Lexi Webster
As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, it is the perfect time for some fruits to grow and give us our daily dose of vitamins. In Australia, the winter season varies in different parts of the country. For example, in the southern states of Australia, apples and pears grow well, whereas in the northern parts, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and mandarins thrive. Passionfruit grows in the warmer regions, while persimmons can be found in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Bananas are also in season all year round in Australia, especially in Queensland. Herbs like coriander, parsley, chives, oregano, sage, and thyme also grow well during the winter season in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruits, Mandarins, Apples, Pears, Persimmons, Kiwi Fruit, Quince, Passionfruit, Bananas, Custard Apples |
| Herbs | Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Chives, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Chamomile, Comfrey, Cress, Dill, Endives, Garlic Bulbs, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Mint, Rocket, Sorrel, Spring Onions |
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What You'll Learn
Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes
Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes, are a group of fruits that can grow during the Australian winter.
Oranges are a popular winter citrus fruit in Australia, with navels being one of the most common varieties available from June to October. These oranges are grown in the Murray Valley, the Riverina of NSW, and South Australia's Riverland. They are seedless, sweet, and juicy, with a rich orange colour, making them a favourite for many. Another variety, Valencias, is available during the summer months from November to February.
Lemons are another citrus fruit that thrives in Australia's winter. The Eureka variety can grow in most climate areas except for very cold regions like Melbourne and Tasmania. They produce fruit all year round, with larger crops in winter and smaller crops in summer and spring. Lisbon lemons are a more cold-tolerant variety, but their fruit tends to be seedier, and the trees have thorns.
Grapefruits are also available during the Australian winter, with the peak season for red, ruby, and pink grapefruits being from April to October. These fruits are known for their sweet taste, seedless qualities, and vibrant colours. White grapefruits, on the other hand, are less popular and have limited availability in Australia.
Limes, the final citrus fruit in our list, are available year-round in Australia, with the best limes typically found from January to April. Finger limes, a native Australian variety, have a unique appearance with stubby, finger-like fruit filled with juicy, caviar-like pulp. Kaffir limes, also known as Makrut limes, are loved for their aromatic leaves and zesty rind. Both varieties can grow in cool areas but require a warm, protected spot during winter.
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Apples and pears
Other significant apple-producing states include New South Wales (NSW), Queensland, and South Australia. In NSW, the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Batlow, and Orange are notable apple-growing areas, known for their cool climate and high elevation, which are ideal conditions for apple cultivation. Batlow, in particular, is considered a premium apple-growing region by many growers due to its cold winters and long, cool summers that produce clean, crisp apples.
Queensland, specifically the Granite Belt region, is the third-largest apple producer in Australia. The main apple varieties grown in this region include Pink Lady®, Royal Gala, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious. South Australia, particularly the Adelaide Hills region, has a long history of apple growing, starting in the 1860s. It produces around 10% of Australia's apples, with Cripps Pink (sold as Pink Lady®) being the predominant variety.
Overall, Australia produces a large range of apples, and some of the most popular varieties include Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Cripps Pink (Pink Lady®), Fuji, and Gala. Apples are grown in all six Australian states, and certain varieties are available year-round due to cold storage practices.
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Persimmons
There are two types of persimmon cultivars: astringent and non-astringent. Non-astringent varieties are well-suited to subtropical regions as they require a warm autumn for their fruit to fully ripen. They are less prone to damage by late frosts as they bloom later than most deciduous fruit trees. In cooler areas, frost-tolerant varieties should be sought out. The astringent cultivar 'Hachiya' is self-fertile, but other cultivars, such as 'Fuyu' and 'Jiro', require two trees to be planted for cross-pollination.
Persimmon trees should be planted in winter while they are dormant, taking care not to disturb their fragile roots. They grow best in a slightly acidic loam, in a sheltered position with full sun, good drainage, and well-composted soil. Manure and blood and bone should be spread around them in spring, and they should be watered regularly and deeply in spring and early summer, especially in dry conditions.
Persimmon trees can also be grown from seed. To do this, choose a healthy and fully ripe persimmon, remove the seeds, and soak them in warm water for three days. After rinsing and drying the seeds, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a jar in the fridge for three months. Plant the seeds in a tall pot with good drainage, as persimmon trees develop long roots quickly. With successful germination, seedlings should appear within 6-8 weeks. These seedlings should then be gradually moved outdoors and into stronger sunlight, and watered regularly. After one year, the persimmon tree can be transplanted into the garden.
