Quandong Tree

Breaking Dormancy 

Quandong seeds have an extremely hard outer shell.

To improve germination, try one of these methods

• Crack the shell using a bench vice to slowly compress the seed until it cracks, exposing the kernel.
• Soak seeds in water for 24 hours, then place in sunlight on moist potting mix. 
• Use a hacksaw to carefully cut through the shell until the white embryo is visible. 

Germination 

Germination Medium:

• Place seeds in a sealed plastic bag with sterile, moist vermiculite, perlite, or peat moss.
• Maintain a temperature of 17–22°C. 

Germination Timeline:

• Cracked seeds will germinate in 3–8 weeks. 
• Untreated seeds may take 1–2 years. 

Alternative Method – Germinating Pit:

• Create a pit filled with leaf litter from nitrogen fixing plants (e.g., acacias or sheoaks).
• Keep damp and dark with wet newspaper and shade cloth.
• Composting worms can help prevent mould. 

Seedling Care 

Host Plant Requirement:

• Quandongs are hemi parasitic and require a host plant for nutrients.
• Ideal hosts include: 
  • Legumes: Acacias, lucerne, or clover. 
  • Grasses: Native tussock grasses or couch grass. 

Plant seedlings in the same pot as the host or directly near established hosts (1–2 meters from roots). 

Potting Mix:

• Use low phosphate, well draining soil such as sand, perlite, or peat moss.
• Avoid rich compost. 

 Deep pots are recommended for vigorous root growth. 

Light & Water 

• Provide full sun once established. 
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during early growth. 

Planting Out 

Timing:

• Transplant seedlings when 15 – 30 cm tall in spring or autumn. 

Site Selection:

• Choose well draining, sandy soil in arid or semi arid zones.
• Avoid frost prone areas. 
• Ensure host plants are established 1 year prior. 

Protection:

• Use tree guards for 2+ years to shield from wind, frost, and pests. 

Long Term Care 

Watering:

• Water sparingly once attached to a host.
• Mature trees are drought tolerant. 

Fertilisation:

• Avoid high phosphorus fertilisers.
• Use slow release, low phosphate options if needed. 

Pruning:

• Minimal pruning required.
• Remove dead branches to maintain airflow. 

Pest & Disease Management:

• Fungal infections: Improve drainage and avoid overwatering. 
• Pests: Monitor for scale insects and quandong moths. Use organic treatments like neem oil. 

Harvesting 

• Fruits ripen in spring.
• Harvest when bright red and glossy. 
• Use fresh fruit for jams, chutneys, or dehydrate for storage. 

Seed Saving

Collection Timing:

• Collect seeds from ripe fruits immediately after they drop.
• Delayed harvesting risks seed loss to wildlife.

Cleaning & Drying:

• Remove flesh from fruits and rinse seeds in a bleach-water solution (1:9 ratio) to sterilise.
• Air-dry seeds on a paper towel for 1–2 weeks in a shaded, ventilated area.

Storage:

• Store seeds in airtight containers with silica gel or raw rice to absorb moisture.
• Label containers with the collection date.
• Seeds remain viable for 3 – 5 years in cool, 5 – 10°C, dark conditions.