How to grow quandong
Overview
Quandong is a semi-parasitic shrub native to Australia, valued for its tart, red fruit. It requires a suitable host plant nearby to thrive and is well-adapted to dry, sunny conditions.
Varieties
- Pomeroy — Selected for large fruit and high yield, suited to temperate regions.
- Tarlee — Early-maturing variety with good flavour, popular in South Australia.
- Boorala — A vigorous variety with consistent cropping in Mediterranean climates.
Soil Preparation
Quandong prefers light, well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. Add organic matter only if very poor; excess nutrients can harm host plants.
Growing Guide
Plant quandong in full sun in well-drained soil. Space trees 3–5 metres apart. Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep in spring after scarification. Ensure a compatible host plant (e.g., Acacia saligna) is established within 2 metres. Water sparingly once established; overwatering causes root rot.
Sowing
Sow seeds in spring after nicking or scarifying the hard seed coat. Sow 1–2 cm deep in a seed-raising mix. Germination is erratic and can take 6–12 weeks. Direct sowing in position is recommended to avoid root disturbance.
Care
Feed sparingly in spring with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Prune after harvest to shape and remove dead wood. Mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture but avoid stem contact.
Companion Planting
Quandong is semi-parasitic on host plants such as wattles (Acacia species) or she-oaks (Casuarina). Avoid planting near heavy feeders or plants that require wet soil. Do not use nitrogen-rich fertilisers near the host.
Common Pests & Risks
Scale insects can infest quandong; control with horticultural oil. Browsing animals like kangaroos and wallabies may eat foliage; use netting or fencing. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soil.
Harvesting
Harvest quandong fruit when it turns deep red and is slightly soft to the touch, typically from late spring to summer. The fruit can be picked individually or shaken onto a tarp. Use immediately or dry for storage.
In the Kitchen
Quandong fruit can be eaten fresh but is tart; often used in jams, chutneys, and desserts. The seed kernel can be roasted and used like a nut. Fruit can be dried for long-term storage.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often indicates iron deficiency or poor drainage; check host plant health. Leaf drop: may be due to drought stress or overwatering; adjust watering. Scale insects: cause sticky honeydew and sooty mould; treat with oil sprays. Poor fruiting: may need a partner tree for cross-pollination; ensure adequate host root connections.