The plum tree is a favorite tree of
all. Almost every home has a plum tree because everyone is fond of
plums. This tree does not need much care to grow. Usually, plum trees
bloom in spring and bear delicious and juicy plums in summer. If you wish, you
can plant a plum tree at your home easily. Today, in this article, I will teach
you everything you need to know to grow a plum tree. So let's know the easy way
to grow a plum tree at home.
Plum Tree
Plum Tree
Varieties
Before growing a plum tree, you must select
a good variety of plums. Usually, there are many varieties of plums. Some of
the popular varieties are Japanese Plums, European Plums, and American Plums.
Among the varieties, choose a variety suitable for your region.
Best Time to Plant a Plum Tree
The best time to plant a plum tree is
early spring or late winter. But it is better to plant a plum tree before the
warmth of summer.
How to Plant Plum Tree
1. Selecting a Sunny Spot
Plum trees need at least 6 hours of
sunlight daily. So, select a sunny spot to plant them.
2. Preparing Soil
Well-drained and acidic soil is needed to
grow plum trees. So, mix compost and cow dung with the soil to make suitable
soil.
3. Planting
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root
ball. Keep the root ball in the hole. Then fill the hole properly with
soil. Finally, water well at the base of the plant.
Caring for the Plum Tree
Watering
Water the plum plant daily in the dry
season. But do not overwater because it can cause root rot.
Fertilizing
Apply organic or chemical fertilizer to
your plum tree once a year in early spring. But do not over-fertilize because
it can increase leaf instead of natural fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning is very necessary for the
development of any plant. So, prune your plum tree in late winter or early
spring. Cut down dead or dry branches for good air circulation and sunlight.
Controlling Pests and Diseases
Pests
Aphids and plum curculio are the
two main enemies of the plums. Aphids are small insects that live
on leaves. They cause them to curl. So, spray insecticidal soap once a week on
the plants. And, plum curculio is a beetle that lays eggs in the fruit
and causes it to drop prematurely. Kill the beetles by hand or use natural
insecticides to kill them.
Diseases
Brown rot and black knot are the two main
diseases of plums. Brown rot is a fungal disease that affects the
fruit. So, prune infected branches. And, do not wet the leaves while watering.
On the other hand, black knot means black swellings on branches. It can
weaken the tree. So, remove infected branches and burn them to prevent spread.
Harvesting Plums
Usually, plums are ready to harvest in the
middle of late summer. The best way to know if they are ripe is to press them
gently. If they are soft, they are ripe. If they are very soft or mushy, they
are over-ripe.
Storing Plums
To eat plums fresh, store them in the
refrigerator. They last for up to two weeks. If you have many fruits, freeze
them to enjoy year-round.
Read More
FAQ
1: How long does it take for a plum tree to bear fruit?
It takes 3-6 years for a plum tree to bear
fruit. But the appropriate time depends on the variety and growing conditions.
2: Can I grow a plum tree from a seed?
Yes, you can grow a plum tree from a seed.
But it is a lengthy process. If you grow a plum tree from a seed, you will
get fruit after many years rather than 3-6 years. So, it is better to plant a
grafted plum plant to get plums faster.
3: Why isn’t my plum tree producing fruit?
Your plum tree is not producing fruit
because of poor pollination, inadequate sunlight, or insufficient pruning. In
this case, you should plant at least 2 plum trees side by side to improve
pollination.
In conclusion, plums are a very nutritious
fruit, and plum trees are an excellent addition to any garden. With the proper
care, you can grow a plum tree or more in your home garden. If you plant
two or three plum trees at your home, you will be able to enjoy the delicious
super plum fruit from your garden. Your plum trees will give you not only juicy
fruit but also mental satisfaction. However, if you are a beginner gardener,
follow my tips to grow a healthy plum tree.
Do you want to grow a plum tree in your
home garden? If you want, collect a grafted plum tree from the nursery and
plant it today. After 3-6 years, you will be able to enjoy the delicious and
home-grown plum fruit from your garden. If you have any questions, share them
in the comment box below.
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