Holly's Homestead — Nut Tree
Macadamia
Macadamia integrifolia · Native to Australia
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 4–7 years to first harvest
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 4–7 years to first harvest
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular, then hardy
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
Spacing
7–10m
Depth
as per pot
01Nut anatomy
A green husk splits open at ripeness to release the true nut: a hard shell protecting the kernel inside. Nuts drop naturally when ready — collect promptly to beat rats and possums to them.
02Planting
Method
Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot; stake young trees against wind.
Soil
Deep, well-drained, slightly acidic. Avoid waterlogged or shallow sites.
Timing
Plant in spring in warm, sheltered spots in subtropical to temperate zones.
03Growing care
- Water deeply for the first 2–3 years while roots establish.
- Feed lightly with a balanced, low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring and autumn.
- Mulch well beyond the drip line to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune only to shape in early years — mature trees need little pruning.
04Problems
- Nut borer — larvae damage developing nuts; collect fallen nuts promptly.
- Rats and possums — favour the nuts; harvest fallen nuts often.
- Husk spot — fungal spotting in humid weather; clear fallen debris.
- Wind damage — brittle young wood; stake and shelter early on.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Nuts drop naturally when ripe, over several weeks in autumn–winter.
Method
Collect fallen nuts from the ground regularly to avoid rot and pests.
Curing
Dry in-husk nuts 3–4 weeks in a warm, airy spot before cracking.
Storage
Shelled kernels keep months airtight in a cool spot, longer frozen.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Native groundcoversWattle (while young)Avoid nearby
Dense underplantingRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial tree, productive for decades.