks and dried and ground as a native spice. Nutritionally: highest vitamin C of any fruit on earth and extremely high in antioxidants.
Companion Planting
Kakadu Plum grows well alongside Native plants. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Kakadu Plum Growing
Add kakadu 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 Kakadu Plum in Australia?
Kakadu 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 Kakadu Plum take to grow?
Kakadu Plum is generally ready to harvest within roughly 61 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Kakadu Plum need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Kakadu Plum in the Plant Library
