How to Grow Davidson Plum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Davidson plum is a small to medium sized tree that is endemic to north-eastern Australia. The Davidson plum is an important traditional food source for Aboriginal people. The fruit is high in antioxidants and has a range of health benefits.

How to Grow Davidson Plum - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Davidson's plum
  • Queensland blue plum
  • Purple plum
  • Blueberry plum
  • Black plum

Basic info

  • Davidson plum is a rainforest shrub that is native to Australia.
  • The shrub can grow up to 10 meters tall.
  • The Davidson plum fruits are about the size of a tennis ball.
  • The fruits are dark purple or black in color.
  • The Davidson plum has a tart and astringent flavor.
  • The fruits are used in jams, jellies, and wines.
  • The Davidson plum fruits contain high levels of antioxidants.
  • The shrub is also used as an ornamental plant.
  • Davidson plum is susceptible to fungal diseases.
  • The shrub is named after Australian botanist, Bernard J.M. Davidson.

Growing Steps

  1. For davidson plum, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball of your plant.
  3. Mix some compost or well-rotted manure into the soil that you have removed from the hole.
  4. Place your plant in the hole and fill it in with the amended soil.
  5. Tamp down the soil gently around your plant.
  6. Water your plant deeply.
  7. Mulch around your plant with straw, hay, or bark chips to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  8. Fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer every few months.
  9. Prune your plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches.
  10. Enjoy the fruits of your labor in late summer or early fall when the davidson plums are ripe and ready to eat!

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Davidson plum prefers rich, well-drained soils with a high organic matter content. They are quite tolerant of heavy clay soils and will even grow in sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. However, they will not tolerate waterlogged or chronically wet soils.

Light condition

Just like other fruit trees, Davidson plums need a lot of sun to produce fruit. In fact, they need about eight hours of direct sun each day. If you live in an area with long summer days, you won't have to worry about this. However, if you live in an area with shorter days, you may need to provide your tree with artificial light.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of davidson plum is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is ideal for the growth and development of the plant. Davidson plum can also tolerate some degree of temperature variation, but the ideal temperature range is still the best for its growth.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. During the fruiting season, the plant may need extra humidity. You can increase the humidity by placing a tray of water under the pot or by using a humidifier.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this family of plant doesn't need much. A little compost, some slow release native plant food in spring. They are quite adaptable and will even grow in most types of soils including poorer ones. Just make sure that the soil is well drained. They are also quite drought tolerant once established. Davidson plums are one of the best sources of antioxidants and are also a good source of vitamins C and E. They are high in pectin which makes them ideal for use in jams and jellies. The plums can also be used in savory dishes or made into wine. The root system of the Davidson plum is extensive and quite deep. This makes them very drought tolerant. They will also grow in most types of soils including poorer ones. Just make sure that the soil is well drained.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of taking care of your Davidson plum tree. It helps to keep the tree healthy and looking its best. There are a few things to keep in mind when pruning your Davidson plum tree. First, make sure that you prune during the dormant season. This is typically from late fall to early spring. Second, prune away any dead or diseased branches. This will help to keep the tree healthy. Third, prune away any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help to keep the tree from being damaged. Fourth, prune back any branches that are growing too close to the house or other structures. This will help to keep the tree from damaging your property. Finally, prune back any branches that are growing too close to power lines. This will help to keep the tree from causing a power outage.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Davidson plums is typically done by seed. However, cuttings from young, healthy plants can also be used. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches and should be about 6 inches long. They should be placed in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until they are rooted. Once rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the ground.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the pot size. They can grow 6-8 inches a year. Rapid growth can be determined by the location, weather, and type of soil. If they are in a pot, they will need to be transplanted to a larger one as they grow. Rapid growth is not always a good thing as it can make the plant unstable.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are fungal diseases such as leaf spot and fruit rot. Bacterial canker can also be a problem. These problems can be controlled by using fungicides and bactericides.

Tips on Growing

  • If you live in an area with very cold winters, it is best to grow Davidson plum in a container so that you can bring it indoors during the colder months.
  • Davidson plum likes full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
  • When planting, make sure to plant the Davidson plum at the same depth it was growing in the pot.
  • Water regularly, but do not overwater. Davidson plum is tolerant of drought conditions.
  • Fertilize Davidson plum once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune Davidson plum after it finishes fruiting.
  • harvesting typically occurs in late summer or early fall.
  • To remove the fruit from the tree, cut the stem holding the fruit.
  • The fruit is ripe when it is soft to the touch and has a deep purple color.
  • Store Davidson plum fruit in a cool, dry place.

Similar Plants

  • Davidson pond
  • Davidson pruning
  • Davidson orchards
  • Davidson orchard is an orchard
  • Davidson road
  • Davidson river
  • Davidson found
  • Davidson ball
  • Davidson church
  • Davidson sea

Source:
Davidson Domains
Davidson Laboratory | Stevens Institute of Technology
Davidson College – In Memoriam – Davidson College Alumni

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category