Uhuh yes here we go again 😱. As we can't buy ANY of those in the UK I'd gladly take even one with tatty leaves lol. When we can occasionally buy something rare from mainland Europe and 'sneak' it into the UK you'd be shocked at the condition they arrive in 😂. And probably at least 4 times the price 😂
In many ways, we are truly spoilt in Australia, Brett. The main disadvantage that I see is the travel distance to Europe. I wish I could hop on a plane and be in Paris in one hour!!
For the abiu and star apple, I suggest that you grow them on mounds to improve drainage and protect against root rot, and wrap the trunks with frost cloth as well as covering the whole plant with frost cloth, also surrounding the plants with 200l plastic drums of water will also give them additional protection. Wishing you good luck!
I had issues with RC as well; they gave me an abnormal black sapote. I kept it for a year but no change, so had to throw it out. I should have contacted them with some photo's once received.
You know how this ends!! Good luck though. :) Agree the mango looks quite healthy. Jackfruit seems to be alright there with the frost cloth too. I reckon Abiu and star apple are lost causes in the ground for Melbourne though.
Iv you bought 2 of each variety you could have planted one in the ground and the other one in a large container and see which one works best. Cheers from Malta 🇲🇹
Good point! However, I've already tried growing almost every tropical tree in a pot but failed. Greenhouses need to be heated for ultra tropicals to survive, plus one needs to be there to water them in winter when the soil is dry.
The only plant which I have trouble growing in the Newcastle region of New South Wales is the Durian,Terry the Durian grower suggested growing one inside in a large pot then keeping it as a bonsai tree then to bring it outside when the weather warms up. He says people even keep them in a greenhouse in Thailand where he owns a Durian farm, although I do want to try to grow a larger one outside in a sheltered area in the garden,I am always sceptical because at any temperature which is below 10°C & down to 5°C which is up until about September overnight at my location (Seaham) , that tends to be fatal for a Durian plant. That's despite having 27°C days in mid to late August. I had a couple which died in my greenhouse during the winter of 2023 but they weren't very big plants, Terry tells me something kills them even in Thailand which is why he plants 2 of them together just in case one of them dies !
There are many positives for a slight trade off in taste. It is hardy in marginal climate zones, grows vertically, is disease resistant, productive, produces larger fruit, and has a long shelf life. It is perfect for juicing and desserts.
Tommy Atkins is know to be the most bland mango here i the US. It is pretty bad and flavorless unfortunately. Ive tried it a few times and learned my lesson
The reason Tommy Atkins has a such a bad reputation is because it's the most commonly sold mango in the US where it's picked early and stored for months in cold storage. When picked fully ripe from ones own tree it's on another level for taste. I did my research and it seems to fit the requirements I have, time will tell.
