When to Plant Grumichama in Perth, Mediterranean Guide

Plant now in Mediterranean
What this month normally looks like in Mediterranean

In October the Mediterranean zone normally runs 22°C by day and 10°C overnight, with about 38 mm of rain over 6 or 7 wet days. The coldest October night on record across the zone was -0.2°C, so a late frost is not out of the question. Averages 1991 to 2026, 19 postcodes, SILO.

Jump to section
  1. Planting calendar
  2. How to grow
  3. Local tips and varieties
  4. Pests and problems
  5. Harvesting
  6. Other zones and related crops
  7. Common questions

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This Grumichama guide is written for the Mediterranean zone, which takes in Perth, Adelaide and Bunbury. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Planting window
Sep to Nov
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Soil pH
6.6–7.3

Grumichama, the Brazilian cherry, is a slow growing evergreen tree of 2 to 5 m with glossy leaves and sweet dark cherry like fruit in late spring (Daleys).

Grumichama

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Best Planting Window for Mediterranean

  • Jan -
  • Feb -
  • Mar -
  • Apr -
  • May -
  • Jun -
  • Jul -
  • Aug -
  • Sep P
  • Oct P
  • Nov P
  • Dec -

P = Planting window

You might be able to grow it here under the right conditions. Daleys cannot send the plant to SA or WA, and the reviews from Leschenault WA (chlorosis) and Happy Valley SA (too cold) are mixed. Acid sand suits it better than limestone (Morton). No source gives harvest months here, so none are listed. Plant in spring in acid soil with wind shelter.

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How to Grow Grumichama in Mediterranean Australia

Soil
Fertile, free draining soil with compost and mulch (Daleys). Acid sand suits it better than limestone (Morton).
Salt
Sensitive. Struggles with salty bore water or salty soil. Give it rainwater if you can.
pH Range
6.6-7.3
Sunlight
Full sun to light shade; shelter from wind (Daleys review).
Keep away from
Limestone or alkaline soil (Morton), Windy sites (Daleys review)

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Mediterranean Growing Tips for Grumichama

Recommended Varieties

  • Black grumichama (Daleys)

Key Challenges

  • Plant movement restrictions to SA and WA
  • Alkaline soil chlorosis
  • Cold wet winters

Pro Tips

  • Acid soil and chelated iron
  • Warm sheltered wall

Pests and problems for Grumichama in Mediterranean

Members see each pest score and pest risk alerts for your area. See what members get

Browse the full pest library →

Harvesting Grumichama

When ready: Fruit turns from red to glossy black and softens, about 30 days after flowering (Morton).

How to harvest: Pick by hand daily as fruit blackens; half ripe fruit suits jam and pies (Morton).

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What members get

  • Soil and weather from your nearest station
  • An email when it's time to sow
  • Your own garden plan, including planning from a photo
  • Price history and price alerts
  • Pest risk alerts for your area
  • Full salt and canning detail

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Common Questions About Grumichama

When do you plant grumichama in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

When should I plant Grumichama in Perth?

You might be able to grow it here under the right conditions. Daleys cannot send the plant to SA or WA, and the reviews from Leschenault WA (chlorosis) and Happy Valley SA (too cold) are mixed. Acid sand suits it better than limestone (Morton). No source gives harvest months here, so none are listed. Plant in spring in acid soil with wind shelter.

How do I know when Grumichama are ready to harvest?

Fruit turns from red to glossy black and softens, about 30 days after flowering (Morton).

What are the best Grumichama varieties for Perth?

Recommended varieties for the Mediterranean zone include: Black grumichama (Daleys).

Are grumichama salt tolerant?

No. Grumichama are salt-sensitive, one of the more sensitive veggies. Use rainwater if your bore water is salty, or grow them in a raised bed of fresh mix if your soil is.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box near the top of the page and it tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Mediterranean zone, Perth is its reference city.