How to grow Davidson Plum in Australia

Grow Davidson plum, an Australian rainforest native, in part shade in rich, moist, free-draining soil with shelter from wind and frost. Keep it well watered and mulched, as it dislikes drying out.

At a glance

Difficulty: Intermediate
Sun: Part shade
Water: 10 litres a week, watered every 4 days
Spacing: 400 cm
Time to harvest: 1095 days (about 3 years)
Time to germinate: 30 days
Soil pH: 5 to 6.5
Frost tolerance: Half hardy

When to sow by region

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	September to February
Northern Rivers NSW	September to February
Sydney & Coastal NSW	October to January	Plant Oct to Jan in a sheltered, part shaded spot with moist soil. The NSW Davidson plum is the better choice this far south; protect young trees from frost in the west.
Melbourne & Victoria	Not suited	Native rainforest fruit; frost-sensitive. Melbourne winter kills saplings. Unsuitable.
Adelaide & SA	Not suited	Mediterranean: unsuitable. Davidson Plum tropical native. Outside Adelaide/Perth climatic range.
Perth & WA	Not suited	Mediterranean: unsuitable. Davidson Plum tropical native. Outside Adelaide/Perth climatic range.
Tasmania	Not suited	Unsuitable. Tropical rainforest native killed by frost.
Canberra & ACT	Not suited	Davidson Plum unsuitable for Canberra: tropical Australian native; requires frost-free climate. Not viable.
North Queensland	September to February	Wet season. Davidson plum is Australian tropical native; fruits in tropical north.
Darwin & Top End	September to February	Wet season. Davidson plum is Australian tropical native; fruits in tropical north.

Companion planting

Good companions

Native plants

Harvest and storage

Harvest tip

Harvest the deep purple fruit when it softens slightly and drops or releases with a light pull. Gather from the tree or collect promptly from the ground.

Storage

Fridge for 3 to 4 days. Freeze whole or as pulp for months.