Ripening times based on the Adelaide Hills.

i
Index
Index
Welcome to
Balhannah Nurseries 1
A Guide for
Our Customers
2
Deliveries ..............................2
Non-warranty ........................3
Ripening dates .......................3
Multiplication block ..............3
New varieties ........................3
Disclaimer .............................3
For Your Information
4
Where do I plant my tree? ....4
Buying your trees ..................4
Tree care ................................4
Planting .................................4
Multiple planting ...................5
Central leader ........................5
Espalier .................................5
Pruning your trees .................5
When to fertilise ....................5
About pollination ..................6
Summer care ........................6
Fruit thinning ........................6
Picking your fruit ..................6
Storing your fruit ..................6
The chill factor ......................6
For more information ............6
Fruit Varieties
7
Ripening Times......................7
Almonds.................................8
Apples....................................9
Apricots..................................12
Cherries..................................14
Nectarines...............................16
Peaches...................................18
Pears.......................................22
Plums......................................26
Minor Fruits
28
Loquat ...................................28
Persimmon ............................28
Plumcot .................................28
Prunes ....................................29
Quinces .................................29
Flowering
Ornamentals30
Almonds ................................30
Cherries .................................30
Crab Apples ...........................30
Pears ......................................31
Plums .....................................31
Feature Trees
32
Standard &
Weeping Trees
35
Ash (Fraxinus) ......................32
Birch (Betula) ........................32
Elm (Ulmus) ..........................32
Gleditsia ................................32
Koelreuteria ...........................33
Maples (Acer) .......................33
Plane Trees (Platanus) ...........33
Pistacia...................................33
Liquidambar...........................33
Jacaranda................................34
Sapium...................................34
Oak (Quercus)........................34
Cercis.....................................34
Robinia...................................34
Cherries .................................35
Mulberry.................................35
Robinia ..................................35
Grapevines36
Pests and Diseases
37
Aphids, woolly ......................37
Aphids, peach & cherry ........37
Bitter pit ................................37
Black spot ..............................37
Brown rot ..............................37
Cherry slug ............................37
Codlin moth ..........................38
Curl leaf ................................38
Gummosis .............................38
Powdery mildew ...................39
Red spider ............................39
Thrips ....................................39
Chemical safety .....................39
1
Welcome to Balhannah Nurseries
Welcome
to Balhannah
Nurseries
at Charleston
Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, Balhannah Nurseries is
continuing the tradition of nurturing some of the finest varieties
of deciduous fruit and ornamental trees in South Australia.
Begun during the pioneering days of 1867 when founder
Charles Pitt established one of the State’s first nurseries,
the nursery was carried into the next century by Henry
Wicks.
For over 100 years Balhannah Nurseries has been
renowned both as a frontrunner in the industry as well as for its
excellence in quality.
Top: Golden Ash
Bottom: PinkabelleTM Apples
Today, Balhannah Nurseries is
under the umbrella of the Joyce
family—one of the largest names in the
Australian apple growing industry—
and is still continuing the legacy of
this horticultural industry icon.
Planting trees is a great
Australian family tradition and an
investment in the quality of life of
our community. We are proud to
be able to make a valuable, indeed
necessary contribution.
The Joyce family says “thank
you” for supporting a traditional
South Australian family owned
company.
Balhannah Nurseries is
committed to providing the highest
quality of service and product into
the future.
BALHANNAH NURSERIES
NURSERY: 159A Hartmann Road, Charleston, South Australia
TELEPHONE: (08) 8389 4557
FACSIMILE: (08) 8389 4556
POSTAL: PO Box 83, Charleston SA 5244
EMAIL: enquiries@balhannahnurseries.com.au
WEB: www.balhannahnurseries.com.au
2
B alhannah N urs E ries
At
Balhannah
Nurseries
we pride
ourselves on
quality and
service
Every possible care is taken to ensure our trees are maintained at a consistent size and quality.
A Guide for our Customers
Despite being one of the
Balhannah Nurseries prides
Please consider the following
largest nurseries of its kind,
itself in continuously keeping
information regarding
Balhannah Nurseries gives
abreast with world-wide
your trees from Balhannah
careful attention to all 250
and national trends whilst
Nurseries.
varieties presented to provide
keeping focussed on ensuring
you with the finest quality
the species we grow are
possible.
well adapted to our local
This catalogue
offers a fabulous array of
varieties, with numerous
environment.
We thank our numerous
others available upon
clients who have made it
request.
possible to maintain the
Simply
contact our proficient and
broadest range of fruit trees
knowledgeable staff to
in South Australia. We trust
assist you.
we can be of tremendous
service for many years
to come.
Deliveries
Each year in winter our
field grown trees are dug and
supplied to Retail Nurseries and
Commercial fruit growers. Home
gardeners can expect the new
season’s trees to be available from
retail outlets by about the long
weekend in June. For those who
like to plant at other times, potted
stock is available all year for your
convenience.
3
A Guide for Our Customers
Non-warranty
We can assure you every
possible care is taken when
delivering trees from this
nursery. However, we do not
give warranty—expressed or
implied—as to their growth,
description or productivity. We
cannot bear responsibility for
any amount greater than that
actually paid should a tree prove
to be untrue to its label. If these
terms are unacceptable, the goods
must be returned immediately to
Balhannah Nurseries.
Ripening dates
Fruit ripens at different rates
according to location and seasonal
conditions. The ripening dates
listed in the catalogue are only
intended as a guide, and are based
on observations from the Adelaide
Hills.
In warmer regions such as the
Adelaide Plains and the Riverland
you can expect an earlier harvest.
Multiplication block
Balhannah Nurseries is proud of
the fact it is one of the few nurseries
to have always maintained a bud
multiplication block. This allows us
to fully trial a variety for trueness to
type before using the budwood.
Every care is taken to ensure
varieties produced are true to type,
and are of the highest health status.
We have well in excess of 1000
trees on our block, which is
being increased each year as new
varieties are released.
New varieties
Balhannah Nurseries proudly
boasts a great selection of fruit trees
for the home gardener – we are
pleased to broaden our collection
with the new PlantNetTM range of
premier Home Gardener fruit tree
releases. Already well-established
in South Australian gardens are
the dwarf Pink Lady Pinkabelle®,
the flat peach Angel PeachTM, and
the prolific bearing Spring SatinTM
plumcot. More recently we have
added the fantastic flavoured
early season Fireball apricotTM,
and the Leprechaun®, a dwarf
Granny Smith apple to complement
PinkabelleTM.
In 2013 there is an exciting new
range of dwarf stonefruit due for
release. These dwarf ‘Backyard
Beauties®’ include some great old
favourites such as the Moorpark
apricot and the O’Henry peach, as
well as some fresh new cultivars
including the TuscanyTM white
fleshed nectarine and the FresnoTM
yellow fleshed peach. Look for the
Backyard Beauties® logo.
For the first time in many years,
Balhannah Nurseries is pleased to
be adding blueberries to its range.
The Blueberry Burst® produces
king-size berries and plenty of
them! An excellent addition to the
home garden.
In the future Balhannah
Nurseries anticipates the addition
of dwarf plums, cherries, pears and
apples – further complementing our
comprehensive fruit tree range.
To stay up to date with new
products as they are released, see
our website at:
www.balhannahnurseries.com.au
Disclaimer
We have taken as much
care as possible in the
presentation of this catalogue,
but we must stress the
information is purely a guide.
It has been gathered from
our own observations, and
literature received about new
varieties, all in good faith.
Balhannah Nurseries, or any
of its employees, disclaim all
responsibility for any damage,
loss, costs or harm resulting
from the use of all or part of
the information contained in
this catalogue should it be
incomplete or incorrect.
4
B alhannah N urs E ries
Here is a list of helpful hints
from Balhannah Nurseries
to help you achieve the
best results in planting and
growing your ornamental
and fruit trees.
“Pink Lady” apples on the tree
For Your Information
Where do I plant my tree?
Successful fruit growing in the
garden begins with careful site
selection, preparation and correct
tree planting. These steps influence
the productivity of your tree.
Soil type, drainage, shade and
shelter should be considered. The
tolerance of different tree species
to these factors dictates where
each species should be planted in
the home garden.
Mediterranean fruits like
almonds, apricots, figs, nectarines,
and peaches prefer warm situations
with plenty of sunshine and welldrained soils.
Sites that may become
waterlogged during winter and
spring should be avoided to prevent
the development of root rot.
Cool climate crops like apples,
pears, plums and quinces tolerate
wetter, cooler and more shady
conditions. Cherries, however,
don’t like wet feet.
Buying your trees
Buying trees is an investment
in your future, providing fresh
fruit to eat, summer shade and
deciduous trees allow light to
penetrate in Winter when their
leaves drop.
Your purchase of plants, shrubs
and trees should be made from
nurseries displaying the emblem
of the Nursery & Garden Industry
of South Australia, of which
At Balhannah Nurseries our policy is to
continually improve our products and service
to guarantee your total satisfaction.
Balhannah Nurseries is proudly a
member.
This body promotes gardening
tips and advice for public interest.
These associations help ensure
a high quality product and
professional advice.
When selecting varieties,
consideration should be given
to ripening dates and cross
pollination requirements. These are
listed beside each variety in this
catalogue and are summarised on
page 7.
Tree Care
The planting season for bareroot fruit trees starts in early
June and continues through to
August. Potted trees are available
all throughout the year. In the
Adelaide Hills and the South-East
planting is best carried out after the
worst of winter is over as newly
planted trees can become a victim
of excessively wet conditions.
It is not necessary to plant
dormant trees immediately
provided the roots are kept damp
continuously. If planting is to be
done within several days simply
cover the roots with wet straw, soil
or sawdust.
