When it comes to plums , there is much more to consider beyond the juicy sweetness of this fruit. Plum tree belong to the Rosaceae family, making them relatives of cherries, peaches, and apricots. The scientific name for plums is Prunus domestica. These delicious fruits have a rich history dating back centuries, with origins believed to be in Western Asia. Plums are known for their sweet and slightly tangy flavour, and they come in a variety of colors such as red, purple, yellow, and green.
They are not only tasty but also packed with health benefits. They are high in vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants, which promote overall well-being. They are native to regions like China and Persia but are now grown worldwide in temperate climates. Their peak season is typically late summer to early fall when they can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary creations such as jams, pies, sauces, or simply eaten on their own.In addition to their versatility in cooking and baking recipes, plums can also be dried into prunes or turned into juices and smoothies for a refreshing treat.
Whether you prefer them fresh off the tree or incorporated into your favourite dishes, there’s no denying the appeal of plums as a nutritious and flavorful fruit option for all occasions. Plum skin is not only vibrant in colour but also packed with antioxidants that promote healthy skin and protect against environmental damage.They have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, believed to aid digestion, boost immunity, and even enhance brain function.
TYPES OF PLUM
There are many types of plums, some like to grow in colder climates, some in warmer climates. Some are self fertile, and some need another variety for pollination. Let’s have a look at famous plum varieties:
European Plums(prunus domestica)
European plum varieties thrive in temperate climates with cold winters and moderate summers. These plums bear fruit in mid to late summer and require a chilling period to set fruit. They do best in regions with temperatures between 50-80°F and are generally self-fertile, although planting more than one tree can increase yields.
Japenese Plums (prunus salicina)
On the other hand, Japanese plum varieties prefer warmer climates with mild winters. These plums have a growing season from early to mid-summer and are not self-fertile, requiring cross-pollination from another compatible variety for fruit production. Japanese plums do well in areas with temperatures ranging from 60-90°F, making them ideal for regions with hot summers.
American Hybrid Variety (prunus americana)
American hybrid varieties combine characteristics of both European and Japanese plums. These hybrids have a broad range of growing conditions but generally perform best in areas with warm summers and moderate winters. They are usually self-fertile or partially self-fertile, making them easier to grow compared to traditional Japanese varieties. With their unique attributes, American hybrids offer growers flexibility in choosing the right plum variety for their specific climate requirement.
WHEN AND HOW TO PLANT PLUM TREE
Bare root plum trees are best planted during their dormant period in late winter or early spring before they start to leaf out. This is when the tree can easily establish its root system without the stress of having to support a lot of foliage. Soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting them in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Dig a hole as wide enough to accommodate the spread of the roots without bending them. The depth should be such that when you place the tree in the hole, the graft union sits comfortably above ground level.This graft, where the desired variety is attached to a rootstock, needs to be kept exposed to avoid issues with disease or rot.
Staking a newly planted bare root plum tree may be necessary to provide support against strong winds or heavy rain. Use sturdy stakes and flexible ties to secure the tree without damaging the bark. Monitor the tree as it grows and remove the stakes once it becomes firmly established in its new location, typically after 1-2 years.Bare-root trees are often less expensive and easier to transport, and often recommended due to their fast growth.
You can plant potted plum trees anytime you want. When planting your newly purchased container-grown plum tree, be sure to choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole just slightly larger than the container and the same depth as the root ball. Gently remove the tree from the container and place it in the hole, making sure it sits at the same level as it did in the pot.It’s essential to consider whether your plum tree is self-fertile or if it requires another variety nearby for proper pollination. Some self-fertile varieties can produce fruit on their own, while others will need a compatible partner to ensure a good fruit set.
HOW TO CARE PLUM TREE
Caring for plum trees requires time and effort, but with the right knowledge, it can be manageable. Proper pruning is essential to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. Regularly removing dead or diseased branches helps prevent potential problems and allows for better air circulation within the tree.Let come to know how you can keep them happy.
Sunlight Requirements
They love basking in the sun. They need proper sunlight to ripe the fruits and pruduce abundant harvest. Insufficient light can negatively impact their growth and waste your money and struggle. Always choose a suitable location for planting them. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 of direct sunlight daily.Also, make sure to prevent them from the harsh afternoon sunlight. They can tolerate some shade for a few hours.
