Fruit Trees for Perth and Western Australia
Fruit trees that can be grown in Perth and across Western Australia include a wide range, depending on the area. Some that are suitable for Perth and Western Australia include: Apple Trees, Citrus, Lemon Trees, Peach Trees, Plum Trees and some species of Avocado Trees.
With home gardens becoming smaller all over Perth the thought of planting fruit trees seems a little far fetched. However with new dwarf varieties and espalier techniques it is possible to grow a range of fruit trees in smaller gardens, and in fact even in courtyards, on patios or balconies.
Some varieties, such as avocados are well suited to,the home garden as they can be harvested over a long period. In Perth Avocados will flower in spring and then set fruit which cab be harvested from June right through until November. The fruit ripens off the tree, so simply pick it 2 weeks or so before you want to use it. For the home garden look for the smaller growing types such as Lamb Hass, which will reach around 4 metres, Wurtz is another smaller growing avocado.
Planting Fruit Trees
In Perth it is essential to plant deciduous trees early in winter, they will be dormant however the soil is still warm and some root growth may occur before spring.
The key to success is the soil, and in sandy soils lots of organic matter added before planting is essential.
Nurseries that specialise in fruit trees for Perth including the rare as well as the widely grown varieties. Popular varieties include lemon trees, ruby grapefruit and fig trees, more unusual are the Dragon Fruit and Yellow and Black Sapote.
Multi grafted varieties are becoming particularly popular, however rare and interesting types such as Miracle Fruit, Star Fruit and Custard Apples are becoming increasingly popular. And the passionfruit has just never gone out of favour with home gardeners.
Perth has a fantastic climate for growing fruit trees, and fruit trees such as avocados, citrus trees including lemon trees, oranges and tangelos, nectarines, figs, peaches and mulberries, pears as well as Nashi fruit can all be grown in perth. As we move north many rare and exotic trees can also be grown including tropical and sub tropical fruit trees.
When selecting fruit trees for perth it is important to understand that some cultivars have a higher chill factor than others, talk to your supplier regarding which cultivars are best suited to the Perth Climate.Fruit trees can be planted with a Northerly or Westerly aspect depending on variety.
More Information
As in all areas we need to follow a few basic rules when planting fruit trees anywhere in Western Australia.
- Full sun for at least 7 hours a day
- Good drainage, fruit trees do not like soggy ground
- Protection from wind
- Good air flow
- Keep the areas around the tree free from weeds and any dropped fruit or leaves
- Prune to keep an open structure especially with stone fruit and apples
- Control pests using natural or organic methods where possible
Consider multigraft, dwarf or espaliered types for smaller spaces. Grow miniature or ‘dwarf varieties in containers if you live in an apartment with a sunny balcony.
Consider using bird netting to protect some varieties. In some areas consider shade cloth to prevent to much sun.
Fruit Trees for Perth and Western Australia are available from the following suppliers
Mail order fruit tree nursery with over 200 temperate climate fruit trees.
Heritage varieties and dwarf fruit trees. Apple Trees, Stone Fruit, Nut Trees and Berry Fruit.
www.yalcafruittrees.com.au
LEEMING FRUIT TREES – phone 0413062856
4a Westmorland Drive, Leeming, WA, 6149
Huge range of quality rare fruit trees. Includes: lychee, abiu, guava, custard apple,wampee, hog-plum, star-fruit, star-apple, avocado, jujube,tamarind, multi-grafted pears, apples, nectarines, peaches, citrus, durian, rambutan, mangosteen, pandanus amaryllifolius.
LENA NURSERY – Phone: ( 08) 9409 9899 Fax: (08) 94096729
Large range of fruit trees, apples, nectarine, plums and apricots, citrus trees, tropical fruit trees including Indian guava, mangos, avocados. and olives trees
384 Wanneroo Rd Wangara, WA 6065
NGOOLARK NURSERY
Hampton Rd & Clontarf Rd, South Fremantle WA 6162
WANDILLA NURSERY – Ph 08 94539779
811 Welshpool Rd, Wattle Grove, Western Australia, 6107.
Large range of fruit trees.