How to grow Kakadu Plum in Australia
A hardy tree for full sun in well-drained soil, tolerant of heat and dry spells once established. Water young trees through their first seasons to settle the roots, then it needs little once mature.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 7 days
- Spacing: 600 cm
- Time to harvest: 1825 days (about 5 years)
- Time to germinate: 21 days
- Soil pH: 5 to 7
- 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 | September to February | Marginal. A tropical northern native that fruits poorly after cool winters. Plant in a warm, sheltered, frost free spot near the coast; western Sydney frosts damage young trees. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Not viable. Needs tropical or warm subtropical conditions. |
| Adelaide & SA | Not suited | Not viable. Needs tropical or warm subtropical conditions. |
| Perth & WA | Not suited | Not viable. Needs tropical conditions. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Tropical northern native. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Not viable. Needs tropical conditions. |
| North Queensland | September to February | Native to northern Australia. Thrives in North QLD conditions. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Native to Darwin region. Thrives in local conditions. |
Varieties
- Kakadu Plum
Companion planting
Good companions
- Native plants
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick when the small fruit turns pale yellow-green and softens a little. Pluck by hand from the branches as they ripen unevenly over the picking window.
Storage
Freeze fresh fruit immediately. Dried powder stores for 12+ months.