Prunus domestica has been highly regarded in Europe for centuries. Its fruits impress with a juicy, fruity consistency. With the right choice of location, you can plant a low-maintenance, long-lasting fruit tree. We reveal the most important tricks.

Watering tips

Small trees need plenty of water. Their roots store little liquid. For this reason, they should never dry out. The use of rainwater is recommended. During summer dry periods, regular watering supports the development of older plum trees.

Transplanting: yes, but right!

Young plum trees change their location without difficulty. It should be noted that the entire root ball is carried along. In addition, damaged roots must be removed. Choose a sunny and sheltered location. In early spring, as soon as the ground is frost-free, a sapling can be planted. Alternatively, late autumn is suitable.

Tip:

The root ball is as big as the tree crown.

Frosty alternative:

If you have missed the planting time, this can be made up for in winter. For transplanting during freezing temperatures you will need the following things:

  • Garden soil: store in the basement from autumn.
  • Dig out the root ball in late autumn.
  • Dig trench around root ball, fill generously with leaves or hay.
  • Change of location: as soon as the ground is frozen

The right pruning at the right time

The easy-care plum trees require regular pruning. A slight pruning every one to two years supports the development of fruit shoots. Note that the shoots bear fruit for a maximum of four to five years. After that, they only form leaves or dry up.

The following measures are important:

  • Thin out the inside of the tree crown
  • remove dead branches
  • natural crown shape: round to oval
  • Lateral leaders: remove about a third of the length

rule of thumb:

Do not cut radically, but piece by piece at regular intervals. From the third year of planting start with the constant pruning.

How susceptible are plums?

Basically, the Prunus domestica is considered resistant. It is worth checking young shoots, leaves and plums for the following characteristics at regular intervals:

  • fungal plaque
  • nets
  • food marks
  • Discolouration (-for example: red, yellow, blue)
  • Deformations, primarily in fruits
  • diseased spots (holes in the leaves)

The appearance of these details can be a sign of disease or pest infestation. Proper care and a good location prevent this, but are not considered 100% protection.

When and how often to fertilize?

Once a year, natural fertilizer supports development. Compost, manure or special liquid fertilizers for fruit trees are suitable.

Which measures support overwintering?

The easy-care plum tree survives European winters well. In very cool locations, using garden fleece can protect against frost damage.

tips and tricks

Self-fruiting plum varieties are preferable. In this way, planting a tree is enough. Otherwise, at least two copies are required.

FT

Category:

Trees