Planting
Carefully remove the packaging
from your tree and lightly trim
any damaged roots. Dig a hole
at least twice the total size of the
root system and mound the soil
slightly at the bottom of the hole.
Spread the tree roots evenly over
the mound. If necessary, adjust the
soil height by replacing some of the
top soil so the bud union remains
above the ground level. Stamp the
remaining soil firmly in around
the roots to ensure good contact
between the roots and the soil. For
good measure, sprinkle a handful of
slow release fertiliser on top of the
soil around the trunk, but be careful
not to allow the tree roots or trunk
to be in direct contact with the
fertiliser as it may burn them.
5
For Your Information
Espalier
Multiple Planting…note the butt sizes
and growth are of similar vigour.
It is difficult to advise on the
distance required between trees when
planting because much depends on
available space, growth habit, etc.
Generally, three or four metres is
ideal if the trees are to be grown in
a vase-shape. If room is restricted
consider multiple planting, central
leader, and espalier methods.
This method allows for the
growing of fruit along a wall or
a fence. It needs more attention,
however, than conventional
methods and therefore should only
be attempted by the avid gardener.
It is not recommended to espalier
along a metal fence as the reflected
heat that is generated will scorch
the tree (if only a metal fence
is available erect a trellis about
30–40 cm away from the fence
to allow air circulation). Training
wires should be placed before
planting the trees, with the first wire
being 45 cm above the ground.
A four or five metre tree spacing
is recommended. Vertical support
droppers may be required at
intervals of about 90–100 cm. Pull
two branches down that correspond
to the height of the first wire and
tie them along the wire. Cut the
Central leader
This method will also allow
several trees to be planted close
together. Trees can be planted as
close as 1.5 metres. Do not prune the
leader. Contrary to what you may
think, by not pruning the central
leader the tree will not grow to an
enormous size. In fact, it will be
smaller with more fruit production at
an earlier age. Tie the lateral growth
out at about 60° to promote fruiting.
light summer and winter pruning
to remove some of the vertical
growth. It is not a good idea to let
the tree crop too much while it is
being trained. It is best to allow the
tree to cover the trellis as quickly
as possible. With careful attention
and patience the espaliered tree will
reward you with ample amounts
of fruit, and may be used to hide
otherwise unsightly areas.
Pruning your trees
A proportion of the root system
is lost during the lifting process from
the nursery bed. To compensate
and restore balance between the
top growth and the root system,
pruning is essential. The limbs of
your tree should be shortened back
about half to one‑third of their total
length, cutting always to an outside
bud. This hard pruning is carried
out only in this first year, and
thereafter only minimal pruning is
needed by most fruit trees.
Multiple planting
Plant three trees (as pictured
above) in the same hole about 30cm
apart. Good results can be obtained
by judicious pruning to prevent too
much inter-weaving of the branches.
Prune the three trees as if they were
one, removing branches in the centre
triangle. A dwarfing effect and earlier
fruit will result because the trees
are in competition with each other.
Feed and water weaker trees to help
compete with stronger varieties.
Espalier
Central Leader
tree at the second wire and train
the top three buds – the lower two
horizontally along the second wire,
freeing the top bud to continue
its growth upwards (making an
extension of the main trunk). Other
shoots should be removed. As these
lower buds grow they are gently
tied along the length of the wire
while the top bud continues its
growth upwards until it reaches the
next horizontal wire. The process
is then repeated until the tree has
reached the full height of the trellis.
After about five years the tree
will have covered the trellis, and
all that is needed now is for some
When to fertilise
Fruit trees will generally receive
enough nutrients from animal
manure, but if this is unavailable
a complete mineral mix or organic
application will be adequate.
Fertilise during spring and again in
late summer.
6
B alhannah N urs E ries
About pollination
Fruit thinning
Storing your fruit
Apricots, peaches and nectarines
don’t require pollination, and
some plums like Satsuma appear
to be sufficiently self-fertile for
home garden purposes. Pollination
requirements for other varieties are
listed under their descriptions in this
catalogue.
It is essential to remove some
of the fruit within six weeks of
blossoming. This prevents the tree
from biennial cropping, and also
produces better quality fruit. Large
clusters of three or four fruits
should be reduced to singles.
Fruit can be kept in the
refrigerator from several weeks to
months depending on the variety.
Fruit should be mature, but not
over-ripe if storing for a length
of time. The ideal temperature is
1–2° C, but fridge temperature
is acceptable. Wrap the fruit
in ventilated poly bags so the
moisture is retained inside the bag.
Do not store damaged or bruised
fruit for a long time as it will break
down rapidly.
The chill factor
This is determined by the
number of hours below 10° C
during the dormancy period.
This period of time is required to
initiate strong fruit development,
and varies between fruit varieties.
Poor and prolonged flowering,
along with uncharacteristically
shaped fruit, are common problems
where insufficient chilling has
been achieved.
For more information
Nectarine “Fantasia”
Summer care
The main consideration is to
ensure the trees have ample water
to encourage deep rooting. Deep
soaking less frequently will yield
the best results.
A dish‑shaped trough or trench
well dug around the tree about
two‑thirds of a metre in diameter
and filled with mulch will stop the
summer weeds and greatly reduce
the frequency of watering.
Summer pruning of some
varieties will help suppress vigour,
assisting the production of fruit
buds. It will also reduce the need to
prune during winter.
Picking your fruit
Fruit is generally ready for
picking when the background
colour turns from dark green to
pale green to yellow. As the fruit
ripens it will break away from the
stem more easily. Care should be
taken when picking the fruit as
many varieties bruise easily and
will then be unsuitable for storage.
Do not squeeze the fruit with your
fingers.
Fruit that is to be stored for
some time should be picked before
it ripens. Do not pick the fruit
too early as it will tend to shrivel
without ripening properly.
For additional information
relating to cultural practices
and help growing trees, home
gardeners may connect with:
• Rare Fruit Society SA Inc.
Tel: (08) 8252 3929 or
www.rarefruit-sa.org.au
• South Australia’s own
quarterly gardening
magazine, available FREE
in retail garden centres ‘South Australin Garden and
Oudoor Living’. Back issues
also available at www.
gardenandoutdoorliving.com
Recommended local gardening
radio programmes include:
• 891 ABC Adelaide
Jon Lamb
Saturdays­­
Malcolm Campbell
Sundays
• 1395 5AA Adelaide
Michael Keelan
Saturdays & Sundays
Or visit our website at
www.balhannahnurseries.com.au
7
Ripening Times
Fruit Varieties
FRUIT VARIETIES
Ripening Times
ALMONDS
Loquats
All in One
Late January
Californian Papershell Late January
Ne Plus Ultra
Early February
Chatsworth Victory
Enormity
APPLES
20th Century
Ya Li
Royal Gala
Jonathon
Red Jonathon
Red Delicious
Dwarf Red Delicious
Golden Delicious
Dwarf Golden Del
Cox’s Orange Pippin
Red Fuji
Pinkabelle™
Granny Smith
Leprechaun™
Pink Lady
Lady William
Sundowner
Late February
Early March
Early March
Mid March
Mid March
Mid March
Mid March
End March
Mid April
Late April
Late April
Late April
Early May
Late May
Late May
APRICOTS
Fireball™
Glengarry
Early Divinity
Bulida
Storys Improved
Trevatt
Moorpark
Hunter
Late November
Late November
NASHI
Late February
Late March
NECTARINES
Crimson Baby
Royal Gem™
Cardinal
Firebrite
Valley Gold™
Peacharine
Flavortop
Fantasia Sunset™ Nectarine
Tuscany™
Goldmine
Fairlane
Late November
Early December
Late December
Late December
Early January
Late January
Late January
Late January
Late Jan-Early Feb
Early February
Mid February
Early March
PEACHES
Late November
Late November
Early December
Mid December
Late December
Late December
Early January
Mid January
CHERRIES
Burgsdorf
Vista
Ron’s Seedling
Napoleon
Van
Sunburst
Stella
Bing
Black Boy
Morella Sour
William’s Favourite
Lapins
PEARS
Mid November
Late November
Early December
Mid December
Mid December
Mid December
Mid December
Mid December
Mid December
Late December
Late December
Late December
Sunset™ Peach
Angel Peach™
Springcrest
Fresno™
Anzac Beale
Wiggins
Valley Red™
Flavorcrest
Red Haven
White Gold™
Flamecrest
Million Dollar Millicent
Elberta
O’Henry
Blackburn Elberta
Golden Queen
Late Red Italian
Late November
Early December
Mid December
Late December
Late December
Late Dec-Early Jan
Early January
Early January
Early January
Early January
Mid January
Late January
Early February
Mid February
Mid February
Mid February
Mid February
Mid March
Early April
Duchess (WBC)
Early February
Sensation (Red Duchess)Mid February
Packham’s Triumph Late February
Beurre Bosc
Late February
Lemon Bergamot
Early March
Josephine
Late March
Corella
Late March
Ya Li
Late March
PERSIMMONS
FuyuMarch/April
PLUMS
European
Angelina Burdett
Green Gage Coes Golden Drop
President
Early February
Late February
Late February
Early March
PLUMS
Japanese
Santa Rosa
Wickson
Mariposa Satsuma
Stirling
Narrabeen
Ruby Blood
Late December
Late January
Mid February
Mid February
Mid February
Late February
Late March
PLUMCOT
Spring Satin™
Late November
PRUNES
Spendour
Robe De Sargent
d’Agen
Late January
Mid February
Late February
QUINCES
Pineapple Smyrna
Late March
Mid April
8
B alhannah N urs E ries
Almonds
Almonds can be grown in a
range of soils, provided they are
well drained. They need a sunny
position sheltered from cold winds.
