Add a tropical flair to your garden with the Abiu Tree, renowned for its delicious, sweet, and creamy yellow fruit. These evergreen trees are not only a source of exotic fruit but also enhance your garden with their glossy green leaves and attractive canopy.
Planting Calendar
Harvest In
3 + Years
Abiu fruit typically ripens in late summer or early autumn. Harvest when the skin turns from green to bright yellow and the fruit gives slightly under gentle pressure. The fruit should be handled with care as it bruises easily. Consume fresh or use in desserts and smoothies.
Prepare
Position
Abiu trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Select a location that is sheltered from strong winds and provides ample sunlight to ensure healthy growth and fruit production.
Soil
Prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. In pots, use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix to ensure adequate drainage.
Plant
Plant Abiu trees in the warm, frost-free months of spring or early summer. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Mix Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser with the excavated soil before backfilling the hole. Plant the tree at the same depth it was in the pot, and water well after planting.
Care
Watering
These trees require consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the tree deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Reduce watering frequency during the cooler months.
Feeding
Feed Abiu trees with a balanced fertiliser like Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer like Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser can be applied in the early spring to support growth and fruit development.
Protecting
Protect the tree from frost and extreme cold weather. A sheltered spot or a greenhouse is ideal over colder months.
Mulching
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as Living Earth More than Mulch, around the base of the tree. This helps retain soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth.
Pruning
Prune Abiu trees minimally, mainly to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain the desired shape. It's best to prune after fruiting has finished to prepare the tree for the next season.
General Care
Monitor for common pests such as aphids and scale insects. Use eco-friendly pest control methods and follow the label instructions. Regularly check soil moisture levels and adjust watering as needed based on weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Abiu tree?
An Abiu tree is a tropical fruit tree native to the Amazon region, known for its round, yellow fruit with a creamy, sweet flavour reminiscent of caramel and vanilla.
How do I plant an Abiu tree?
Plant Abiu trees in the warm, frost-free months of spring or early summer. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Mix Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser with the excavated soil before backfilling the hole. Plant the tree at the same depth it was in the pot, and water well after planting.
When is the best time to plant Abiu?
The best time to plant an Abiu tree is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the soil is warm and the risk of frost is minimal.
How often should I water my Abiu tree?
These trees require consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the tree deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Reduce watering frequency during the cooler months.
How do I prune my Abiu tree?
Prune Abiu trees minimally, mainly to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain the desired shape. It's best to prune after fruiting has finished to prepare the tree for the next season.