Grow a blue sausage tree, Decaisnea fargesii, this year for bright blue edible fruits.
After finding a long list of resolutions from last year that I certainly didn’t remember, let alone keep, for very long at all, I’ve settled on just one very simple resolution this year. I am growing a blue sausage tree. Oh yes, they exist.
Image by Peacock Modern.
They not only exist, they’re also edible. Yes, that’s right, you can eat blue sausages.
Image by Goose2222
Apparently, the flesh tastes rather like a lychee crossed with a watermelon that’s just bumped into a fig.
I’m getting this for the allotment, where I’ll need to keep a bit of an eye on its height, as Decaisnea fargesii eventually reaches 2 metres if left unchecked, and we have height restrictions on our allotment site. I’ve got a sunny, open plot, and it’s in full sun that sausage trees produce the best crops, but they are also more than happy in part shade, too.
The most important thing is to dig a big planting hole and fill it with well-rotted manure, along with some chicken manure pellets. I’d also, as with all trees, recommend that you get your hands on some Symbio mychorrhizal fungi to scatter over the roots (here’s a guide to that) to create a large network of rootlike fungi which will feed your tree. And during the growing season, feed the tree at the base with comfrey tea, too, to encourage the best harvest.
10% off at Victoriana Nurseries
Anyone visiting Victoriana from F&F will automatically get a discount on their order. Click the link above.
Latest on gardengrab
Lita Sollisch
My daughter lives in Florida Zone 8 (US). I think the sausage tree would love the sun and warm temps. Where can I purchase seeds?
Lynne
Wow, that sausage looks amazing. I would grow it just to take pics of – it’s so unusual. Is it easy to get hold of? I would love to try it in my allotment and it would look great with the riot of nasturtiums that self seed on my plot.
Vanessa
I have some of these for sale if anyone is struggling to find them in the uk. They’re amazing plants! They are £5.25 for a 2 year old plant (plus p&p at 5.65). Just email me: vlochrie@aol.co.uk
Vanessa
I have some of these for sale if anyone is struggling to find them in the uk. They are £5.25 for a 2 year old plant (plus p&p at 5.65). Just email me: vlochrie@aol.co.uk