Almonds are rich in protein and
vitamins.
All in One
Californian Papershell
Size:Large.
Nut:Large; light chocolate
colour.
Shell:Papershell.
Maturity: Early February.
Pollinators: Chellaston, Californian.
Comments:
Spreading habit. Somewhat frost
sensitive. Heavy cropping. Plump
kernels, good flavour.
almonds
Size:
Medium to large.
Nut:Sweet, flavourenriched kernels.
Shell:
Soft, Papershell.
Maturity: Late January.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Used for blanching or roasting,
and in confectionery and cooking.
Early cultivar. Good flavour.
Heavy cropping, small tree. Bears
fruit on young tree. Superb white
blossom.
Ne Plus Ultra
Californian Papershell
Hatches Nonpareil
Size:
Medium to large.
Nut:Medium to large,
flattish round tapering
slightly; golden colour.
Shell:Papershell.
Maturity: Late January.
Pollinators: Ne Plus Ultra,
All in one
Comments:
Most popular variety producing
consistent yields.
Ripening times based on Willunga, S.A.
Almond Variety
All in One
Californian Papershell
Ne Plus Ultra
January
February
March
9
Fruit Varieties
Apples
Apples should be planted in well
drained soils in a sunny position.
At harvest, colour develops best
with warm days and cooler nights.
Royal Gala
apples
Royal Gala
Jonathan
Golden Delicious
Fruit:Medium round.
Skin:Stripe red‑orange blush
over yellow background.
Flesh:Creamy yellow; crisp
and juicy; sweet
flavour.
Maturity:Ripens mid-late Feb.
Pollinators: Red Delicious, Red Fuji.
Comments:
One of the best flavoured apples
available. Good keeping qualities
for an early apple. Suitable fresh,
in salads or cooked.
Jonathan
Fruit:Medium round with
short stem.
Skin :Red blush with some
stripe over greenyellow background.
Flesh:White; crisp and juicy;
sweet.
Maturity:Ripens early to mid
March.
Pollinators:Granny Smith,
Delicious.
Comments:
Lovely crisp traditional variety.
Red Jonathan
Red Delicious
Fruit:Medium round with
short stem.
Skin:Deep red blush with
strips over greenyellow background.
Flesh:White; crisp and juicy;
sweet.
Maturity:Ripens early March.
Pollinators:Delicious, Granny
Smith.
Comments:
Similar to ordinary Jonathan except
it has more colour.
Golden Delicious
Fruit:
Large round to
conical.
Skin:Pale green to yellow.
Flesh:Creamy-coloured;
crisp and juicy; sweet;
fine textured.
Maturity: Ripens mid March.
Pollinators:Granny Smith, Red
Delicious.
Comments:
Produces heavy crops. Used for
pies, tarts, caramelised in cakes,
muffins.
Dwarf Golden Delicious
“Starkspur”
Fruit:Large conical.
Skin:Pale green to golden
yellow.
Flesh:Creamy; crisp and
juicy; sweet; fine
textured.
Maturity:Ripens mid to late
March.
Pollinators:Red Delicious, Red
Fuji.
Comments:
Similar to Golden Delicious. Spur
variety. Small tree, 1.5 to 2 metres.
Red Delicious
“Hi Early”
Fruit:Medium to large
conical-shape.
Skin:Dark red stripe
over a green-yellow
background.
Flesh:White; crisp and juicy;
sweet flavour.
Maturity:Ripens mid to late
Mar.
Pollinators:Golden Delicious,
Granny Smith.
Comments:
The most widely planted lateralbearing delicious. Use for Asian
style cooking, fresh and salads.
10
B alhannah N urs E ries
Dwarf Red Delicious
“Tas - Ag”
Red Fuji
Fruit:Large conical.
Skin:Full red blush over
most of fruit.
Flesh:White; firm; crisp and
juicy.
Maturity:Ripens mid to late
March.
Pollinators:Golden Delicious,
Royal Gala.
Comments:
A spur type Red Delicious which
produces large crops. Dwarfing tree
growing 1.5 to 2 metres.
Cox’s Orange Pippin
Pinkabelle™
Red Fuji
“Naga Fu No. 2”
Granny Smith
Pink Lady
Fruit:Large round.
Skin:Dull red blush
over green-yellow
background.
Flesh:Creamy white; crisp
and juicy; excellent
sweet flavour;
aromatic; fine textured.
Maturity:Ripens mid April.
Pollinators: Delicious, Royal Gala.
Comments:
Excellent storage. Used for salads,
pies and sauces.
Leprechaun®
Fruit:Medium-large round.
Skin:Deep green with white
lenticel spots.
Flesh:White; very firm; crisp
and juicy; tart flavour.
Maturity:Ripens mid April to
late May.
Pollinators:Jonathan, Golden and
Red Delicious.
Comments:
A fantastic dwarf version of the old
favourite Granny Smith. Suitable
for small gardens or to grow in
pots.
Fruit:Medium-size round to
conical.
Skin:Attractive pink to
red with some stripe
over green-yellow
background.
Flesh:White; crisp and juicy;
good sweet flavour.
Maturity:Ripens mid April to
early May.
Pollinators:Royal Gala, Granny
Smith, Red Fuji, or a
second Pinkabelle®
Comments:
Dwarf Pink Lady producing full
size fruit. Grows up to 2m high
and 1m wide. Ideal for pots or
small gardens. Heavy cropping.
Granny Smith
Fruit:Medium-large round.
Skin:Deep green with white
lenticel spots.
Flesh:White; very firm; crisp
and juicy; tart flavour.
Maturity:Ripens mid April to
late May.
Pollinators:Jonathan, Golden,
Red Delicious, Pink
Lady, Pinkabelle®
Comments:
All-purpose apple. Ripens over
long period. Australia’s own, world
renowned. Use for cooking and
salads.
Pink Lady
Fruit:Medium-size round to
conical.
Skin:Attractive pink to
red with some stripe
over green-yellow
background.
Flesh:White; crisp and juicy;
good sweet flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late April to
mid May.
Pollinators:Royal Gala, Granny
Smith, Red Fuji.
Comments:
Very attractive variety with good
storage capacity. Sweeter flesh
than Lady William. A world class
apple. Used for eating fresh,
salads, sauces and pies.
apples
Fruit:
Medium round.
Skin:Red orange stripe over
greenish background.
Flesh:Creamy; crisp and
juicy.
Maturity: Ripens end of March.
Pollinators: Granny Smith, Jonathan
Comments:
A good keeping dessert apple.
Pinkabelle®
11
Fruit Varieties
Sundowner
Sundowner
Fruit:Medium round conical.
Skin:Attractive red blush
with white lenticel
spots.
Flesh:White; firm; crisp and
juicy; sweet.
Maturity:Ripens late May to
mid June.
Pollinators:Delicious, Granny
Smith.
Comments:
Needs a long growing season.
Shows promise.
Lady William
Fruit:Medium round,
slightly conical.
Skin:Red blush over 90%
of fruit with a slight
green stripe. Greenish
background colour.
Flesh:White; very firm; crisp
and juicy.
Maturity:Ripens late May to
early June.
Pollinators:Royal Gala, Granny
Smith, Jonathan.
Comments:
Needs a long growing season.
Should be stored before eating to
allow flavour to develop. Eat fresh
or add to salads.
apples
Lady William
Ripening times based on the Adelaide Hills.
Apple Variety
January
February
March
April
Royal Gala
Jonathan
Red Jonathan
Golden Delicious
Red Delicious
Cox’s Orange Pippin
Red Fuji
PinkabelleTM
Granny Smith
LeprechaunTM
Pink Lady
Sundowner
Lady William
May
June
12
B alhannah N urs E ries
Apricots
Moorpark
Apricots are self fertile and do well
in a range of climates. Plant in
full sun position. They need moist
free draining soil that doesn’t get
waterlogged.
Glengarry
Tilton
Fireball™
Trevatt
Fruit:Medium round.
Skin:Clean, smooth,
deep orange.
Flesh:Mid orange,
great flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late November,
early December.
Pollinators:Partially self fertile.
May benefit from
Moorpark or
Story’s Improved
Comments:
Good crack resistance, flavoursome
early variety.
Early Divinity
Hunter
FireballTM
Fruit:Medium round,
slightly oblong.
Skin:Apricot colour with
red blush.
Flesh:Apricot colour; sweet
flavour; slightly acid
skin.
Maturity:Ripens early
December.
Pollinators:Moorpark for better
cropping.
Comments:
A good quality early variety.
Fruit:Large
Skin:Golden orange
Flesh:Firm, sweet, juicy
Maturity: Early-mid December
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Great new medium chill apricot,
now as a dwarf tree.
Suitable for pots. Requires staking.
Height & width 1.5-2m
Story’s Improved
Early Moorpark
Fruit:Medium round.
Skin:Rich apricot colour.
Flesh:Apricot colour; juicy
and sweet; good
flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late December.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Excellent for drying or fresh fruit
market.
Trevatt
Fruit:Large round.
Skin:Pale yellow, slight red
blush.
Flesh:Rich apricot colour;
firm; sweet and juicy;
good flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late December.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
All purpose, heavy cropper.
Now also available as a dwarf tree.
Moorpark
Fruit:Large round oval.
Skin:Deep orange with
green areas.
Flesh:Orange; firm; juicy;
excellent flavour and
quality.
Maturity:Ripens early January.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Very popular traditional apricot.
Excellent for drying or to eat fresh.
Now also available as a dwarf tree.
apricots
Fruit:Medium round,
oblong.
Skin:Pale, slight red blush.
Flesh:Pale apricot colour.
