How to grow Midyim Berry in Australia
Midyim berry (Austromyrtus dulcis), also called midgen berry or sand berry, is a low, spreading native shrub from coastal northern New South Wales and south east Queensland. Its small white berries speckled with purple are sweet and gently spicy, a little like a blueberry, and the plant is easy, tidy and rarely troubled by pests.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Midyim Berry in Australia
At a glance
When to plant by region
| Region | When to plant | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to February | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to February | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to February | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | September to February | |
| Adelaide & SA | September and October | Plant Sep to Oct after frost in part shade. Needs steady summer water and mulch; a good pot plant. |
| Perth & WA | March to May, September and October | Plant in autumn with the first rains, or Sep to Oct, in part shade. Needs mulch and steady summer water on sand. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Subtropical native shrub killed by hard frost. |
| Canberra & ACT | November and December | Marginal. A subtropical coastal shrub, but it grows and flowers in Canberra when planted under overhanging branches that keep off the frost. Plant Nov to Dec so it settles in before winter. |
| North Queensland | May to September | Plant May to Sep in the dry and water it through to the rains. A subtropical coastal shrub, so give it free draining soil and some afternoon shade. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to September | Plant May to Sep in the dry and water it through to the rains. A subtropical coastal shrub, so give it free draining soil and some afternoon shade. |
Where to plant
Midyim grows in full sun or part shade. In full sun it forms a dense shrub about 40 cm to 1 m tall; in shade it becomes a looser groundcover. It handles a range of soils, including sandy coastal soil, as long as drainage is good and the soil does not dry right out. Shelter it from harsh, salt-laden winds.
Outside its natural range, plant it under the edge of a tree canopy, where overhanging branches give some protection from frost.
- South East Queensland and the Northern Rivers: its home climate, where it grows and fruits easily.
- Sydney and Melbourne: grows well in a spot with filtered light, protected from frost by overhanging trees, with regular summer water.
- Adelaide and Perth: plant in part shade, mulch well and water steadily through summer. It makes a good pot plant.
- North Queensland and Darwin: plant in the dry season in free-draining soil with some afternoon shade, and water it through to the rains.
- Canberra: marginal. Sustainable Gardening Australia notes it flowers there from summer to mid autumn when planted under overhanging branches that keep off the frost. Plant in November or December. Hobart: not suited, as hard frost kills it; mountain pepper is a hardier bush food choice.
How to plant
- Dig in compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide, and tease out the roots.
- Plant at the same depth as in the pot, backfill and water in well.
- Mulch thickly to keep the roots cool and moist. A sugar cane mulch also keeps fallen berries clean.
- Keep the soil moist until the plant is established.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly while the plant establishes. Once settled it survives fairly dry conditions, but regular watering through spring and summer gives a much better crop. Mulch well in summer so the soil does not dry out.
Midyim needs little feeding. Add compost after the autumn harvest, and if you use fertiliser, choose a low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser.
Pruning and care through the year
- Prune after the autumn harvest, and lightly trim new growth every few months. The berries form on older wood, so avoid heavy cutting of the whole bush.
- It takes clipping well and can be grown as a low hedge.
- Net the bush as the berries ripen if birds are taking them.
Harvesting
Flowers appear in spring and summer, and berries ripen from late summer into autumn. They are ready when they are soft and fall off at a touch. Slide a tray under the bush and shake it gently to collect them.
The berries do not store well. Eat them within a few days, or freeze them.
Growing in pots
Midyim grows well in a large pot at least 30 cm wide, in a free-draining native potting mix. Keep it in filtered sun and water regularly, as potted plants dry out quickly.
Using it
Eat the berries fresh, seeds and all, or add them to fruit salads, yoghurt and ice cream. They also go into pies and jam. Some describe the flavour as blueberry with a hint of spice or eucalyptus.
Propagation
Fresh, cleaned seed germinates in about three to four weeks without any special treatment. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring also strike well in a damp, free-draining mix, and low stems can be layered.
Varieties
- Midyim Berry
Companion planting
Midyim is naturally an understorey plant of coastal heath and rainforest edges, so it suits a native garden or the dappled edge of a bush food planting.
Good companions
- Native plants Local native shrubs and groundcovers suit the same conditions and need the same low-phosphorus care.
- Lemon myrtle A taller bush food tree whose canopy edge gives midyim the filtered light and frost protection it likes.
Pests and diseases
Midyim is relatively free of pests and diseases. As a member of the myrtle family, it is at some risk from myrtle rust.
Pests to watch for
- Birds Ripe berries disappearing from the bush. Net plants as the fruit softens.
Diseases to watch for
- Myrtle rust Tiny raised brown to grey spots on young leaves, shoots, flowers or fruit, which within about two weeks produce masses of bright yellow to orange spores. Report suspected cases to your state agriculture department.
Common questions
What do midyim berries taste like?
They are sweet with a gentle spicy or gingery note, often compared to a blueberry with a hint of eucalyptus. They are eaten whole, seeds and all.
When are midyim berries ripe?
From late summer into autumn. Ripe berries are white with purple or blue-black speckles, soft, and fall off at a touch.
Can I grow midyim berry in a pot?
Yes. It grows well in a large pot at least 30 cm wide with free-draining native potting mix, in filtered sun, with regular watering.
Can midyim berry grow in Melbourne?
Yes, as a low bush in filtered light, ideally under the edge of trees for frost protection, with compost and regular summer water.
How big does a midyim berry grow?
Usually a low shrub about 40 cm to 1 m tall and around 80 cm wide, denser in sun and more spreading in shade. In its natural habitat it can reach about 2 m.
How do I propagate midyim berry?
From fresh, cleaned seed, which germinates in three to four weeks, or from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in spring. Layering low stems also works.
Sources we checked: Sustainable Gardening Australia: Midyim berry; Local Food Connect (Robin Gale-Baker): Midyim berry, an easy to grow Australian edible native; Maclean Landcare (Landcare NSW): Midgen berry fact sheet.