When to Plant Fruit Trees in Australia

It depends on your climate zone. For most of Australia (subtropical and temperate), September to November (spring) is the best window for tropical and subtropical fruits. For deciduous fruits (apples, pears, plums, peaches), the bare-root season in June-August is ideal and often the most affordable time to buy. In tropical areas (Far North QLD, NT, Kimberley), trees can be planted year-round but establishment is easiest at the start of the dry season (April-May) or early wet (October-November).

Bare-root season runs roughly June to early August, peaking in July. Deciduous trees (apples, pears, cherries, plums, peaches, grapes, and others) go fully dormant in winter and can be dug up and shipped without soil. Bare-root trees are usually cheaper than container-grown stock and establish quickly because there is no transplant shock from disturbed roots. Order early as popular varieties sell out. Most online nurseries start shipping in late June.

It is possible but not recommended for most species. Summer heat stresses newly planted trees that have not yet established a strong root system. If you must plant in summer, water deeply every 2-3 days and mulch heavily. Avoid planting during heatwaves. Container-grown tropical trees (bananas, papayas, mangoes) are more tolerant of warm-season planting than deciduous or subtropical species.

Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, mandarins, grapefruit) can be planted year-round in most Australian climates, but spring (September-November) and autumn (March-April) are preferred. Spring planting lets the tree establish through summer before cooler weather; autumn planting in warmer climates reduces summer stress. Avoid winter planting in cold-climate areas as citrus is frost-sensitive when young.

Avocados are best planted in spring (September-November) when soil temperatures are rising and frost risk has passed. They dislike waterlogged soil, so plant in a raised bed or mound if drainage is poor. In tropical climates they can go in year-round. In cold-climate areas, plant in spring only and protect from frost for the first two winters.

Mangoes are best planted in spring (September-November) in subtropical areas (SE QLD, coastal WA, coastal NSW). In tropical areas (Darwin, Cairns, Broome), the start of the wet season (October-November) works well. Mangoes cannot tolerate frost. Do not plant in winter or autumn in temperate climates without adequate frost protection. Most online nurseries stock mangoes in spring; WA buyers should check nurseries that ship to WA as quarantine restrictions apply.

treestock.com.au tracks stock across 19 Australian nurseries daily. Search by species or browse all in-stock trees. The beginner's guide covers each nursery, their shipping policies, and what they specialise in. You can also subscribe to daily alerts and be notified when a specific variety comes back into stock.