Maturity:Ripens late November.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Early maturing, used for jam and
stewing. Likes warmer areas,
requires thinning to produce goodsized fruit.
Bulida-Dwarf
13
Fruit Varieties
apricots
Moorpark Apricots on the tree.
Hunter
Fruit:Medium to large
round, oblong.
Skin:Pale apricot colour.
Flesh:Apricot colour; juicy
and sweet.
Maturity:Ripens mid January.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Good for drying and fresh fruit
market.
Ripening times based on the Adelaide Hills.
Apricot Variety
Glengarry
FireballTM
Early Divinity
Bulida
Story’s Improved
Trevatt
Moorpark
Hunter
November
December
January
14
B alhannah N urs E ries
Cherries
Napoleon
Cherries like cool winters and
warm summers, and calm weather
conditions through flowering and
fruit set, so plant in the coolest
part of your garden. To avoid
waterlogging plant cherries in welldrained soil, but maintain the water
supply during the fruiting season
to achieve full fruit size. Cherries
fruit on short second year spurs.
Vista
Rons Seedling
Stella
Fruit:Medium to large
heart-shape.
Skin:Dark red to black.
Flesh:Dark red; firm.
Maturity:Ripens early
December.
Pollinators:Burgsdorf.
Comments:
An excellent quality cherry with
good crack resistance.
Napoleon
Sunburst
Fruit:Medium to large round.
Skin:Light yellow with red
blush.
Flesh:Creamy white; firm;
juicy and sweet.
Maturity:Ripens mid December.
Pollinators:Black Boy, Stella, Van,
Williams.
Comments:
Used for preserving as well as fresh
market. Moderate cracking.
Fruit:Large heart-shape.
Skin:Dark red.
Flesh:Dark red; firm; juicy
and sweet; excellent
flavour.
Maturity:Ripens mid December.
Pollinators:Black Boy, Napoleon,
Stella.
Comments:
A top quality cherry. Very
productive annual bearer.
Sunburst
Fruit:Very large round to
heart-shape.
Skin:
Dark red.
Flesh:Dark red; firm; sweet
with good flavour.
Maturity:Ripens mid December.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Good crack resistance.
Productive.
Stella
Fruit:Medium to large
heart-shape.
Skin:Dark red to black.
Flesh:Dark red; firm; sweet
with good flavour.
Maturity:Ripens mid December.
Pollinators:Self-fertile; universal
pollen donor.
Comments:
Slight cracking. Produces heavy
crops. An excellent commercial as
well as home garden variety.
Bing
Fruit:Medium to large
heart-shape.
Skin:Dark red with a nice
lustre.
Flesh:Red; firm; juicy and
sweet.
Maturity:Ripens mid December.
Pollinators:Black Boy, Stella, Van,
Vista.
Comments:
Very popular, one of the main
varieties. Some cracking.
cherries
Van
Fruit:Large round.
Skin:Dark red.
Flesh:Red; firm; sweet with
good flavour; slightly
acidic.
Maturity:Ripens late November.
Pollinators:Bing.
Comments:
An excellent pollen donor. Good
resistance to cracking. Excellent
early cherry.
Van
15
Fruit Varieties
Williams Favourite
Morella
Black Boy
Lapins
Fruit:Large heart-shape.
Skin:Dark red to black.
Flesh:Red; soft; juicy and
sweet; excellent
flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late December.
Pollinators:Bing, Black Boy.
Comments:
Very good resistance to cracking.
Good consistent cropper.
Fruit:Medium round oblong.
Skin:Dark red to black.
Flesh:Black; firm; fair
flavour.
Maturity:Ripens mid December.
Pollinators:Stella, Van, Vista,
Williams.
Comments:
Good bearer with some crack
resistance. Medium length stem.
Sour
Fruit:Small round.
Skin:Red to dark red.
Flesh:Red with red juice;
very tart.
Maturity:Ripens late December.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Long stem. Popular cooking cherry.
The best pie cherry.
Fruit:Large round.
Skin:Dark red.
Flesh:Dark red; firm; juicy
and sweet; good
flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late December.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
High resistance to cracking. Cross
between Van and Stella. Darker
than Stella.
cherries
Lapins
Williams Favourite
Morella
Ripening times based on the Adelaide Hills.
Cherry Variety
Vista
Rons Seedling
Napoleon
Van
Sunburst
Stella
Bing
Williams Favourite
Black Boy
Morella
Lapins
November
December
January
16
B alhannah N urs E ries
Nectarines
Nectarines are self fertile and grow
in a range of soils. They prefer cold
winters and a sunny position. To
ensure large fruit, make sure water
is kept up during fruit development.
Thin fruit to maximise fruit size
and to prevent brown rot.
Peacharine
Crimson Baby - Dwarf
Goldmine
Fruit:Medium to large
Skin:
Yellow skin with red
blush
Flesh:Yellow flesh
Stone:Clingstone.
Maturity:Late November.
Comments:
A well-known commercial
nectarine, now in a dwarf tree
completely self fertile and very
fruitful. Grows to 1.5-2m.
Requires staking.
Fantasia
Fruit:Medium size
Skin:Deep red skin, creamy
background.
Flesh:Pinky white.
Stone:Semi freestone
Maturity:Early December
Comments:
A premium french variety with firm
flesh and fantastic flavour.
Grows to 1.5-2m. Requires staking.
Cardinal
Crimson Baby - dwarf
Fairlane
Fruit:Medium round.
Skin:75% red over greenyellow background.
Flesh:White; juicy and sweet;
excellent flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late December.
Comments:
A good early nectarine for home
gardens. Good bearer.
Fruit:Medium to large
round.
Skin:75% red blush over
red-speckled yellow
background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy
with fair flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late December.
Comments:
Produces high quality fruit.
Valley Gold™ Super Dwarf
Nectarine
Fruit:Medium round oblong.
Skin:Bright red skin
over green-yellow
background.
Flesh:Yellow; medium
quality.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens January.
Comments:
Ideal for growing in pots,
easily maintained to 1.5m.
Showy pink blossom.
Prolific bearer.
Peacharine
Fruit:Medium to large
round.
Skin:80% red blush
over green-yellow
background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy
and sweet; medium
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late January.
Comments:
Rich flavour, prolific bearing,
highly popular.
Fantasia
Fruit:Large round oblong.
Skin:75% bright red
blush over yellow
background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; good
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late January.
Comments:
Tasty traditional nectarine, widerly
planted.
nectarines
Royal GemTM - Dwarf
Firebrite
17
Fruit Varieties
nectarines
Tuscany - dwarf
Flavortop
Goldmine
TuscanyTM - Dwarf
Fairlane
Fruit:Medium to large
oblong.
Skin:80% red, mottled
blush over greenyellow background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy
and sweet; excellent
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late January.
Comments:
One of the best. High quality fruit,
very productive. A dwarf version is
also now available.
Fruit:Medium to large
round.
Skin:Deep red.
Flesh:White, aromatic, great
flavour.
Stone:Freestone
Maturity:Early February
Comments:
Developed in italy, this nectarine
has superb aromatic flavour.
Fruit:Medium round.
Skin:Dark maroon
over green-yellow
background.
Flesh:White; juicy and
sweet; excellent
flavour; melting
texture.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens mid February.
Comments:
Still our best selling nectarine.
Great traditional flavour, vigorous,
suitable for eating fresh or drying.
Fruit:Medium to large
round.
Skin:75% red over greenyellow background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy
and sweet.
Stone:Semi freestone
Maturity:Ripens early to mid
March.
Comments:
A very good late season nectarine
Ripening times based on the Adelaide Hills.
Nectarine Variety
Crimson Baby
Royal GemTM
Cardinal
Firebrite
Valley GoldTM Super Dwarf Nectarine
Peacharine
Flavortop
Fantasia
SunsetTM Super Dwarf Nectarine
TuscanyTM
Goldmine
Fairlane
November
December
January
February
March
18
B alhannah N urs E ries
Peaches
Angel Peach™ Flat Peach
All our peaches are self fertile
except Million Dollar. Peaches
grow in a range of soils. They
prefer cold winters and a sunny
position. To ensure large fruit,
make sure water is kept up during
fruit development. Thin fruit to
maximise fruit size and to prevent
brown rot.
Angel Peach™
Flat Peach
Springcrest
Springcrest
Anzac
Fruit:
Medium round.
Skin:An attractive 60–70%
red blush over greenyellow background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy
and sweet; good
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens early to mid
December.
Comments:
One of the best early varieties.
FresnoTM - Dwarf
FresnoTM - dwarf
Wiggins
Fruit:Large
Skin:Deep red skin.
Flesh:Yellow flesh
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity: Late December
Comments:
Excellent flavour. Grows to 1.52m. Requires staking.
Fruit:Medium round.
Skin:Highly coloured
mottled red over
creamy background.
Flesh:White; soft; juicy and
sweet; fine, melting flesh.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late December.
Comments:
Is still one of the best early whitefleshed peaches around.
Beale
Fruit:
Medium size
Skin:50% red blush
Flesh:White flesh.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity: Late December early January
Comments:
A fantastic flavoued classic peach
variety. great eaten fresh off the tree.
Wiggins
Fruit:Medium to large
round.
Skin:Small red blush over
green-yellow skin;
pale colour.
Flesh:White; juicy and
sweet; good flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity: Ripens early to mid Jan.
Comments:
Very good quality and a good
bearer.
Flavorcrest
Fruit:
Large round.
Skin:Almost a total red
blush over yellow
background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy
and sweet; very good
quality and flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens early January.
Comments:
A great traditional mid-season
peach.
peaches
Fruit:Medium flat.
Skin:Orange-red skin
Flesh:White flesh, sweet.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens early
December.
