Position
Plant in full sun for the best growth and fruit production. It will tolerate light shade but fruits more heavily in a sunny position.
Plant in full sun for the best growth and fruit production. It will tolerate light shade but fruits more heavily in a sunny position.
Moderate wind tolerance, but protection from strong, drying winds is beneficial, especially while the tree is young.
Size
Grows 4–8 m high and 3–5 m wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning.
Grows 4–8 m high and 3–5 m wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning.
Soil Type
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Best grown in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Best grown in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).
Adding half a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust (R25 per bag) and a bag of Superfrass (R25 per bag) will assist in rapid growth. They also protect the roots from being eaten by insects.
Watering
Water regularly while the tree is establishing. Mature trees are moderately drought-tolerant but produce better crops when watered deeply during extended dry periods.
Water regularly while the tree is establishing. Mature trees are moderately drought-tolerant but produce better crops when watered deeply during extended dry periods.
Mulch
Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, which helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents weeds. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, which helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents weeds. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertilising
Apply a small amount of well-rotted manure annually to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4 months of our slow release All-plant fertiliser. The roots will absorb what they need.
Apply a small amount of well-rotted manure annually to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4 months of our slow release All-plant fertiliser. The roots will absorb what they need.
Pruning
Prune lightly after harvesting to remove dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches and to maintain a manageable shape. Remove any suckers from the base.
Prune lightly after harvesting to remove dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches and to maintain a manageable shape. Remove any suckers from the base.
Harvesting
Fruit is harvested when fully coloured and slightly soft, depending on the local growing season. Ripe fruit is best picked by hand.
Fruit is harvested when fully coloured and slightly soft, depending on the local growing season. Ripe fruit is best picked by hand.
Pests & Diseases
Generally hardy but may occasionally be affected by aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, caterpillars, and fruit flies. Good air circulation and well-drained soil help prevent fungal diseases and root rot.
Preferably use preventative measures by spraying agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control).
Spray every week, then every second week, and eventually once a month. Respray after rain.
