Numerous types of plums thrive in local areas. However, not every variety is suitable for your orchard. Find out in this article which plums promise successful harvests.

New breeds

Until recently, the plum tree hardly yielded any harvests in regions with heavy Sharka infestations. Hobby gardeners have been benefiting from new crossings for more than 30 years. Today there are around 2,000 different varieties. These belong to 15 species.

The focus is on breeding resilient plums. Settling natural predators proves to be the most effective against various types of pests. Despite species-appropriate care and a sunny location, fruit trees often suffer from Sharka disease.

Sharka virus

  • Transmission by aphids
  • brown, hard spots in the flesh and on the skin
  • only known chemical antidotes
  • negative impact on the entire crop

Furthermore, new breeds produce a bountiful harvest in the first year after planting. The fruits convince with a fruity, sweet taste. Most varieties are self-fertile. When choosing the right plum tree, pay attention to the following characteristics:

fertility

The first choice includes self-fertile plums. These do not require specific neighbors for pollination.

harvest time

It is advisable to grow an early and a late variety. In this way, tasty fruits ripen step by step from July to October.

Felsina and Topive

  • Harvest: from August
  • profitable

Info:

Both types are resilient. Due to low demands on soil and location, they are suitable for the orchard. Felsina and Topfive set fruit in the first or second year of cultivation.

formosa plum

  • Fruits: medium-sized, juicy, sweet and sour
  • Harvest: July to August
  • resistant

Advantage:

The Formos plum offers a rich harvest from the second year of cultivation. Thanks to its easy-care character, it is suitable for all soils and locations.

Yellow Plum (Yellow Marunke)

  • Fruits: round, juicy, yellow
  • Harvest: early September
  • very susceptible to rot in prolonged wet weather
  • tall growing
  • very susceptible to frost

Notice:

For a good yield, this variety needs a nutrient-rich soil as well as a warm summer climate. The plum tree does not thrive in cool areas.

Yellow spill

  • fruits: small, yellowish-green
  • Harvest: mid to late August
  • Variant: clear stem, fruit hedge
  • resistant to disease and pest infestation

Tip:

This variety cannot be stored. After the harvest, the sweet and plump fruits provide a wonderful base for jams. In addition, the shell is easy to remove. This is an advantage for preparing delicious desserts and juices. The yellow spilling withstands longer periods of drought.

Hanita

  • Fruits: up to 45 grams
  • Harvest: early September
  • sharka-tolerant

Advantage:

This variety is suitable for small home gardens as it grows weakly. It matures very well in cool locations and makes no demands on the soil. The self-fertile plum has enriched the fruit trade since 1980. Hanita is suitable for the preparation of various regional specialties. As dried fruit, it can be stored for up to 12 months.

Harbella and Presenta

  • Harvest: September/October
  • well storable
  • self-fertile

Info:

Both varieties start early and have a high yield. Presenta has the longest shelf life. It plays an important role in the fruit trade.

yoyo

  • Fruits: up to 60 grams heavy
  • resistant to Sharka virus

origin

This plum has been commercially available since 1999. It was created from the crossing of Stanley plum and Ortenauer plum. Small specimens with good yields are available in specialist shops. They are suitable as a container plant for the balcony or terrace.

Katinka and Tegera

  • fruits: large
  • low susceptibility to decay
  • sharka-resistant

info

Katinka ripens from the second week of July onwards. It is ideal as table fruit or for baking.

Tophit and Haganta

  • Fruits: up to 80 grams
  • Harvest: mid-September
  • resistant to pest and fungal attack

Notice:

Tophit is characterized by their Sharka tolerance. In contrast, Haganta is not suitable for areas with heavy Sharka infestations.

Japanese plum

Large plums are available at markets. These come primarily from southern regions and have a weak aroma. Popular varieties include Friar. This is not suitable for the home garden.

Digression: Ume (Prunus mume)

This Japanese plum is very popular in Japan. Its flowers appear between January and February. Ume flowers and ume fruits play a special role in Japan. In everyday life and in art, they are a classic symbol of luck or the power to survive. Its sour taste allows for a variety of uses. Ume is also represented in traditional Chinese medicine.

Ontario plum (yellow plum)

  • Fruits: large, juicy plums
  • Flowers: late, frost hardy
  • Harvest: from the beginning of August (in warmer areas)

info

This variety has been on the market since 1847. With regular pruning, the yellow round plum provides lush harvests for many years.

tips and tricks

The delicious relatives of these species include plums, mirabelle plums and greengage. These juicy fruits are suitable for making jams, desserts and fruit cakes. Outwardly, new plum varieties differ less and less from these subgroups.

FT

Category:

Trees