Comments:
Strong bearer, great for lunch
boxes, easy to eat.
Anzac
19
Fruit Varieties
Red Haven
peaches
Million Dollar
Red Haven
Millicent
White GoldTM - Dwarf
Elberta
Fruit:Medium to large
round.
Skin:50–75% red blush over
yellow background.
Flesh:Yellow; juicy and
sweet; excellent
flavour; fine texture.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens early January.
Comments:
Has been the most popular peach
worldwide. Still a good peach.
Fruit:Large
Skin:red skin blush
Flesh:White
Stone:Clingstone
Maturity:January
Great for preserving, cooking or
eating fresh. Grows to 1.5-2m.
Requires staking.
Flamecrest
Elberta
Fruit:Medium round.
Skin:80% red blush over
yellow background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy and
sweet; good flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late January.
Comments:
Handles well. A good cropper.
Fantastic variety, great flavour.
Million Dollar
“J.H. Hale”
O’Henry
Fruit:
Large round.
Skin:75% red blush over
yellow background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy and
sweet; good flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens early February.
Comments:
Good quality. Needs Blackburn
Elberta for pollination.
Fruit:
Medium round.
Skin:Bright crimson red
blush over creamy
yellow background.
Flesh:White; juicy and
sweet; good flavour
and texture.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens mid February.
Comments:
A consistent heavy bearer of good
quality fruit.
Fruit:
Large round oblong.
Skin:Red blush over yellow
background.
Flesh:Yellow; juicy and
sweet; fine textured,
red around stone.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens mid February.
Comments:
Still popular although many new
varieties have taken its place.
Suitable for drying.
O’Henry
Fruit:
Large round.
Skin:80% red blush over
yellow background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; sweet
and melting; good
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens early to mid
February.
Comments:
A top quality peach, popular with
commercial fruit growers. A dwarf
version is also available.
Blackburn Elberta
Fruit:Medium to large oblong.
Skin:Orange to red over
yellow-green background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; sweet;
good texture; tough
skin.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens mid February.
Comments:
Pollinator for Million Dollar.
Consistent heavy cropper.
20
B alhannah N urs E ries
Valley Redtm Super Dwarf Peach
Valley RedTM Super Dwarf Peach
Fruit:Large.
Skin:Red blush over yellow
background.
Flesh:Yellow flesh.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Late February.
Comments:
Small pink blossom. Ideal for small
gardens or tubs. Easily maintained
to 1.5m. Great flavour.
Prolific bearer.
Late Red Italian
Fruit:
Large round.
Skin:Deep red blush
over green-yellow
background.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy
and sweet; excellent
flavour.
Stone:Clingstone.
Maturity:Ripens April.
Comments:
Popular due to its late ripening.
Golden Queen
Golden Queen
peaches
Late Red Italian Cling
Fruit:Medium, slightly
round flat.
Skin:Golden yellow to
orange.
Flesh:Deep orange; firm;
juicy and non-melting;
excellent flavour.
Stone:Clingstone.
Maturity:Ripens early March.
Comments:
Has been the major canning variety.
Top quality. A dwarf version is also
available.
21
Fruit Varieties
A young Super Dwarf Valley RedTM in a wine barrel
Ripening times based on the Adelaide Hills.
Peach Variety
Sunset Peach™
P eaches
Angel Peach™
Springcrest
FresnoTM
Anzac
Beale
Wiggins
Flavorcrest
Red Haven
White GoldTM
Flamecrest
Million Dollar
Millicent
Elberta
O’Henry
Blackburn Elberta
“Valley Red” TM
Kirkman
Golden Queen
Late Red Italian
NovemberDecember January February March
April
22
B alhannah N urs E ries
Pears
Pears like cool climates, are very
hardy and can cope with a range of
soil types.
Duchess
Duchess (Williams)
Packhams Triumph
Sensation
Red Duchess
Fruit:Medium to large
pyriform-shape.
Skin:Deep red over 90–100%.
Flesh:Creamy white; tender;
juicy; fine texture;
melting.
Maturity:Ripens mid February.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Similar to Duchess in flavour
except fruit and leaves are maroonred, making an attractive tree. Use
in desserts and fruit salads.
Packhams Triumph
Beurre Bosc
Fruit:
Medium to large
oblong ovate.
Skin:Green to pale green.
Flesh:White; firm; very juicy
and sweet; excellent
flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late February.
Pollinators:Josephine.
Comments:
Consistent cropper that hangs on
the tree well. Productive. Use fresh,
baked, poached, in tarts, and salads.
Fruit:Long elongated
medium to large
pyriform-shape.
Skin:Fully russetted
brown with yellow
background.
Flesh:
Creamy coloured rich
tasting flesh; slightly
granular texture.
Maturity:Ripens late February.
Pollinators:Duchess, 20th Century,
Sensation.
Comments:
The most popular russetted pear
grown. Good cropper. Used for
poaching as it holds its shape well.
20th Century (nashi)
Nijisseiki
Fruit:Medium round ovate.
Skin:Yellow-green with
lenticels.
Flesh:Creamy white; very
crisp; juicy and sweet;
mild flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late February.
Pollinators:Partially self-fertile,
Duchess.
Comments:
The most popular Asian pear grown
today. Heavy cropper.
Lemon Bergamot
Fruit:Medium round ovate.
Skin:Green-yellow, red blush.
Yellow when ripe.
Flesh:White; juicy and sugary
sweet; excellent buttery
flavour.
Maturity:Ripens early March.
Pollinators:Beurre Bosc, Duchess
(Williams).
Comments:
A top quality variety that’s mainly
grown in SA. Use for cooking and
desserts.
P ears
Sensation (Red Duchess)
William Bon Cretien (WBC)
Fruit:Medium to large
pyriform-shape.
Skin:Pale green at picking,
turns yellow when ripe.
Flesh:White; tender; juicy
and sweet; buttery.
Melting flesh.
Maturity:Ripens early to mid
February.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
The most popular canning and fresh
market pear. Versatile, use fresh,
poached, baked and in salads.
Beurre Bosc
Delicious New Dwarf Stone
Fruit Range
• All self fertile
• Grow to approx 1.5-2.5m
• Pot them up or plant them in the ground
Special Care Instructions
• Stake young trees
Nectarines
• Regularly fertilise and water dwarf fruit trees
Crimson Baby
3
3
3
3
Early Season - late November
Prolific bearer
Yellow flesh
Clingstone
Royal GemTM
3 Mid season early December
3 Premium flavour fruit
3 Pinky - white flesh
3 Semi freestone
Flavourtop
3 Late season - late
January / early Febuary
3 Well known traditional
variety
3 Yellow flesh
3 Freestone
TuscanyTM
3 Late season early Febuary
3 Deep red skin,
aromatic fruit
3 White flesh
3 Freestone
Peaches
FresnoTM
3 Early Season - late December
3 Large fruit,
excellent flavour
3 Yellow flesh
3 Freestone
White-GoldTM
3 Mid season - mid February
3 Wonderful flavour
traditional variety
3 Yellow flesh
3 Freestone
O’Henry
3 Mid season mid February
3 Wonderful flavour
traditional variety
3 Yellow flesh
3 Freestone
Apricots
Golden Queen
3 Late season - mid March
3 Yellow skin firm juicy
flesh
3 Yellow flesh
3 Clingstone
Bulida
3 Early seaon - mid December
3 great eating variety
Moorpark
3 Late season - early January
3 An old favourite - fantastic
flavour great for stewing,
jams, drying or eating fresh
Trevatt
3 Mid season - late December
3 Heavy cropper- may require
thinning
25
Fruit Varieties
Josephine
Lemon Bergamot
Fruit:Medium round ovate.
Skin:Green-yellow.
Flesh:White; juicy and
sweet; excellent
flavour; melting.
Maturity:Ripens late March.
Pollinators:Packhams.
Comments:
A top quality late variety that can
be picked over a long period. Eat
fresh or in salads. Excellent for
cooking or eating fresh.
Ya Li (nashi)
Fruit:Large oblong.
Skin:Green-yellow.
Flesh:White; crisp; juicy and
sweet; mild flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late March.
Pollinators:Corella.
Comments:
A low chill variety. Vigorous
upright growing tree.
Corella
“Forelle”
pears
20th Century (Nashi)
Corella
Fruit:Medium oblong
pyriform-shape.
Skin:Red blush on exposed
side with green-yellow
background.
Flesh:White; crisp; juicy;
fine texture; good
flavour.
Maturity:Ripens late March.
Pollinators:Packhams Triumph,
Ya Li,
Partially self fertile
Comments:
Named after the colourful
Australian Corella parrot.
Difficult to pollinate due to its
early flowering. Eat fresh, or in
salads.
Ripening times based on the Adelaide Hills.
Pear Variety
Duchess (Williams)
Sensation (Red Duchess)
Packhams Triumph
Beurre Bosc
20th Century
Lemon Bergamot
Josephine
Corella
Ya Li
January
February
March
April
26
B alhannah N urs E ries
Plums
Plums need as much sunlight as
possible, without being exposed to
excessive winds. Plumes respond
well to regular fertiliser inputs,
especially during the fruiting
season.
Santa Rosa
Wickson
Coes Golden Drop
Wickson
Japanese
Fruit:Large heart shape.
Skin:Crimson blush over
yellow background.
Flesh:Yellow, firm, juicy.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late January.
Pollinators:Santa Rosa.
Comments:
Excellent flavour, good keeping
qualities.
Angelina Burdett
Satsuma
European
Fruit:
Small to medium oval.
Skin:Dark purple with
heavy bloom.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy
and very sweet.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens early to mid
February.
