Temperate gardeners already grow subtropical fruiting plants such as lemons, oranges and passionfruit. Don’t stop there. Several other fruits, which in the past were seen as unsuited to temperate gardens such those in Sydney, can be grown successfully. It’s time to add avocados and even mangos to your productive garden.

We can now grow these delicious fruits in cooler zones due to warming climatic conditions, a better understanding of microclimates, and also the availability of named grafted varieties.

 

Avocados are great for growing in Sydney gardens.

 

Avocados

Ideal varieties for temperate gardens are Hass, Pinkerton and Wurtz, which are also ideal for planting in large containers or growing in confined spaces as they are grafted onto dwarfing rootstock. Grafted avocados also guarantee a harvest within a few years of planting. Seed-grown avocados can take seven or more years to fruit, and the fruit may be inferior to a named variety. Starting with a grafted plant means a better harvest sooner. Expect to harvest ripe fruit in autumn once the tree reaches maturity.

Browse Flower Power's avocado range online »

 

With careful consideration and placement, you can also successfully grow mangos in parts of Sydney.

 

Mango

Mangos are a little more demanding of ideal growing conditions than avocados, so they need the warmest spot in your garden. They are best suited to a completely frost-free coastal location. Grafted dwarf mangos still grow to around 3-4m high, so are not well suited to containers but can be grown in a courtyard garden or backyard. Grafted mangos take several years to fruit, but fruit much sooner than non-grafted trees. Expect ripe fruit in summer once the tree is mature.

Browse Flower Power's mango range online »

 

What could be better than growing these two delicious tropical treats in your own garden?

 

Planting tips

Whether grown in a container or a garden bed, both avocados and mangos need a warm, sunny, frost-free position sheltered from cold winds. Positioning them against a north-facing masonry wall provides the warm microclimate they need. Shelter from wind not only reduces plant stress, it also means pollination will be more successful at flowering time. Spring is an ideal time to plant.

Avocados and mangos also need excellent soil drainage. In garden beds, check drainage before planting. If the planting hole holds water for more than a few hours, make a raised garden bed to plant into and fill it with free-draining garden mix - Flower Power offers both bagged and bulk options. In containers (grafted avocados only), buy a free-draining potting mix. Flower Power recommends Supersoil Professional Rose & Citrus Potting & Planting Mix. Make sure containers have generous drainage holes in their base, and also elevate pots on pot feet or bricks to aid drainage.

 

Care tips

Even with the best location, newly planted avocados and mangos may require some cold and frost protection when young. Keep them covered on nights when frost is forecast, or use a protective spray (such as Envy or DroughtShield) before the first frost arrives. Regular applications of a seaweed tonic also help plants survive the cold.

During winter, foliage may yellow. This is a response to cold conditions when the plant isn’t actively growing and can’t take up nutrients from the cold soil. If the plant suffers heavy leaf loss in winter, move it to a warmer, more sheltered spot.

For ongoing care, water plants well, especially when times are dry, and fertilise in spring as the weather warms with a fertiliser that’s formulated for fruiting and flowering such as a citrus food - Flower Power recommends Gyganic. Plants in containers can be liquid fed in spring and summer. Flower Power recommends Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food for this.

Plants do not need pruning to produce fruit, but may need to be trimmed to keep them compact. You may need to consider netting your trees as fruit ripens to protect the crop. Use bird- and reptile-safe netting.

Check regularly for scale or other insect pests. If necessary, treat affected plants with an organic insecticide such as PestOil.

Irregular black spots on fruit, twigs or foliage can be due to a disease called anthracnose. Spray in spring at flowering with a copper spray to prevent this disease (follow instructions on the container).