Getting the planting of plum trees right is crucial for a healthy tree that bears delightful fruit.
With their juicy sweetness, plums shine both fresh and in desserts. This flexibility makes them a fantastic choice for any backyard project, particularly for novice gardeners.
According to gardening expert Leigh Clapp, 'Plums are easy to cultivate and are compact, yielding abundant fruit.' Including them in your kitchen garden plans is a must.
Investing in quality trees from a trusted nursery is key. Remember, one tree might not suffice, depending on the variety.
'Most plum trees require cross-pollination, so planting at least two is advisable,' notes Pete Smith, an arborist and urban forestry program director.
Steps for Planting Plum Trees
If you're familiar with planting other fruit trees, you'll find the process for plum trees to be quite similar.
- Begin by taking the plum tree out of its container, loosening the roots' outer soil. 'Measure the root ball, then dig a hole matching its height and at least twice as wide,' suggests Lisa Tadewaldt from Urban Forest Pro. This helps the roots settle without struggling through compacted soil.
- Consider mixing compost into the hole before planting, but do so sparingly and blend it with the surrounding soil. Too much compost can cause roots to stay confined and lead to instability later on.
- Use a stake to support your plum tree as it grows. The stake should rise about a third of the tree's height and can be secured with a flexible tie. 'Strong winds can loosen roots, preventing them from absorbing necessary nutrients,' explains Clive Harris, founder of DIY Garden.
- Fill in the hole with soil and compact it to eliminate air pockets.
- Water your newly planted tree thoroughly to help it settle in.
Growing Plum Trees from Seeds
You can even grow a plum tree from its pit. Here's how:
- Remove all fruit pulp from the pit by nibbling, scrubbing, and washing it.
- Wrap the clean pit in damp paper towel and place it in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge for four to eight weeks.
- Check after four weeks for sprouting; if none, wait another week and check again.
- Once sprouted, plant it 2 inches deep in a well-drained pot with moist compost, keeping it watered in sunlight.
- After the last frost, transplant it outside in a hole twice as large as the pot.
- Feed it in spring and late summer.
Timing for Planting Plum Trees
Potted plum trees can be planted nearly year-round, but bare-root varieties are best planted from fall to spring.
Opting for bare-root trees is often more economical and they typically grow stronger.
Choose a dry day for planting—'the soil should be damp but not frozen,' advises Harris.
Optimal Location for Plum Trees
'Plum trees thrive in warm, frost-free environments with well-drained, moisture-retentive soil,' states Clapp.
Shield them from harsh weather; they do well in sheltered areas, according to Smith.
These trees require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting against a sunny wall or fence can help, allowing for fan or cordon shapes.
Test your soil to ensure it supports plum growth. While they tolerate various soils, they ideally prefer slightly acidic, moisture-retaining soil.
Caring for Plum Trees
'Consistent watering, adequate sunlight, and pest protection are vital for plum tree health,' warns Smith.
Watch for pests like plum moth and spotted wing drosophila—remove any affected fruit immediately.
Keep the soil consistently moist, watering daily for the first month to establish your trees.
'In spring, feed, top-dress, and mulch your plum trees, and prune lightly at the end of July if necessary,' Clapp adds.
'Thin young fruit to prevent branches from becoming overloaded. Harvest plums with the stem attached before they fully ripen to extend storage time.'
Best Varieties of Plum Trees
'Plum varieties are divided into those for cooking and eating; cooking varieties are excellent for jams and jellies,' shares Holly Farrell, author of The Jam Maker's Garden. These are further categorized by whether the stone separates easily or not.
'Marjorie's Seedling is a top choice for late-season eating and cooking, and it's self-fertile,' Clapp notes. Different varieties can produce fruit from July to September.
Victoria is another favorite—easy to grow and ideal for both eating and cooking, with self-fertility.
Other recommended options are Stanley, Czar, Opal, and Avalon.
Choosing the right rootstock is also crucial as it determines the tree's final size and growth pattern.
Pixy is a great dwarf option for smaller gardens. St Julien 'A' grows vigorously, up to 15 feet, and yields plentiful crops while being compatible with other varieties. Choose this if space permits.
Do I Need Two Plum Trees to Bear Fruit?
To produce fruit, you might need two plum trees since many aren't completely self-fertile. While some varieties can yield some fruit alone, they won't produce abundantly.
It's essential to select compatible partner trees, including other plum types, gages, and damsons.
If your garden is small and you can only plant one, opt for a reliable self-fertile variety like Marjorie's Seedling.
How Long Until a Plum Tree Bears Fruit?
The time it takes for a plum tree to yield fruit varies by variety, rootstock, and the tree's age at planting.
Typically, you can expect some fruit within three years, with full production occurring after five years,' says Clapp.
