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Introduction to Plum Trees
European and Japanese plum trees are two popular types of fruit-bearing trees that belong to the Prunus genus. While they share similarities in terms of fruit production and growth habits, there are distinct differences between the two.
European plum trees, scientifically known as Prunus domestica, are native to Europe and have been cultivated for centuries. They are known for their delicious, juicy fruits that come in a variety of colors, including purple, red, yellow, and green. European plums have a sweet and tart flavor, making them perfect for eating fresh, baking, or preserving.
On the other hand, Japanese plum trees, scientifically known as Prunus salicina, originated in China and were later introduced to Japan. They have become widely cultivated in many regions around the world. Japanese plums are known for their larger size and a wide range of colors, including red, yellow, and black. They have a sweet and juicy flesh, making them a popular choice for fresh eating and canning.
In terms of growth habits, European plum trees tend to have a more upright and spreading form, while Japanese plum trees often have a more rounded and compact shape. Both types of trees produce beautiful blossoms in the spring, adding ornamental value to the landscape.
When it comes to pollination, European plum trees are often self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without cross-pollination. However, cross-pollination with another European plum variety can increase fruit set and yield. On the other hand, Japanese plum trees are not self-fertile and require cross-pollination with another compatible variety to produce fruit successfully.
Types of Plums
European Plums
European plums, also known as Prunus domestica, are a delightful and versatile fruit that has been enjoyed for centuries. These plums are native to Europe and have become popular worldwide for their delicious taste, vibrant colors, and various culinary uses. Whether eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, jellies, and baked goods, European plums offer a burst of sweet and tangy flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Japanese Plums
Japanese plums, scientifically known as Prunus salicina, are a delectable and highly prized fruit that originated in China but gained popularity in Japan. These plums are known for their juicy flesh, vibrant colors, and sweet-tart flavor. Japanese plums come in a wide range of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and taste profiles. Whether enjoyed fresh, used in cooking, or preserved as jams and preserves, Japanese plums offer a delightful culinary experience.
Planting Location
Plant plum trees in a location with full sun. This is a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A moist, but well drained soil is preferred
Plum Fertilizing
For new plantings, use bonemeal or myke in the planting hole. You can also apply a liquid transplant fertilizer when watering for added root growth and development. For established trees, apply a fruit tree and berry food in early spring before new growth begins.
Plum Pollination
European Plum Pollination
European plum trees, scientifically known as Prunus domestica, have specific pollination requirements to produce fruit. While some European plum varieties are self-fertile and can produce fruit without cross-pollination, many varieties benefit from cross-pollination to ensure better fruit set and yield.
European plum trees have both male and female reproductive organs in separate flowers on the same tree. The male flowers contain stamens that produce pollen, while the female flowers contain pistils that receive the pollen for fertilization.
To ensure successful pollination, it is ideal to have at least two different European plum tree varieties that bloom at the same time and are compatible for cross-pollination. The timing of bloom is crucial because the flowers need to be open and receptive to pollen simultaneously.
Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, play a vital role in transferring pollen between the flowers of European plum trees. These insects are attracted to the flowers by their scent and nectar. As they move from flower to flower, they inadvertently carry pollen from the stamens of one tree to the pistils of another tree, facilitating pollination.
European plums can produce some fruit on their own. However, planting another compatible European plum variety nearby can still enhance pollination and increase fruit set.
It's important to select European plum tree varieties that are known to be compatible for cross-pollination. Some popular European plum tree varieties include 'Stanley,' 'Italian Prune,' 'Blue Damson,' and 'President.' These varieties are often recommended for planting together to ensure successful pollination.
Japanese Plum Pollination
Japanese plum trees, scientifically known as Prunus salicina, have specific pollination requirements to produce fruit. They are not self-pollinating and require cross-pollination with another compatible plum tree variety to set fruit successfully.
Japanese plum trees have both male and female reproductive organs in separate flowers on the same tree. The male flowers contain stamens that produce pollen, while the female flowers contain pistils that receive the pollen for fertilization.
To ensure proper pollination and fruit set, it is essential to have at least two different Japanese plum tree varieties that bloom at the same time and are compatible for cross-pollination. The timing of bloom is crucial because the flowers need to be open and receptive to pollen simultaneously.
Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, play a vital role in transferring pollen between the flowers of Japanese plum trees. These insects are attracted to the flowers by their scent and nectar. As they move from flower to flower, they inadvertently carry pollen from the stamens of one tree to the pistils of another tree, facilitating pollination.
It's important to select plum tree varieties that are known to be compatible for cross-pollination. Some popular Japanese plum tree varieties include 'Santa Rosa,' 'Burbank,' 'Shiro,' and 'Beauty.' These varieties are often recommended for planting together to ensure successful pollination.
Plum Pruning
Pruning plum trees is an important task to maintain their health, shape, and productivity. Here are some general guidelines to help you prune your plum trees:
Timing: Prune your plum trees during late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This dormant period allows the tree to heal quickly and minimizes the risk of disease transmission.
Remove dead or diseased wood: Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Cut them back to healthy wood, making clean cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk).Thin out crowded branches: Look for branches that are crossing, rubbing against each other, or growing towards the center of the tree. Choose the weaker or less desirable branch and remove it completely. This helps improve air circulation and sunlight penetration throughout the tree.
Maintain an open center: Plum trees naturally have an open center or vase shape. Remove any branches growing towards the center of the tree to maintain this shape. This allows sunlight to reach all parts of the tree and promotes fruit production.
Prune for size control: If your plum tree is getting too large or tall, you can prune back the branches to control its size. However, avoid removing more than one-third of the tree's total growth in a single year to prevent stress.
Remove water sprouts and suckers: Water sprouts are vigorous, vertical shoots that grow straight up from the branches, while suckers are shoots that grow from the base of the tree. Remove these as they can divert energy from fruit production.
Prune for fruit production: To encourage fruiting, thin out excess fruiting wood. Remove any branches that are overcrowded or weak, as they may not produce good-quality fruit. Aim for a balance between fruiting wood and vegetative growth.
Remember to use clean and sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts. It's also a good idea to consult specific pruning guidelines for your plum tree variety, as different varieties may have slightly different requirements.
Plum Care & Maintenance
Apply a dormant oil and lime sulphur spray in late winter to smother over-wintering insects and to help prevent disease. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree in fall. Leave several inches around the trunk empty of mulch
Common European Plum Varieties
Stanley: Stanley is a widely grown European plum variety known for its deep purple skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It is a versatile plum that is excellent for fresh eating, baking, and canning. The fruit is medium-sized and has a rich flavor.
Italian Prune: Also known as the "Empress" plum, the Italian Prune is a popular European plum variety with a distinctive oblong shape. It has a dark purple skin and sweet, richly flavored flesh. Italian Prunes are often used for drying, making prunes, and baking.
Blue Damson: Blue Damson is a small European plum variety with a vibrant blue skin and tart flesh. It is commonly used for making jams, jellies, and preserves. The fruit has a unique flavor that is both tangy and sweet.
Reine Claude - Green Gage: Reine Claude, also known as the "Green Gage," is a classic European plum variety with a greenish-yellow skin and sweet, tender flesh. It is highly regarded for its exceptional flavor and is often enjoyed fresh or used in desserts and preserves.
Common Japanese Plum Varieties
Santa Rosa: Santa Rosa is a widely grown Japanese plum variety known for its large, round fruit with a reddish-purple skin. The flesh is juicy, sweet, and has a rich flavor. It is excellent for fresh eating, baking, and canning.
Methley: Methley is an early-season Japanese plum variety with a reddish-purple skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It is self-pollinating and produces abundant fruit. Methley plums are great for fresh eating, cooking, and making jams.
Shiro: Shiro is a popular Japanese plum variety with a yellow skin and sweet, mild-flavored flesh. It is an early-season plum that is excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserving. Shiro plums are also known for their beautiful white blossoms in spring.
Burbank: Burbank, also known as the "Elephant Heart" plum, is a large Japanese plum variety with a heart-shaped fruit. It has a dark red skin and sweet, juicy flesh. Burbank plums are great for fresh eating, cooking, and making jams and jellies.
Beauty: Beauty is a mid-season Japanese plum variety with a reddish-purple skin and sweet, flavorful flesh. It is a self-pollinating tree that produces abundant fruit. Beauty plums are excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.