Soil Requirements
Like other plants, this plant also likes well-draining soil and does not like to sit in water for a long period. Loamy soil works well that is rich in organic matter. This type of soil allows the roots to receive sufficient oxygen while retaining the moisture needed for optimal growth.Avoid heavy clay soils that can lead to poor drainage and waterlogged conditions, which are detrimental to them . Sandy soils should also be avoided as they drain too quickly and may not retain enough moisture for the tree’s needs. The ideal pH range for plum trees is between 6.0 and 6.5, which provides them with the necessary nutrients while allowing efficient uptake through the roots.
Water Requirements
They also love to drink water to flourish. Most young plants need consistent moisture to develop. They need water on a daily basis in 1 to 2 years.Once the plants become established, you can give them occasional watering. Give them water deeply once a week or when they become completely dry.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Different varieties of plum trees have varying temperature requirements. While most types of plum trees can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, extreme heat above 95°F can stress the tree and impact fruit production. On the other hand, extremely cold temperatures below 10°F can damage the tree and hinder its growth. Remember to choose a variety that is well-suited to the climate and temperature conditions in your region to ensure successful growth and fruit production.
When selecting a variety of plum trees for planting, consider factors such as frost tolerance, chilling requirements, and heat resistance. Some varieties are more adaptable to colder climates and require fewer chilling hours before flowering, while others thrive in warmer regions with higher humidity levels.For example, Japanese plum varieties tend to be less cold-hardy compared to European plum varieties, requiring milder winter temperatures to thrive.
Fertilizer Requirements
They are hungry plants and require regular fertilization to thrive. It is best to fertilize young plum trees once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 mix. This will help promote healthy growth and fruit production. However, refrain from fertilizing plum trees after they have started producing fruit as this can disrupt the natural ripening process.
It’s important to monitor your soil’s nutrient levels before deciding on the type of fertilizer to use for your plum trees. A soil test can provide valuable insights into what nutrients are lacking and help you choose the most suitable fertilizer. Remember that over-fertilizing can be harmful to plum trees, so it’s essential to follow recommended application rates.
Pruning and Thinning
Pruning and thinning are essential to ensure optimal growth and fruit production. Avoid pruning during the winter to prevent stressing the tree when it is dormant. Different varieties of plum trees have varying levels of pruning needs, necessitating a tailored approach for each type. For instance, Japanese plum trees often require more aggressive pruning compared to European varieties due to their vigorous growth habits.Thinning is another crucial aspect of plum tree care, as allowing trees to produce an excessive amount of fruit can lead to branches breaking under the weight. It also helps reduce overcrowding among branches, allowing sufficient sunlight and airflow for fruits to ripen evenly.
HOW TO GROW PLUM FROM SEEDS
It’s important to note that growing plums from seeds can take several years before you see fruit-bearing trees as they go through various stages of growth and maturity. While they will inherit some characteristics from their parent tree, they may not be identical due to genetic variations. Most gardeners prefer to grow them from bare root plants or potted plants. If you want to experience it,follow these steps:
Step 1: To grow plums from seeds, start by collecting fresh plum seeds from ripe fruits.
Step 2: Once you have the seeds, wash off any remaining fruit flesh and let them air dry for a few days.
Step 3: Next, stratify the seeds by placing them in a plastic bag with some damp peat moss or vermiculite, then refrigerate them for 8-12 weeks to simulate winter conditions.
Step 4: After stratification, plant the plum seeds in well-draining soil about 1 inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
How and When to Harvest
Plums are ready for harvest when they reach their mature size and color, which typically takes about 3-5 years after planting. The timing of harvesting can vary based on the variety of plum and growing conditions. However, generally speaking, plums are usually ready to pick in late summer to early fall.The ripening of plums is influenced by a combination of factors including the type of tree (bare root, seed-grown, potted), weather conditions, and soil quality.For instance, plums grown from seeds may take longer to reach maturity compared to those grown as bare root or potted plants.
To determine if plums are ripe for picking, gently squeeze them – if they give slightly and feel soft with a sweet aroma, they are ready. The skin should have turned from green to the fruit’s specific colour. Remember that plums will not continue ripening once picked from the tree.