Growing Davidson's Plum in Australia: The Complete Guide
Davidson's Plum is a moderate native bush food to grow, needing part shade–full sun with regular, appreciates humidity watering.
Davidson's Plum is one of the moderate additions to a home garden, and this article walks through everything behind our one-page printable guide in a bit more depth.
Rainforest understorey native
Native to subtropical rainforest, this tree fruits directly on the trunk and older branches (a habit called cauliflory) — an unusual and distinctive feature to look out for.
How to Plant Davidson's Plum
Method — plant from a nursery pot in a sheltered, part-shaded spot. Soil — rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained. Timing — plant in spring, in a warm, sheltered position.
Keeping It Growing Well
Worth paying attention to:
- Provide some shelter and dappled shade, especially while young.
- Water regularly — dislikes drying out.
- Mulch well to retain moisture.
- Protect from frost — best suited to subtropical and warm temperate zones.
Common Problems
Keep these points in mind:
- Frost damage — limits it to milder zones.
- Fruit fly — net or manage as fruit develops.
- Drying out — the main risk in hot, dry conditions; mulch well.
- Slow to establish — be patient in early years.
Picking and Keeping Your Harvest
Signs — fruit turns deep purple, growing directly on the trunk and branches. Method — pick by hand once fully coloured. Curing — none needed — very tart, almost always used cooked or processed rather than eaten raw. Storage — fridge a few days; freezes well for later use.
For the condensed, printable version of everything above, head to the main davidson's plum guide page.