How to grow Macadamia in Australia
Plant in full sun in deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with shelter from strong wind. Water regularly while establishing and during nut development, and mulch to protect the surface roots and hold moisture.
At a glance
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 15 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 700 cm
- Time to harvest: 1095 days (about 3 years)
- Time to germinate: 1 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 | March to September | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to September | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to September | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | September to November | Marginal. Plant Sep to Nov once frosts finish in mid September, in a warm sheltered spot, and use frost cloth while young. Fruiting is slow. |
| Adelaide & SA | September and October | Plant Sep to Oct in a warm sheltered spot and water deeply through summer. Plains gardens rarely frost; in the Adelaide Hills, use frost cloth while young. |
| Perth & WA | March to May, August to October | Plant in autumn or from late winter to early spring in a spot sheltered from strong wind. Mulch the sand heavily and water deeply through summer. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Too cold for reliable nut set. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Not viable. Young trees are killed by hard frost; Canberra winters are too cold for reliable nuts. |
| North Queensland | May to September | Dry season establishment May to Sep. Macadamia is tropical tree nut; thrives in tropical north. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to September | Dry season establishment May to Sep. Macadamia is tropical tree nut; thrives in tropical north. |
Varieties
- Beaumont (H695)
- A4 (Australian)
- Own Venture
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Gather the nuts after they drop naturally to the ground, which signals ripeness. Collect promptly, remove the husks and dry the nuts in shell before cracking.