- Avoid steep shoots, promote fruit shoots
- refinement as a cause
- Too much fertilizer
- Emergency solution: fruit belt
- tips and tricks
If the thriving fruit tree does not produce any flowers, various causes can be the trigger. We explain which steps lead to the magnificent blooms.
Avoid steep shoots, promote fruit shoots
Young plum trees often form steep shoots. These form a magnificent foliage, but there are no flowers. You have the opportunity to support the tree by gently spreading it.
That's how it's done:
- Early autumn: remove steep shoots
- Side shoots take an angle of about 45 degrees
With this method, the assimilates remain in the branch area. The plum tree begins to develop flowers and fruits.
refinement as a cause
finishing point
The position of the grafting point plays an important role in the formation of fruit buds. If this is covered with soil, it prevents flowering.
rule of thumb:
There must be a distance of at least 10 centimeters between the ground and the grafting point.
document
Various underlays are used for finishing. Depending on the tree species, some plum trees take between 4 and 8 years before they bloom for the first time.
- Seedling-propagated rootstocks: 6 to 8 years
- weak rootstocks: 5 to 6 years
Too much fertilizer
During the first years, young plums do not need any fertilizer. Root formation works best in nutrient-poor soil. The tree's broad network of roots is as broad as the crown. For this reason, make sure you have a clear tree grate with protective grass mulch.
Unfavorable neighbors:
- bark mulch
- flower bulbs
- shrubs
- perennials
Emergency solution: fruit belt
If these measures do not bring about any improvement, a fruit belt has proven its worth. For this purpose, in March, fasten a wire around the tree trunk. To prevent this from growing in, a strip of rubber, sheet metal or foam between the bark and the wire is suitable.
The belt remains on the plum tree until autumn. By this time, numerous flower buds are usually formed for the following growing season.
Notice:
This method can cause long-term damage to the tree. Consequences become apparent after about 15 to 20 years. The plum tree must be completely removed from the garden.
tips and tricks
There are plum trees that do not produce any fruit despite lush flowering. Unsuitable tree neighbors are the cause. Planting two different plum varieties next to each other can help.
FT