Japanese Plums are large, usually conical or oblong shaped fruits typically coloured with orange-red or golden-yellow. Their flesh is usually yellow, golden or red, firm in texture and juicy. They blossom early and are more vulnerable to cold than their european counterparts.
Exposure / Light:
Japanese plums should be planted in the full sun. Avoid planting in low-lying areas or frost pockets.
Moisture / Soil:
Plant Japanese Plums in moist, but well drained soils. Avoid wet areas or locations with poor drainage. Shelter Japanese Plums from the cold and wind as they are not as hardy as European Plums.
Fertilizing
Apply Arts GardenPro Fruit Tree and Berry Food in the early spring.
Japanese Plum Pollination
Japanese Plums require a pollinator in order to produce fruit. As they bloom earlier than European Plums, these two types can not be used to pollinate each other. Plant more than one Japanese Plum in the area to ensure pollination
Fruit Thinning
It may be necessary to thin Japanese Plums in order to improve overall fruit quality. Remove excess fruit from the tree while the fruits are juvenile.
Harvesting Japanese Plums
Fruits should be allowed to ripen on the tree. When they are fully coloured they will be ready to pick. ripe fruit whould be soft and easy to pull off the tree.
Pruning Japanese Plums
These trees tend to be more vigorous, open and spreading in form and can be pruned more agressively than European varieties. Unlike other fruit trees, they are not pruned when dormant. Instead, prune in early spring and then thin out excess branches again in summer. Plums are formed on two year old fruit so prune to create a balance of old and new wood.
Winter Care
Protect your Japanese Plum tree from insects and disease by spraying a combination of Lime Sulphur and Dormant Oil in late winter. A coppery spray in summer is also beneficial. In early spring, protect blossoms from frost.
For More Information:
For more information about Japanese Plums, visit us at Arts Nursery Ltd or call 604.882.1201. We carry a small selection of Japanese Plums but special orders can usually be accomodated given enough lead time.