Edibles

Pyrus communis pear, or Packham Triumph, is an Australian heritage pear bred in Molong, NSW dating back to the late 1800s. It is a delicious fruit with smooth, green to yellow skin and white flesh which is juicy, sweet and rich in flavour. Fragrant, white flowers are borne in spring and the fruit ripens from late autumn to early winter. Packham Triumph will benefit from cross-pollination with a Nijiseiki nashi, rewarding the grower with an abundance of beautiful, sweet dessert pears.

Soil: Prefers light, rich soils with good drainage but will tolerate heavier, clay-rich soils.
Conditions: Full sun. Pears grow best in the cooler areas of Australia as they need a period of chill to fruit to the optimum.
Size: Height 6m x width 4m

The Persimmon Jiro is a beautiful deciduous tree producing delicious large orange fruits with orange-yellow flesh. The non-astringent varieties can be picked and eaten straight from the tree just like a sweet, juicy apple, from February to May. The calyx of the fruit will start to curl up indicating the fruit is ready to be picked. In autumn, the leaves will change into a beautiful display of warm colours and slowly fall off into the hibernation of winter. Persimmons are perfect for fruit salad, baked goods, preserves, cheese platters or dried fruit.

Soil: Rich, fertile soil.
Conditions: Sheltered sunny position. Cold, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 5m x width 4m

Ficus carica Sweet Temptation is the perfect choice for gardens where space is at a premium. One of the smallest-growing fig varieties in Australia, it offers all the flavour and charm of traditional figs in a compact, highly productive form. A prolific bearer, Sweet Temptation can produce two crops each year—one in summer and another in early winter. Early-season fruit is tear-drop shaped, while the later crop develops into plumper, rounded figs with rich red to maroon flesh. Exceptionally versatile, these delicious figs are ideal for eating fresh, and shine in cooking, baking, jams, preserves, desserts, cocktails, and on cheese platters. For best results, fertilise at planting and again once new growth appears. Prune at planting to encourage strong branching and a bushy, productive shape.

Soil: Well-drained and well-worked soil.
Conditions: Sunny position. This is the ideal variety for home gardeners as it is suited to warmer tropics as well as cooler regions
Size: Height 3m x width 3m

Diospyros kaki Jiro Non-Astringent Persimmon is a highly decorative, deciduous tree producing delicious large orange fruits with orange-red flesh. The non-astringent varieties can be eaten while firm as opposed to astringent varieties which are sharp and bitter to taste until they have ripened almost to-jelly softness. Jiro non-astringent can be picked and eaten straight from the tree just like a sweet, juicy apple, from February to May. The calyx of the fruit will start to curl up indicating the fruit is ready to be picked. In autumn, the leaves will change into a beautiful display of warm colours and slowly fall off into the hibernation of winter. Persimmons are perfect for fruit salad, baked goods, preserves, cheese platters or dried fruit.

Soil: Rich, fertile soil.
Conditions: Sheltered sunny position. Cold, frost and coastal tolerant. Protect from wind.
Size: Height 5m x width 4m

Mission Olive is a hardy tree with silvery, grey-green leaves and a beautifully structured trunk that produces small oval fruit that starts green and turns black when ripe. The Mission olive's fruit can be used for pickling and as a table olive and is widely used to make olive oil. With a dense, evergreen canopy, they make a perfect ornamental tree in the garden or in large pots on courtyards or patios. They are very useful for screening.

Soil: Well-drained soil
Conditions: Full sun. Heat, frost, drought and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 4m x width 8m

Embrace the 'TropicBeauty' Peach, a marvel of fruiting excellence tailored for subtropical climates. This self-fertile peach variety thrives in warm temperate regions, boasting medium-sized fruits adorned with an attractive red blush over a yellow background. The flesh is yellow, melting, and semi-clingstone, offering a firm texture and excellent flavour ideal for low-chill environments. With minimal chilling requirements of just 150 hours, this peach tree bears large, round fruits with very good skin colour. 'TropicBeauty' is a deciduous tree that matures to a height of 2-5 metres and can be pruned to a compact 2 metres, making it suitable for smaller gardens and large pots (35L+). Expect fruiting within 2-3 years after planting, with harvest months in November and December, delivering a bounty of delectable peaches.

Soil: Requires well-drained soil with neutral pH (6.6-7.3).
Conditions: Thrives in full sun (80%-100%) and tolerates moderate frosts.
Size: 2-5m H x 2-4m W

Even in its first year, Pride of Ringwood hops promises to provide a pleasing vertical garden accent and a good crop of aromatic cones due to its vigorous growth. Hops require a sturdy trellis for stable growth and provide a lovely display in a pot or hanging basket. Harvesting of hops begins when the flower cones feel light and dry, in late summer - early autumn. After harvesting, dry the cones in a shady spot with good airflow. After harvesting, the bines can be trimmed back.

Soil: Well-drained soil with plenty of organic compost. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and water well during dry periods over summer.
Conditions: A frost-free, sunny position is preferred, with protection from the hot afternoon sun in warmer climates.
Size: Height 6-8m x width 2m

The Rio Red Grapefruit is an evergreen, vigorous tree producing a pleasant-tasting fruit low in acid with a bright red, juicy flesh that has few seeds. The plant produces abundant crops of fruit that hold onto the tree for a long time making them sweeter to taste. The fruit is refreshing, highly nutritious, rich in vitamin C, and is an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast or to make jams, marmalades or preserves. Rio may be harvested from July however a sweeter taste develops in the fruit if left on the tree until spring-summer.

Soil: well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Coastal and cold tolerant.
Size: Height 8m x width 5-6m