Plum Trees ( How To Plant )

               Hello, and welcome back here today this is Ken and Marilou on Garden The Easy Way.    

               Today we would like to talk about a fruit that is loved all over the world, we are talking about Plums, and we will share with you how to plant and grow your very own sweet delicious Plums.

               Plums are native to China, America, and Europe. Today there are more than 200 cultivars being grown.  There are two main types of plums, European and Japanese, being marketed today. Generally, Japanese plums are larger than European plums. European plums have high sugar content so they are often dried and used for making prunes. European plums are generally late bloomers so they are well suited for areas with late frosts or cool springs. Japanese plums ripen earlier than European varieties.    

              Plum trees may or may not need pollinators. Some are self fruitful and some need another plum tree for pollination purposes. Most European plums will either benefit from or require cross-pollination from another European variety. Many Japanese plums require pollinators. Follow nursery recommendations for suitable pollinizers. Plum trees are fast growing and usually begin producing fruit in 3 to 5 years after planting.

             Plums are rich in dietary fiber that is effective in improving digestion. They are low in calories and contain ample amounts of vitamins C, calcium, potassium, and carbohydrates. Plums are excellent when eaten fresh and are great addition in salads. They are used for pies, desserts, jams and jellies.  

             The number #1 World Famous Plum is the Sweet Santa Rose Plum, the most popular plum tree for commercial use and home growing.  These trees produce a lot of sweet flavored dark purple fruit. The Santa Rosa tree takes up very little space, yet produces bushels of fruit.


             Plum Tree are just like most of the other fruit tree, they must be planted in full sun. When you go to your local nursery ask for a Dwarf Santa Rosa Plum, height: 5-7 ft.    

             Plums have three main needs, warmth ( especially important at pollination time, light and moisture. Plums flower earlier in the season than most other fruit trees, so they should not be planted in a frost-pocket. If your garden is in a cool area, avoid early flowering varieties good varieties to choose are Czar, Victoria or Marjorie's Seedling.  

             Plum trees prefer to be positioned in full sun, although some shade in the morning or afternoon will not affect them much.

            As far as moisture is concerned, do not plant in a water-logged area, but make sure the soil is unlikely to dry out. Don't plant them near other trees which will simply deprive them of the moisture they need.

                                                 (  How To Plant Plum Tree )  

            Technically, you can plant your plum tree any time from late Autumn to early Spring. The best time to plant is in October when the soil is moist but still retains some of the summer warmth.  

            Soil preparation is best done a month or more before planting so that the soil has time to settle. Dig a 60cm ( 2ft ) deep by 1.2m ( 4ft ) square hole, incorporating as much organic material as possible, aim to get the soil crumbly. Always water well after planting, and never let your new trees go dry to long without, the first year is so important for new trees !

            Well that's it for today, we hope to talk here again tomorrow on Garden The Easy Way. Until then, this is Ken and Marilou wishing you all Happy Gardening Always.