Pollinators:President.
Comments:
Reliable, heavy cropper with good
eating qualities.
Japanese
Fruit:Medium to large round.
Skin:Dark maroon over green.
Flesh:Blood red; firm; juicy
and sweet; some acid.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens mid to late Jan.
Pollinators:Narrabeen, Santa
Rosa, Satsuma.
Comments:
Very similar in appearance to Satsuma
Satsuma
Japanese
Fruit:Small to medium round.
Skin:Deep red to purple.
Flesh:Blood red; firm. tangy.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens mid February.
Pollinators:Partially self fertile.
Mariposa, Santa Rosa,
Wickson.
Comments:
Most popular plum for the home
garden. Prolific bearer.
Coes Golden Drop
European
Fruit:
Large oval.
Skin:Yellow.
Flesh:Yellow; juicy and sweet;
excellent flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late February.
Pollinators:d’Agen, Greengage,
President.
Comments:
Excellent for both dessert and drying.
plums
Mariposa
Japanese
Fruit:
Medium round.
Skin:Deep red to purplish.
Flesh:Yellow; juicy and very
sweet; good flavour.
Stone:Clingstone.
Maturity:Ripens late December.
Pollinators:Wickson, Narrabeen,
Mariposa.
Comments:
Still a very popular home garden
variety. Good pollen donor. Strong
grower.
Mariposa
27
Fruit Varieties
Green Gage
Green Gage
European
Fruit:
Medium round.
Skin:Green-yellow to golden.
Flesh:Yellow; juicy and
sweet; excellent
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late February.
Pollinators:Angelina, Coes
Golden Drop.
Comments:
An excellent quality dessert plum.
Narrabeen
nectarines
Narrabeen
Japanese
Fruit:
Large round.
Skin:Deep red over greenyellow.
Flesh:Yellow; juicy and
very sweet; excellent
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late February.
Pollinators:Mariposa, Santa Rosa,
Satsuma.
Comments:
Very productive. Fruit carries and
store well.
President
European
Fruit:
Large oval.
Skin:Deep purple with
heavy bloom.
Flesh:Yellow; firm; juicy
and sweet; excellent
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens early March.
Pollinators:Angelina.
Comments:
A firm plum that carries well.
A good commercial variety.
Ruby Blood
Japanese
Fruit:
Large round.
Skin:Dark purple over green.
Flesh:Blood red; juicy; good
flavour; fine texture.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late March.
Pollinators:Santa Rosa,
Narrabeen, Mariposa.
Comments:
Hangs on tree well. An excellent
late plum. Great for stewing.
Ruby Blood
Ripening times based on the Adelaide Hills.
Plum Variety
Santa Rosa
Wickson
Angelina Burdett
Mariposa
Satsuma
Coes Golden Drop
Green Gage
Narrabeen
President
Ruby Blood
December
January
February
March
April
28
B alhannah N urs E ries
Minor Fruits
Loquat
Persimmon
Loquats are evergreen trees
and prefer warm dry climates.
Hardy but prevent water-logging
by maintaining good drainage.
Shallow rooted. Loquats enjoy
good nutrition, but avoid excessive
nitrogen applications. Wind
tolerant.
Persimmons establish well with
deep tap roots. Fertilise regularly
for best results. Persimmons grow
best in loamy soils.
Chatsworth Victory
Enormity
Fruit:
Very large oval-shape.
Skin:Golden yellow.
Flesh:Pale yellow; juicy and
sweet.
Maturity:Ripens late November.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
The largest of the loquats. Good
bearer. Frost sensitive.
Plumcot
Spring Satin™
Fruit:Round.
Skin:Purple-black.
Flesh:Yellow-red.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:End November –
early December
Pollinators:Partially self-fertile.
Crop may be improved
with Storys Improved,
Moorpark, Satsuma or
Santa Rosa.
Comments:
A new high-bearing apricot - plum
cross. Good disease resistance.
Fruit:
Medium flat round.
Skin:Orange-red, tough.
Flesh:Deep orange, flecked,
slight cinnamon taste.
Type:Non-astringent.
Maturity:Ripens April through
May.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
A consistent cropper with beautiful
autumn foliage. Fruit can be eaten
when firm.
Blueberry
Fuyu Persimmon
Blueberry®
Blueberry Burst®
Fruit:
Very large, crisp, sweet
Skin:Purple-blue.
Flesh:Purple-blue.
Maturity:Fruits for 3-4 months
commencing July in
warmer regions.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
A fantastic new Australian dwarf
blueberry, growing to 1m high,
75cm wide. Very high yielding
with a long fruiting period. For
best results grow in a pot with
suitable potting mix (low pH) in
full sun. Evergreen. Suitable for
eating fresh, freezing, cooking,
jam. when firm.
Enormity Loquat
Spring Satin™ Plumcot
minor fruits
Fruit:
Large oval-shape.
Skin:Golden yellow, thick
skin.
Flesh:Pale yellow; firm;
juicy and sweet.
Maturity:Ripens late November.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Very good quality and good bearer.
Frost sensitive.
Fuyu
29
Fruit Varieties
Prunes
Pear x Apple
Prunes are similar in growth to
plums. Very sweet fruit, often
called ‘sugar plums’
Prapple™
d’Agen
d’Agen Prune
Pineapple Quince
Fruit:
Small to medium oval.
Skin:Dark reddish to purple.
Flesh:Yellow; very sweet
and sugary; good
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late February.
Pollinators:Self-fertile, Robe de
Sargent.
Comments:
The most popular drying prune.
Can be dried whole.
Robe de Sargent
minor fruits
Fruit:
Medium oval.
Skin:Dark blue to black.
Flesh:Yellow; juicy and
sweet; good flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens mid February.
Pollinators:d’Agen, Splendour.
Comments:
Top quality variety for drying.
Splendour Prune
Smyrna Quince
Prapple™
Splendour
Fruit:
Medium to large oval.
Skin:Reddish to purple.
Flesh:Yellow; juicy and
very sweet; excellent
flavour.
Stone:Freestone.
Maturity:Ripens late January.
Pollinators:d’Agen, Robe de
Sargent.
Comments:
A top quality prune that can be
used for dessert.
Fruit:
Medium to large,
round, 73-85mm
Skin:Red on creamgreen background,
pronounced lenticels
Flesh:White, firm and juicy
Maturity: End March - early
April
Comments: A great apple x pear
hybrid, crisp juicy and sweet to
taste.
Quinces
Quinces are self fertile, producing
large green fruit which turns
yellow and drops when ripe. Trees
enjoy a good supply of organic
matter. Fruit needs protection from
strong winds to avoid bruising.
Quinces are high in Vitamin C and
potassium and may be stored for up
to 3 months.
Pineapple
Fruit:Medium to large
pear-shape.
Skin:Golden yellow.
Flesh:Tender when cooked;
sweet.
Maturity:Ripens mid to late
March.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Makes a beautiful jelly.
Grows to 3-4m. Aromatic.
Smyrna
Fruit:Very large pear-shape.
Skin:Lemon yellow.
Flesh:Tender and sweet
when cooked.
Maturity:Ripens mid April.
Pollinators:Self-fertile.
Comments:
Produces fruit at an early age.
Grows to 3-4m.
30
B alhannah N urs E ries
Flowering Ornamentals
Almonds (Prunus)
Double Crimson
A very attractive flavering almond
with-red-brown foliage and red scarlet
double blossom.
Spectablis Rosea
(Chinese crab apple)
Upright growing with deep rose red
buds opening to pink or pale pink semidouble flowers. Has orange to yellow
fruit. Grows to about 5–6 metres.
Trilobata
Gorgeous Crab Apple Fruit
Crab Apples(Malus)
Eleyii
A beautiful tree—the foliage being
bright reddish-purple and the flowers
a rich red. Produces abundant small,
highly coloured red fruit suitable to
use for crab apple jelly. Grows to 3.5
metres.
Ioensis Plena Crab Apple
One of the best. Produces masses of
crimson red fruit ideal for crab apple
jelly. It has pink buds opening to
white flowers.
A small tree, it grows to about
3 metres.
Ioensis “plena”
Purpurea Crab Apple
Very free flowering. Large pale pink
to white double flowers and a slight
perfume. Foliage turns attractive redyellow colours in the autumn. Grows
to about 3–4 metres.
Tschonoskii
An interesting erect crabapple, with
silver-green leaves. Yields pale pink
flowers in spring, and yellow-green
crabapples. Red-orange Autumn foliage.
Grows well in moist, well composted
soils.
Cherries (Prunus)
Kanzan
One of the most popular cherries
grown. Very showy, ranging from
deep pink in the bud to large pink
double blossom. Upright growth habit.
Foliage is bronzy to green with good
autumn foliage.
Grows to about 4-5 metres.
Profusion
A more upright crabapple, with
a strong central leader habit.
Outstanding blossom, with red buds
opening to deep purple-pink flowers.
Serrated foliage turning bronze in
Autumn. Hardy and versatile.
Purple Wave
Trilobata Crab Apple
An eye-catching crab apple with
large, deep maroon and green leaves,
new growth all maroon, turning
bronze in Autumn. Trees have a
branching growth habit and bear
small dark crabapples.
Purpurea
Mt. Fuji Cherry
This tree bears similar pink-red
blossom to Eleyii but grows to
5m height x 3m wide. Also boasts
bronze-green foliage, turning orange
in autumn. Bears small crab apple
fruits.
Mt. Fuji
A spectacular ornamental cherry tree.
Broad spreading habit with a
spectacular show of single to semidouble white and pale pink blossom.
Very attractive autumn foliage. Grows
to about 4–5 metres.
flowering ornamentals
Gorgeous
An upright conical shaped crabapple
with distinctly maple-like lobed leaves,
make this a truly unique crabapple.
