Fruit Trees

How to choose a fruit tree

Climate first. Citrus, avocados, figs and olive trees suit most of mainland Australia, though young citrus need frost protection for their first couple of winters in cold districts. Mangoes and guavas want a frost free subtropical or tropical garden. Apples, pears and stone fruit run the other way: they need winter chill to set fruit properly, so they perform best from the highlands and southern states, though low chill selections such as the Anna apple and White Opal peach crop well into warm temperate areas.

Then think about pollination and space. Most of this range is self fertile, including nearly all citrus, figs and stone fruit here, so one tree crops on its own. Olives and some apples set much heavier crops with a second variety nearby. For small gardens, choose grafted or dwarf forms and keep them pruned to picking height; a lemon tree held at 2.5m will still supply a household all season.

Planting and care

Every fruit tree here wants the same foundation: six hours or more of direct sun and soil that drains freely. Dig the hole twice as wide as the pot and no deeper, water in well, and mulch 75mm deep, keeping mulch off the trunk. Water deeply twice a week through the first summer, then weekly while fruit is developing. Feed citrus in late winter and again in late summer with a citrus food, and other fruit trees with a balanced fertiliser in early spring. Space full size trees 4m to 5m apart, dwarf forms 2m to 3m. Net the crop as it ripens or the birds will harvest it for you. Our guide to growing citrus in Australian backyards covers feeding and pest timing in more detail.

Common questions

How long until I pick fruit?

From the common 200mm to 300mm pot sizes: citrus and figs usually crop within one to two seasons, stone fruit and apples in two to three, olives in three to four, and grafted avocados in three to five. Advanced trees shorten the wait, often fruiting the first summer after planting.

Can I grow fruit trees in pots?

Yes, and in cold or space poor gardens it is often the better option. Dwarf citrus, figs, olives and low chill apples all perform in a 50cm to 60cm pot with premium potting mix, full sun and a fortnightly liquid feed through the warm months. Potted trees dry out faster, so summer watering is close to daily.

Do I need two trees for fruit?

Usually not. Citrus, figs, most stone fruit here and self fertile olives like Arbequina crop alone. Check the product page: where a variety benefits from a cross pollinator, it is noted, and the fix is simply planting two different varieties within about 15m of each other.

How do fruit trees arrive?

Delivered Australia wide with delivery from $29.95, while advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Trees travel in their pots with the rootball secured, and every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.