The Seasonality of Truffle Farming in Australia

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A harvest four years in the making

This year is pretty special because it will be our first ever winter truffle season.

That doesn’t mean we decided last spring that we were going to start out on our truffle adventure. No, there’s been a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to the first winter harvest. Four years, in fact.

Since 2016, we’ve been planting, staking, weeding, furrowing and more, but we’ll save the details of that for another instalment.

With winter fast approaching, the mood on the farm is one of excitement as we watch and wait for the mercury to drop. Lucy, our beloved Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, is training twice a day to ensure that when harvest time starts, she’s ready for the hunt.

Just a few weeks ago, we had a very positive early sign when removing the weed mats from the first of our 1,150 oak trees: we unintentionally discovered a truffle! Our very first homegrown truffle.

Is it mature? No. Should we have covered it over and left it? Probably. Were we speechless? Absolutely.

But we were so excited by our accidental find that we’ve decided to make a bronze cast of it and keep it as a trophy! It’s left us all feeling extremely hopeful about what the colder months will bring.

Why winter is truffle season in Australia

Truffles ripen during the cold of winter and, as they mature, they release a distinct odour, making them easier to find.

Harvesting them too early means they won’t have developed their full flavour yet, so patience is definitely a virtue in the world of truffle farming.

In fact, we love that truffles can only be found within a very limited time frame. It adds something to the mystique of it all and makes the discoveries all the more special.

Truffle farming through the seasons

That said, the other seasons keep us busy on the farm too. Spring and autumn are all about pruning the trees and staking where necessary. The winds can get high in Flinders, so this is important to keep our trees in place and, hopefully, still supporting their truffles!

Summer is when we focus on weed control and irrigation if temperatures soar. So, there’s always something to do!

With winter just around the corner, we’re under no illusion that our first harvest is going to be both hard work and a learning journey for us all, Lucy too.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on our progress!
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FAQs about truffle farming

What is truffle farming?

Truffle farming is the cultivation of truffles in a carefully managed orchard, where they grow underground in association with the roots of suitable trees. It requires years of planting, soil care and seasonal farm work before the first harvest.

When is truffle season in Australia?

Australian black truffle season takes place during winter, generally from June to August.

Can truffles be farmed?

Yes. Black truffles can be cultivated in managed orchards, but they take time to establish and require ongoing care across every season.

What happens on a truffle farm outside winter?

Spring and autumn involve pruning and staking, while summer focuses on weed control and irrigation. This year-round work supports the trees, soil and future truffle harvest.

Why are truffles harvested in winter?

Truffles mature during the colder months and develop the distinctive aroma that trained dogs use to locate them. Harvesting too early means they may not have reached their full flavour.

Can visitors experience truffle season?

Yes. During winter, visitors can book a truffle hunt at Flinders Truffles and experience the orchard, the dogs and the seasonal harvest.

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