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Kiwi fruit
Kiwifruit is a delicious fruit that is often enjoyed by kids and adults alike during autumn and winter. It is a member of the Actinidiaceae family and is native to China. Kiwifruit is a dioecious plant, meaning it requires both male and female plants for pollination. Typically, one male plant can pollinate up to five female plants, but most gardens feature one of each due to their space requirements.
Kiwifruit is a long-lasting plant with a lifespan of up to 20 years or more, and it can bear fruit for an extended period. The female vines take approximately 4 to 5 years to mature before they start producing fruit. Kiwifruit is a deciduous vine that bears large plum-shaped fruits with furry green or brown skin and green pulp inside. The leaves are oval and mid-green, and they, too, have a furry texture. The flowers of the kiwifruit plant are pale yellow with five petals.
Kiwifruit thrives in climates with warm summers and cool winters, requiring sufficient 'chilling hours'. In warmer zones, 'low chill' varieties of kiwifruit can still be successfully cultivated. Kiwifruit vines require ample space, with each vine needing around 5 metres of space on a sturdy support structure like a fence or pergola. They prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally facing north and sheltered from harsh winds and scorching sun.
To grow kiwifruit, it is essential to enrich the soil with organic material and fertilise it regularly, at least twice a year in spring and autumn. Pruning is also necessary to keep the vines under control and improve fruit production. Protecting the kiwifruit from possums and birds by covering the vines with a net during the fruiting season is crucial. Harvesting typically occurs in autumn, and the fruit can continue to ripen at room temperature or in a paper bag with other fruits like apples or bananas.
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Herbs: Basil, coriander, parsley, chives, oregano, sage and thyme
Australia's winter heralds the arrival of citrus fruits, with oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and mandarins growing well in many parts of the country. Apples and pears thrive in the southern states, while persimmons can be grown in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Kiwis grow in colder climates, and passionfruit in the warmer regions.
While the above fruits flourish, it is also a great time to grow herbs. Basil, for instance, is a tender plant that grows best in warmer months, but it can still be grown in sheltered, warm spots in the northern parts of Australia during winter. Coriander and parsley thrive in cooler temperatures and can be planted in most parts of Australia during the winter months. Chives are hardy plants that can grow in most areas during winter. Oregano, sage, and thyme are versatile herbs that can be grown all year round in most parts of Australia, including winter. These herbs are packed with nutrients and are a great addition to any winter garden. If you are concerned about frost, you can always opt to grow them indoors in a sunny spot.
When it comes to companion planting, basil, chives, coriander, and mint prefer moist soil, while oregano and thyme flourish in dry soil. Chives are low-maintenance perennials that make excellent companion plants, as they have a long lifespan and can repel pests. They grow well with strawberries and tomatoes, and their clippings can be used as mulch for berries. Chives also help keep animals away from growing fruit. Oregano and thyme encourage each other to flourish and have the same planting requirements. Oregano repels pests that target cucumbers, cauliflower, and cabbage. Basil, on the other hand, grows well with eggplant, cabbage, and other brassicas. Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used in soups, stews, gravies, sauces, and salads. It is a great companion to most vegetables, especially eggplant, and it grows well with rosemary, chives, and oregano.
In summary, while Australia's winter offers a bounty of fruits, it is also a great time to grow herbs. Basil, coriander, parsley, chives, oregano, sage, and thyme each have their own preferences for temperature and soil moisture, but with the right conditions, they can thrive and enhance your winter garden and kitchen.
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Frequently asked questions
Many fruits grow in Australia during the winter, including:
- Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and mandarins
- Apples and pears
- Persimmons
- Kiwi fruit
- Quince
- Passionfruit
- Bananas
- Custard apples
Herbs that grow well in Australia during the winter include:
- Coriander
- Parsley
- Chives
- Oregano
- Sage
- Thyme
Yes, some vegetables that can be grown in Australia during the winter include:
- Beetroot
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Peas
Fruits like berries and stone fruits are typically summer fruits and may not be available during the winter months in Australia.
Fruits that are in season during the winter, such as citrus fruits, are typically cheaper to buy as they are sourced locally and have lower transport costs.