Foliage is deep green, turning to
brilliant red in Autumn. Great for tight
settings.
31
Flowering Ornamentals
Pears (Pyrus)
Manchurian
Prunus Nigra
Ussuriensis
A hardy tree with single white
scented flowers in spring. Brilliant
red-orange foliage. Lush, glossy
foliage turning orange-red in
autumn. Bears small inedible fruit.
Pyramidal shape, grows to 10x7
metres.
Pissardi
Semi-upright habit. Similar in
appearance to Nigra, except that
the flowers are mostly white. Pink
buds open to very pale pink and
white flowers. Slightly fragrant.
Bears edible fruit. Grows to about
3-5 metres.
Ruby Flare™
Capital
Pyrus ‘Glensform’ in flower
Excellent autumn colour, white
flowers in spring. Bears small
inedible fruit. Taller, upright variety
making it suitable for narrow
spaces or avenues. Grows up to
11x2-3 metres.
flowering ornamentals
Glensform
Cleveland Select
Very popular variety with excellent
autumn colour, white flowers in
spring. Bears small inedible fruit.
An upright ornamental pear,
wider than Capital, growing to
11x5 metres.
Manchurian Pear
Plums (Prunus)
Blireana
The most popular variety. Upright
growing with masses of deep-pink
double flowers and reddish-purple
foliage. Very profuse flowering.
Grows to about 4–5 metres. Bears
ornamental fruit.
Prunus Blireana
Elvins
A tree of dwarfish growth with
whole branches covered in showy
masses of pink flower buds which
become white when fully open.
Flowers later than other varieties.
Grows to about 3–4 metres.
Nigra
Ruby FlareTM
A very popular variety. Upright
growing with single soft pink
flowers and dark purple foliage.
Grows to about 4–6 metres. Bears
ornamental fruit.
An upright cultivar of prunus
‘nigra’, with burgundy foliage that
creates an attractive contrast in any
setting. In Spring Ruby FlareTM
bears masses of single white
blossoms with white stamens.
Hardy and versatile, this tree is
ideal for planting in positions
where space is limited. Yields small
ornamental maroon coloured fruit.
32
B alhannah N urs E ries
Feature Trees
Ash (Fraxinus)
Elm (Ulmus)
Ash trees are hardy and grow in a
wide range of climates. Perform
well in sunny, well drained areas.
Can tolerate drought periods and
salt spray.
Chinese Elm
Claret Ash
Claret Ash
Gleditsia Sunburst
Raywood
Beautiful fast-growing tree with
deep green leaves turning to
brilliant claret red in autumn.
Grows to 10m.
Ulmus Parvifolia
A very hardy tree that prefers a
moist, well-drained environment.
Excellent for planting in poor soil.
Dark green leaves turn yellow
before falling in winter. Moderate
growth rate. Hardy and will tolerate
most soil conditions. Used in street
and driveway plantings. Grows to
10x10 metres.
Golden Elm
Oxycarpa
Very hardy tree suitable in most
climates, including dry areas.
Fast growing. Deep green foliage
turning to autumn colours before
leaf fall. Spreads seeds. Mediumsized tree growing to 8x7m.
Golden Ash
Golden Ash
Aurea
Yellow to orange-coloured bark,
with young pale green to yellow
leaves turning to brilliant yellow
in summer. Slower growing than
Claret and Desert Ash. 15-20m.
Chinese Elm
Birch (Betula)
Silver
Golden Elm
Pendula Alba
Highly admired, deciduous
graceful tree with open growth
habit and slender branches.
Rapidly growing tree with
distinctive white bark at maturity.
Foliage turns yellow in autumn.
A very hardy tree that is easy to
grow. Tolerant of damp conditions,
extreme cold and wind exposure.
Growth to 15m.
Ulmus Glabra ‘Lutescens’
A striking green-yellow ribbed
foliage. Large, spreading growth
habit. Foliage turning from pale
yellow to golden yellow as the
season changes. Grows to 8-15m.
Gleditsia
Sunburst
Eye-catching, thornless, medium to
tall tree with fern-like golden and
green foliage, turning all golden in
the autumn. Open spreading habit.
Drought tolerant at maturity. Fast
growing and frost hardy. Grows to
8m.
feature trees
Desert Ash
33
Feature Trees
Golden Rain Tree (insert: pods)
Koelreuteria
Plane Trees (Platanus)
Golden Rain Tree
London
Paniculata
Deciduous, very hardy small tree.
Large fern-like, blue-green leaves
with large heads of golden flowers.
Leaves turning to beautiful reds,
yellows and oranges in autumn.
A showy tree suitable for smaller
gardens. Grows to 10-15mx8m.
Maples
Acerfolia
A very popular large deciduous
street or avenue tree. Attractive
mottled bark with maple-like
leaves and clusters of round, bristly
fruit. Tolerates more polluted
environments. Can adapt to poor
compacted soils, but prefer deep,
moisture retentive soils. Grows to
height of 14m.
(Acer)
Oriental
Flamingo
feature trees
Golden Maple Leaf
Acer Negundo “Flamingo”
The leaves are green with white
borders and pink tips, making it a
unique and attractive tree.
Grows to 5 x 3 metres at 20 years.
A popular round-headed tree.
The foliage hangs delicately,
creating a lacy appearance.
Orientalis
A very popular large decidous
street or avenue tree. Attractive
mottled bark with maple-like leaves
and clusters of round, bristly fruit.
Leaves are more deeply lobed than
the London Plane tree.
Pistacia
Golden variegated
London Plane Tree
Acer Negundo “Aureomarginatum”
The Golden Box Elder. Deciduous
medium-large tree. Deep green
leaves with golden edged
variegations. Prone to reversion
– remove branches bearing solid
green foliage.
Silver variegated
Liquidambar
Acer Negundo “Variegatum”
The Silver Box Elder. Deciduous
medium-large tree. Green leaves
with broad, silvery cream-coloured
irregular variegations. Prone to
reversion – remove branches
bearing solid green foliage.
Trident
Chinese Pistachio
Acer buergerianum
A striking maple whose tri-lobed
leaves are deep glossy green, with
red tips on new growth. Bears
yellow-green flowers in Spring,
and papery golden-brown seed
pods. Hardy heat and drought
tolerant maple, moderate in size.
Yellow-red Autumn colour.
Chinese Pistachio
Pistacia chinensis
Attractive medium size tree with
dark green fine pinnate leaves
turning eye-catching red and
orange colours in autumn. Mature
tree to 8m high, 6m wide. Hardy
species, tolerates full sun positions,
prefers well drained soils.
Liquidambar
Liquidambar
Liquidambar Styraciflua
Well known for its spectacular
yellow-orange-purple autumn
foliage. Attractive, deeply lobed
leaves, trees bears small woody
ornamental fruit. Prefers moist,
slightly acidic soil and full sun,
but tolerates a range of conditions.
Grows to 12mx8m.
34
B alhannah N urs E ries
Jacaranda
Jacaranda
Cercis
Jacaranda
Forest Pansy
Jacaranda Mimosifolia
Striking panicles of blue-mauve
trumpet shape blossoms last for
up to two months in the Summer.
Great hardy street tree, though
somewhat frost sensitive, especially
when young. Fast growing, shallow
rooted. Great for summer shade.
Woody seed pods, large compound
leaves and dark scaly bark. Grows
to 15m.
Sapium
Chinese Tallow Tree
Chinese Tallow Tree
Oak (Quercus)
Forest Pansy
Upright English Oak
Quercus robur fastigata
Conical upright version of the
English Oak. Slow growing,
produces showy acorns. Hardy and
grows approx 4m wide x 12m high
Pin Oak
Robinia ‘Frisia’
Pin oak
Quercus palustris
A wonderful cultivar of oak, noted
for its distinctive lobed foliage
which takes on brilliant shades
of red and orange in the Autumn.
Bears ornamental capped acorns.
A large robust tree to 15m with
conical shape. Grows best in well
drained soils.
Robinia
Frisia
Golden Robinia
A medium-large tree with bright
yellow-lime foliage and bearing
cream racemes of scented flowers.
Forms a fantastic contrast with
trees of other colours. A hardy
tree. Prevent suckering by
avoiding disturbance of established
root system and by avoiding severe
water stress. Grows to 8-10m.
Pink Wisteria Tree
Decaisneana
A medium-large tree with mid
green pinnate leaves. Showy pink
racemes of fragrant flowers. A
hardy tree. Prevent suckering by
avoiding disturbance of established
root system and by avoiding severe
water stress. Grows to 8-10m.
feature trees
Sebiferum
Grows to approx 8m. Pyramidal
shape. Great autumn colours.
Plant in a warm sunny position for
great autumn colour. Adaptable
to coastal regions and hardy once
established. All parts poisonous.
Canadensis
Highly attractive small ornamental
tree, with dark red to purple
foliage. Large heart shaped leaves.
Bears fine deep pink blossom.
Prefers full sun but must be
protected from windy conditions.
Keep moist but avoid waterlogging.
Grows to height 5m x 5m.
35
Standard & Weeping Trees
Standard & Weeping Trees
Cheals Weeping Cherry
Cherries
Mulberry
Cheals
Weeping Mulberry
Kiku Shidare Sukura
One of the best weeping cherries.
Deep pink double flowers are
produced in great abundance. More
upright crown growth than Rosea.
The young growth is a spectacular
bronze-green colour. Grafted onto
1.5–2 metre standards. Flowers
after Rosea and Alba.
Morus alba ‘Pendula’
Attractive hardly weeping form,
grafted at 1.8-2m. Heart-shaped
leaves with pale green flowers
yielding edible fruit. Prefers sunny
positions in fertile, well drained
soil. Great feature specimen.
