Edibles

Cyphomandra betacea Ecuadorian Orange Tamarillo is similar to the standard red tamarillo but with a less tart, more creamy orange filling with soft edible seeds. Also referred to as a Tree Tomato, this evergreen, quick-growing small tree produces fragrant flowers in clusters in autumn. Fruit begins to develop in spring over 2-3 months. Fruit may be eaten off the tree or used in jams, chutneys, sauces and desserts. Tamarillos are an excellent source of vitamins A and C to boost collagen production within the skin, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the immune system.

Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Protect from strong winds. Drought and frost tender.
Size: Height 3m x width 2m

The Persimmon Fuyu is a beautiful deciduous tree producing delicious large orange fruits with orange-red 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

Pyrus communis, or Williams Pear, is often called Bartlett or Bon Chretien. Williams is a deciduous pear tree with fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by very juicy, medium-large fruit in March and April. Pale green at picking and ripening to a clear yellow, the sweet fruit is ideal for use in desserts, preserving or eating fresh. The variety requires a cross-pollinator to bear fruit: suitable varieties include Beurre Bosc, Winter Cole or Nijisseiki

Soil: Well-drained, well-composted soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Frost, cold and drought hardy.
Size: Height 4-10m x width 2-4m

Citrus reticulata Mandarin Japanese Seedless Grafted, often referred to as Sasuma Mandarin, is a neat compact growing evergreen fruiting tree. The foliage is a lovely rich green which holds its colour all year round. Petite white fragrant blooms appear in early autumn. Following the blooms, are small, juicy, rounded orange fruits with tight easy-to-peel skin and no seeds! The mandarin trees are not only valued for their fruit but also for their ornamental appeal. Their glossy green leaves, fragrant blossoms, and vibrant fruit can enhance the beauty of garden landscapes. Fertilise Mandarin Japanese Seedless throughout the peak growing seasons. Low water requirements through winter, however, keep the tree well-watered throughout summer.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. The mandarins are known for their cold hardiness, making them suitable for a range of climates.
Size: Height 3-4m x width 3-4m

Morus nigra, or the Black Mulberry, is an attractive, broad-domed, deciduous tree with large thick green leaves and small red fruits that ripen into tasty purple fruits, known as black mulberries. Grown not only for their fruit, Mulberry trees are also used for ornamental purposes. If you want to enjoy their stately shape and abundant shade, you will need to allow a lot of space.

Soil: Deep, fertile, moist loams.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, heat, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 8-12m x width 20m

The Trixzie Black Cherree Miniature Cherry features dark red flesh that is firm and deliciously juicy. These vibrant trees have gorgeous white blossoms in spring that give way to round/ heart shaped cherries ready for picking in summer. The self-fertile, miniature variety has been developed for the smaller garden and is perfect for pots, patios or courtyards. Like all produce plants, correct pruning, regular fertilising and watering will result in an abundance of fruit. Trixzie will require annual pruning in winter, as this will encourage a stronger branching framework, airflow through the canopy and better fruit quality..

Soil: Well-fertilised soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Frost tolerant.
Size: Height 2.5m x width 1-1.5m

Manzanillo olives are an attractive, evergreen tree with leather-like leaves which are green with silver undersides. The Manzanillo variety is renowned for the quality of the fruit that is suited for pickling and oil production. It has great productivity and a high yield of fruit. Fruit should be processed before it is fully ripe to retain flesh firmness.

While Manzanillo is self fertile, a cross pollinator can increase your yields further. Suggested cross-pollinators are Frantoio, Picual, UC13 and Arbequina. The olive tree makes a very attractive specimen in containers and courtyard areas.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 4-10m x width 4-10m

Featuring a naturally rounded compact shape, delicate white flowers in spring, and foliage darkening to red in autumn, Northland Blueberry adds colour and interest to your edible garden for many months. This variety produces a dark fleshed fruit with a wild-berry flavour that becomes sweeter the longer it hangs on the bush. This variety is self-fertile so another plant nearby is not required, making it perfect for smaller gardens. However a higher yield will be produced if another plant is growing nearby (Blue Rose Blueberry is recommended). Northland will make a wonderful patio or verandah plant where the delicious berries can be enjoyed straight off the bush.

Soil: Requires a well-drained, acidic soil to grow well. A potting mix for Azaleas and Rhododendrons is recommended for pot culture.
Conditions: Prefers a full sun to part shade position
Size: Height 1-1.2m x width 1m