Planting Information > What to do When > December

Fruit

Custard Apple: Continue to increase irrigation, apply Organic Life fertiliser to trees 3/4 of the recommended amount on the bag. Hand pollinate flowers. Tip prune new growth that has not set fruit back to about 10cm long and remove the end two leaves to encourage new flowers.

Lychee: Trees need to be watered heavily. check for nut borer and spray with Pyrethrum only if necessary. Bag fruit. Trees can be netted to protect from birds and bats.

Low Chill Stone Fruit: Trees will need some nitrogen fertilizer (Blood & Bone, Dynamic Lifter, Organic Life - any of these are suitable), with a small amount being applied. Most fruit will have been picked or being picked at this stage. Summer pruning can be carried out after fruit has been picked. Cut trees back to encourage new growth.

Mango: Make sure fruit is bagged to protect from fruit fly. Increase water.

Pawpaw: Plenty of water needed. Fertilise as per November. Trees that are too tall can be cut back now. Cut trees 1m from ground, encourage 1 new growth from truck. Cover cut top with large tin can.

Persimmon: Trees need plenty of water. Apply 1/2 amount of fertiliser (Organic Life - 20 grams per sq metre) this month. Fruit should have been thinned and bagged by now.