Robinia
standard & weeping trees
Pendula Rosea
Alba Weeping Cherry
Small pale pink, single blossoms
are produced in mass during early
spring. Prune in the early years
to an upwards-pointing bud to
establish tree shape. Tree will take
weeping form thereafter. 1.5–2
metre standards.
Subhirtella ‘Alba’
The flowers are pink in bud but open
up to pure-white single flowers.
More upright crown growth than
Rosea. Flowers profusely and has
good autumn colours. An ideal
specimen tree. Worked on 1.5–2
metre standards.
Weeping Mulberry
Falling Snow
Subhirtella ‘Falling Snow’
A slender weeping cherry bearing
masses of single white flowers
cascading along the length of its
branches. Ideal for use in confined
spaces. Prefers free draining soils.
Grafted at 1.5-2m.
Mop Top
Mop Top
A popular garden feature tree. A
unique, densely rounded head of
fine branches bearing fronds of
green compound leaflets. The trunk
is grafted at 1.5–2 metres high
with the head growing to a ball of
5x5 metres. May be clipped for
formal hedges. Avoid disturbing
established roots to prevent
suckering.
36
B alhannah N urs E ries
Grapevines
Ruby Seedless
Grapes require a warm sunny
position with deep, moderately
fertile alkaline soil. Table grapes
will benefit from additional humus
and being kept moist during
summer to produce fullest fruit.
In winter prune back to within 2
buds of the main stem to encourage
strong new growth. Ensure Copper
and sulphur sprays are applied to
avoid mildew damage.
Sultana M12
White seedless sultana grape.
Clonal section of Thompson’s
Seedless with sweet flesh and
medium size soil. Early maturing.
Ruby Seedless
Thompson’s Seedless
Red seedless table grape.
Very large bunches with round
berries. Fruit is mildly sweet and
flavoursome. Ripens mid season.
Flame Seedless
Black Sultana
Red seedless table grape, early
fruiting. Medium firm fruit with a
sweet, crisp flavour.
Red to black seedless table grape.
Heavy cropper, bears medium size
oval shaped fruit. Ripens mid
season.
Marroo
Flame Seedless
Black seedless table grape.
Produces medium size, firm, and
juicy berries with mellow flavour.
Ripens early to mid season. Bred in
Australia.
Perlette
White seedless table grape. Firm
green grapes with mild sweet to
slightly tart flavour. Very early
maturing.
Perlette
Ornamental Glory Vine
Thompson’s Seedless
White seedless sultana grape. Fruit
is oval shape with a sweet taste.
Consistent heavy cropper. Early
maturing. One of the most popular
varieties.
Ornamental
Glory Vine
A non fruiting climbing grapevine,
yielding brilliant red Autumn
colour. A vigorous variety, great
for covering fences and sheds, or
displaying on a trellis. Prune well
in winter, fertilise in Spring.
grapevines
Fruiting Table
Grapes
37
Pests and Diseases
Woolly Aphids
Peach and Cherry Aphids
Pests and Diseases
As you may well appreciate it is impossible to provide complete
difficult to eliminate. Use pyrethrum
as required or another insecticide.
from spring rains. If the leaf or
fruit remains wet for about 9–10
hours infection can occur. It can
be controlled organically with
copper oxychloride or sulphur.
Spraying at bud burst and several
times at 14‑day intervals is usually
sufficient. Do not use copper
oxychloride one month after
bud burst as it can defoliate the
tree. This disease is not usually a
problem on the Adelaide Plains.
Watch for dark green, velvetylooking spots on fruit and leaves.
Bitter pit
Brown rot
coverage of all of the pests and diseases which may affect the
home garden. We have compiled a list of the most common,
along with suggested remedies for your reference. For further
advice please contact your local nursery or gardener.
Aphids
Woolly Aphids
Only affects apples. Observed
as a white fluffy appearance like
cotton wool. The aphid is a sticky
black insect underneath this “wool”.
It is a sap sucker that weakens the
plant. Very light infestations can
be dislodged with a jet of water
from the garden hose. On heavy
infestations spray with summer oil
as required. Granny Smith apples
are very susceptible to woolly
aphids. A summer infestation may
be treated with Confidor.
Aphids
Peach and Cherry Aphids
There are two types—green and
black. They are often mistaken for
curl leaf as the aphids cause the
leaves to curl. The presence of ants
is often an indication of an Aphid
population. Close examination will
reveal the aphids in the deformed
leaves. When sheltered they are
Caused by a deficiency in
calcium. The fruit appears pitted
with the flesh a brown colour. It
can be due to:
• Excessive shoot growth that
competes with the fruit for the
calcium.
• Overly-large fruit during the
off-year.
• Moisture stress that causes
water to be drawn from the fruit
to the leaves taking the calcium
with it.
• Soil imbalances of potassium
and/or magnesium.
Use a foliar spray containing
calcium monthly throughout the
growing season.
Black spot
The disease is spread by spores
that are released into the air
Generally not a severe problem
on the plains. Usually only occurs
during wet weather when the fruit
is close to maturity. Make sure
several fruits are not touching as
this is where it usually occurs. Use
an appropriate fungicide suggested
by your local nursery.
Cherry slug
Also attacks pears and
quinces, and is usually apparent
midsummer. Look for black leechtype slugs on the leaves. They will
eat the fleshy part of them, leaving
the skeleton of the leaf behind.
In small numbers they are easily
controlled. A dusting of derris dust
or spraying with pyrethrum when
required will easily control them.
Carbaryl or Confidor may also be
used.
38
B alhannah N urs E ries
Brown Rot
Bitter Pit
Cherry Slug
Codlin moth
copper oxychloride.
Prevention is the key to curl
leaf control because once the
infection has occurred there is
no means of eradication. Correct
timing of the spring application is
essential. The first spray should
be in spring at bud swell with at
least two further sprays at weekly
intervals. Another spray at leaf fall
in autumn is also beneficial. Use
A serious airborne infection that
at the very least causes a decline
and complete ruin of the fruit. High
rainfall areas like the Adelaide
Hills, South-East, Southern Vales,
and to a lesser extent the Adelaide
Plains are most affected.
During the wet weather the
spores enter the pruning wound,
germinate and slowly grow down
the limb until the tree is killed.
When the fungus reaches the
main trunk there is nothing that can
be done and the tree will eventually
die.
Each year spores are discharged
after rain, and will quickly infect
pruning cuts if untreated. Once
the spores have germinated in the
wound chemical treatment will not
prevent the fungus from attacking
the limb.
The symptoms…
The disease is usually noticed
as a wilting of the leaves during
summer. The fruit ripens earlier than
the rest of the tree with the limb
dying before the end of the season.
Gumming of the infected limb
is also noticeable, but this does
not mean that all gumming of
branches represents gummosis. In
fact, it is nature’s way of healing.
Just as we bleed when we cut
ourselves, so do trees when they
have been injured. Gumming of
the branches is also a symptom
of bacterial canker. If the gum is
clear in colour there is usually
no need for concern. However, if
the gum is a yellowish brown the
chances are the tree has developed
either gummosis or bacterial
canker.
Controlling gummosis…
Prune in autumn when the
weather is still warm, but not if
rain is expected.
Reduce pruning to a minimum
to treat all cuts with a fungicidebased grafting mastic. Burn all
Black Spot
Codlin Moth
Curl Leaf
Use an appropriate insecticide
from mid-November and then
spray monthly. Garlic sprays used
fortnightly in conjunction with
pheromone traps will especially
control this pest. Corrugated
cardboard placed around the
branches of the tree during spring,
and then removed and burnt in the
autumn, will also decrease the moth
population. Destroy all infected
fruit. Without regular spraying
Codlin Moth is the worst problem
for apples and pears.
Curl leaf
Gummosis
39
Pests and Diseases
Dead branches in an apricot tree due to gumosis
Powdery mildew
Affects new growth causing
a silvery appearance. Unless the
problem is severe little needs to
be done. Check with your local
nursery for a range of suitable
control products.
Red spider
(Two-spotted mite)
Look on the underneath side
of the leaves for the small mite.
They have two distinct markings
on their back that can be easily
seen with a magnifying glass.
Infestations usually start late
December. Watch for the bronzing
or ‘dusty’ appearance of the
foliage. Pear leaves go black. Use
pyrethrum or sulphur.
Thrips
Very small and difficult to
see with the naked eye, they are
long and slender with a black
appearance. Usually five to ten
thrips per bloom can be tolerated.
Can be beneficial in most cases in
the home garden because it helps
to thin crops. If blossom is very
light use Pyrethrum as required.
Generally not a problem.
Chemical safety
When using garden
chemicals follow these
simple rules:
• Regard all chemicals as
potentially dangerous.
• Read all of the label
carefully and follow
the instructions closely.
Use the recommended
quantities per mixture.
• Use chemicals only for the
purpose stated on the label.
• Mix chemicals in an open,
well-ventilated area. Wear
full-length clothing, a face
shield and rubber gloves
when spraying.
• Spray in calm conditions
to avoid chemical drift.
• Store garden chemicals
only in the original
containers, away from
food and out of reach of
children and animals.
• Wash thoroughly with
soap and water before
drinking or eating after
handling.
The withholding period
refers to the minimum time
that must elapse between the
last application of a spray
and the picking or eating of
fruit. Withholding periods are
stated on the labels.
product
infected limbs as soon as pruning
has been completed.
When moving dead trees make
sure no part of the trunk remains
above ground level.
If caught early and it’s in only
small branches, removing them can
improve the chances of the tree
surviving. Cut down until the wood
is a nice white colour.