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Tropiculture is a 20-acre oasis of tropical plants, vegetables, and unique fruits, run by the passionate and ever-knowledgeable Chris Nathaniel. From its inception just after Cyclone Tracy to its current role as a key player in horticulture and tropical fruit development, Tropiculture has grown into a local gem. The farm’s combination of research, innovation, and dedication to sustainability has made it not only a production hub but also a gathering point for foodies, home gardeners, and commercial growers alike.
Chris Nathaniel always knew he had a green thumb, and though life took him in many directions—from radio announcing to running a bookshop—his desire to work with the land persisted. “I’ve always been a bit of a fruit tree hugger,” Chris laughs. After settling on 20 acres just outside of Darwin, Tropiculture Australia was born—a place where Chris could finally immerse himself in his passion for tropical horticulture.
Since its founding, Tropiculture has developed an impressive reputation, supplying retailers across Western Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. With a focus on research and development, Tropiculture is more than just a nursery—it's a hub of agricultural innovation. The farm's specialty? Breeding thorns out of citrus trees. Chris and his team have perfected the art of removing, or reducing the thorns from varieties such as kaffir limes, turning them into more manageable and fruitful crops for both commercial and backyard growers.
One of Tropiculture’s crowning achievements has been the Nathaniel clone—a thornless kaffir lime tree that has made its way around the world, thriving in commercial and domestic settings. “The citrus industry named that one after me,” Chris explains, noting the pride he feels in seeing this locally developed variety flourish globally.
A Destination for Foodies and Chefs
Tropiculture’s success isn’t just measured by its exports—it’s a local favourite too. The farm opens to the public every Saturday morning, attracting locals and tourists alike who are eager to explore the farm’s verdant orchards and pick up fresh produce.
Over the years, the farm has hosted some of Australia’s most beloved chefs, from Adam Liaw of Destination Flavour to Paul Mercurio and the teams from Gardening Australia and Landline. These visits have helped shine a spotlight on the incredible variety and quality of produce grown right here in the Northern Territory.
From tropical avocados that rival the famed Hass variety to 40 different types of citrus, the diversity of crops at Tropiculture is astounding. Chris boasts of his tropical avocados, which he believes have a superior flavour to the more common Hass variety. With seven varieties in production and even more waiting to be released, these avocados offer a unique opportunity for local growers and backyard enthusiasts alike. “We’ve had two tasting sessions in the last two years, and people have raved about the flavour,” Chris says, noting that the farm’s avocados are especially prized during the months when interstate supplies run short. The goal now? To find a commercial grower who will bring these locally bred tropical avocados to a broader market.
A Thriving Nursery and More
Though Tropiculture is a production nursery focused on supplying commercial growers and retailers, it also serves the needs of locals looking to cultivate their own food. With over 400 varieties of plants, including 27 types of mangoes, 27 varieties of bananas, and countless citrus and leafy greens, it’s a haven for those eager to grow their own tropical bounty.
For anyone looking to start their own home garden, Tropiculture offers valuable advice and resources. Chris emphasises the importance of good soil and proper preparation: "Start with a raised bed and high-quality soil,” he advises. “It’s absolutely no good buying cheap soil—you need clean, virus-free, organic matter to give your plants the best start.” He encourages locals to begin preparing their beds well in advance of planting season, particularly for crops like tomatoes, which thrive in the Territory’s dry season.
During the wet season, crops like okra, aubergines (eggplant), and snake beans flourish. Despite their often overlooked status, these vegetables are highly nutritious and incredibly easy to grow. Chris has demonstrated cooking with these vegetables at local shows, and his simple yet flavourful recipes, like lightly blanched snake beans with browned onion, bacon, olive oil, and a splash of lime.
Unusual and Exciting Varieties
Perhaps one of the most intriguing plants grown at Tropiculture is the peanut butter berry. As its name suggests, this small shrub produces red berries with a taste remarkably similar to peanut butter. It’s one of the many unique fruits that visitors to the farm can discover, and a testament to the diverse and exciting world of tropical agriculture.
In addition to this, Tropiculture has also worked on developing the Northern Territory Bush Lemon, a variety with reduced thorns, smaller size, and exceptional zest in both the skin and juice. Chris describes it as the perfect lemon for culinary use, offering vibrant acidity and a flavour profile that's ideal for adding brightness to dishes.
Growing Your Own at Home
For those inspired to start their own food gardens, Chris and the team at Tropiculture are always ready to help. Visitors can stop by the farm on Saturday mornings to chat with the knowledgeable staff, browse the nursery, and pick up plants that will thrive in the Territory’s climate. From bok choy and lettuce to more exotic offerings like kohlrabi, the farm provides a wide variety of options for local gardeners. Many of the plants can be grown year-round, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, homegrown produce.
“People are always complaining about the cost of fruit and veg,” says Chris. “But for six to eight months of the year, you can grow your own.” With the right knowledge and a little bit of effort, anyone in the Northern Territory can turn their backyard into a thriving food garden—and Tropiculture is here to help them every step of the way.
Visit Tropiculture
Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting out, Tropiculture offers an incredible array of plants, advice, and inspiration for anyone interested in tropical gardening. Stop by on a Saturday morning, chat with Chris and his team, and discover the joy of growing your own tropical fruits and vegetables in the Northern Territory.
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Thank you to the NTG and Arts NT Mentoring Grants for supporting us to make this podcast a reality. And, a massive shout out to Brent Watkinson: Entertainment and events consultant, Comedian, MC, Radio & Podcast host, Owner operator of Sounds Familiar NT and Fruit Bat Entertainment Integrated Account Manager at kwpx - for mentoring me.
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