Plum trees are a fantastic addition to
any home. the bloom in spring and produce delicious and juicy plums in summer.
However, it is very easy to grow plum trees with proper care. If you are new to
gardening and want to grow a plum tree in your home garden, these care tips
will help you a lot. In this post, I will teach you everything you need to know
to grow a healthy and productive plum tree. Let's know the easy way to grow
plum trees indoors.
Plum Tree
How to Plant a Plum Tree
Selecting the Right Plum Tree Variety
Different plum varieties grow in
different climates. So, choose a variety suitable for your region. Some popular
varieties are as follows:
- Japanese Plums: Japanese plums
are large and sweet. They grow well in mild to warm climates.
- European Plums: European plums
grow well in colder climates. Their fruits are sweet and firm.
- American Plums: American plums
are native to North America and grow in a variety of climates.
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 warm of
summer.
Planting Method
- 1. Select a Sunny Spot: At least 6
hours of daylight per day is fundamental for plum trees. So, select a sunny
spot to plant them.
- 2. Make the Soil: Well-drained
and somewhat acidic soil is appropriate for plum trees. So, blend compost or
natural excrement with the soil to get ready appropriate soil.
- 3. Dig a Hole: Dig a hole
twice as wide and as profound as the root ball.
- 4. Planting: Keep the root
ball in the hole. Fill the hole with soil and water at the roots of the plum
plant properly.
Caring for Your Plum Tree
Watering Plum Trees
Water the plum plant daily in the dry
season. Allow an inch of water week after week to develop the tree. But do not
overwater since it can cause root rot.
Fertilizing
Give your plum tree an adjusted
fertilizer once a year. Deliver it in early spring. But do not over-fertilize
since it can cause intemperate leaf development instead of natural product
production.
How to Prune Plum Trees
Pruning is vital for the sound
development of any plant. So, prune your plum tree in late winter or early
spring. Cut down dead or congested branches to move forward air circulation and
sunlight.
Common Plum Tree Insects and Diseases
Insects
- Aphids: Aphids are small
insects that live on leaves. They cause them to curl. So, spray insecticidal
soap once a week on the plants.
- Plum Curculio: 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: Brown Rot is
a fungal disease that affects the fruit. So, prune infected branches. And,
do not wet the leaves while watering.
- Black Knot: A black knot
means black swellings on branches. It can weaken the tree. So, remove
infected branches and burn them to prevent spread.
Harvesting and Storing Plums
When to Harvest Plums
Usually, plums are ready for harvesting
in the middle of late summer. The best way to know if they are ripe is by
pressing them gently. If they are soft, they are ripe. If they are very soft or
mushy, they are over-ripe.
How to Store Plum Trees
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.
FAQ
Q1: How long does it take for a plum tree to bear fruit?
A: It takes 3-6
years for a plum tree to bear fruit. But the appropriate time depends on the
variety and growing conditions.
Q2: Can I grow a plum tree from a seed?
A: 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.
Q3: Why isn’t my plum tree producing fruit?
A: 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.
Q4: Do plum trees need a lot of water?
A: Plum plants need
more water because they have to establish their roots. On the other hand,
mature trees need about an inch of water per week.
Q5: Are plum trees difficult to grow?
A: Not at all. It is very easy. With the right care and attention, you can grow plum trees easily.
Finally, with the proper care, you can grow a beautiful plum tree or more in your home garden. If you plant two or three plum trees indoors, you will be able to enjoy the delicious super plum fruit from your own garden. Your plum trees will give you not only juicy fruit but also mental satisfaction. However, if you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, follow my tips to grow a healthy and flourishing plum tree.
Are you ready to grow your own plum
tree? Start planning to plant a plum tree today and enjoy the delicious and
home-grown plum fruit in your backyard. If you have any questions, share them
in the comments.
Related posts:
