Before you plant your first plum tree, it’s crucial to understand the different varieties available. Plums are broadly categorized into European plums (Prunus domestica) and Japanese plums (Prunus salicina). European plums are more suited to the cooler British climate, making them the preferred choice for most gardeners in the UK. These varieties include the well-known Victoria plum, known for its sweet and juicy fruit, and the Marjorie’s Seedling, which is excellent for late-season harvests.
Choosing the Right Location
Selecting the appropriate location for your plum tree is a vital step in ensuring its health and productivity. Plum trees thrive in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They prefer full sun exposure, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. When choosing a site, ensure it is sheltered from strong winds, which can damage the blossoms and reduce fruit set.
Plum trees also benefit from being planted in a slightly elevated position to avoid frost pockets, which can harm the delicate blossoms in spring. If your garden is prone to late frosts, consider planting your tree against a south-facing wall to provide extra warmth and protection.
Planting Your Plum Tree
The best time to plant a plum tree in Britain is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring. This allows the tree to establish its roots before the growing season begins. When planting, dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root system. The hole should be about twice the width of the root ball and of sufficient depth to ensure the graft union (the point where the scion and rootstock join) is above the soil level.
Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve fertility and drainage. Place the tree in the hole, spread the roots out evenly, and backfill with soil, firming it gently to eliminate air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and establish good root-to-soil contact.
Pruning and Training
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your plum tree. It helps to shape the tree, remove diseased or damaged wood, and encourage new growth. The best time to prune plum trees is during the summer, which reduces the risk of silver leaf disease, a common fungal infection.
In the first few years, focus on training your plum tree to establish a strong framework. For most plum trees, an open-centre or vase shape is ideal, allowing sunlight to penetrate the canopy and improving air circulation. Remove any competing central leaders and thin out crowded branches to maintain an open structure.
As the tree matures, regular pruning will help to manage its size and encourage the production of fruiting wood. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and thin out excessive growth to prevent overcrowding. Always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts and minimize the risk of disease.
Pollination Requirements
Plum trees can be self-fertile or require cross-pollination. Self-fertile varieties, such as the Victoria plum, can produce fruit on their own, but even these trees benefit from having a pollination partner nearby. Cross-pollinating varieties need another compatible plum tree to ensure successful fruit set. When planting multiple plum trees, choose varieties that bloom simultaneously to maximize pollination.
Bees and other pollinators play a crucial role in the pollination process. To attract these beneficial insects, plant a variety of flowering plants in your garden and avoid using pesticides during the blooming period.
Watering and Feeding
If you want your plum tree to be healthy and productive, it is essential that you water it consistently. It is essential for young trees to get consistent irrigation throughout their first few years in order to develop a robust root system. When the weather is dry, you should water the soil well once a week to ensure that it is wet but not saturated. Despite the fact that mature trees are better able to withstand dryness, they nevertheless require occasional heavy watering, particularly during extended periods of dry weather.
Your plum tree will experience healthy growth and increased fruit output if you fertilise it routinely. Applying a balanced fertiliser that is strong in potassium at the beginning of spring is an effective way to encourage blooming and fruit set. It is important to avoid receiving an excessive amount of nitrogen since it might promote vegetative development at the expense of fruit yield. When it comes to enhancing the fertility and structure of the soil, organic choices, such as compost or manure that has been allowed to decompose, are also advantageous.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Plum trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases, which can affect their health and yield. Common pests include aphids, plum moths, and scale insects. Regular monitoring and early intervention are essential to manage these problems effectively. Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and lacewings, which prey on aphids, by planting a diverse range of flowering plants.
Diseases such as brown rot, silver leaf disease, and bacterial canker can also impact plum trees. Prune out infected wood promptly and dispose of it away from the garden to prevent the spread of disease. Copper-based fungicides can be used to protect against bacterial infections, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider organic alternatives where possible.
Harvesting and Storing Plums
Harvesting plums at the right time ensures the best flavor and texture. Plums are ready to pick when they are fully colored, slightly soft to the touch, and easily detach from the tree. Taste a few fruits to determine their ripeness, as this can vary between varieties.
The fruit can be harvested by carefully twisting or cutting it from the tree, taking care not to harm the branches or any of the fruit that is still on the tree. If you do not want to use the plums right away, you should handle them gently to prevent them from being bruised, and you should keep them in a cold, dry area. Plums may be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or they can be preserved, frozen, or dried for longer periods of time. Plums can also be preserved before being stored.
Propagating Plum Trees
If you want to expand your orchard or share your favorite plum variety with friends, propagating plum trees is an exciting option. The most common methods are grafting and budding, which involve joining a scion (a piece of the desired variety) to a rootstock. These techniques require some skill and practice, but they are highly effective for producing true-to-type trees.
For those less experienced, growing plums from seed is another option, though it’s less predictable and may result in trees with variable fruit quality. To grow plums from seed, extract the seeds from ripe fruit, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry place over winter. In early spring, plant the seeds in pots with well-draining soil and keep them in a warm, sunny location. Transplant the seedlings to their permanent position once they are large enough to handle and the risk of frost has passed.
The Importance of Mulching
Mulching around your plum tree provides numerous benefits, including moisture retention, weed suppression, and improved soil structure. Organic mulches, such as wood chips, straw, or compost, are ideal as they also add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
Put down a layer of mulch that is five to ten centimetres deep all the way around the trunk of the tree, all the way up to the drip line. Maintain a distance of a few centimetres between the mulch and the trunk in order to avoid rot and to deter pesky insects. To ensure that the mulch continues to be beneficial, it should be replenished on a regular basis, particularly in the early spring and fall.
Seasonal Care and Maintenance
Caring for your plum tree involves seasonal tasks to keep it healthy and productive. In winter, inspect the tree for any signs of disease or pest damage and prune out any affected branches. Apply a winter wash to control overwintering pests, and consider using a tree guard to protect against animal damage.
In spring, monitor the tree for blossom development and ensure it receives adequate water and nutrients. Thin out any excessive fruit sets to prevent branches from becoming overloaded and breaking. Continue regular watering and feeding throughout the growing season, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
In summer, prune the tree to maintain its shape and remove any damaged or diseased wood. Harvest the fruit as it ripens, and enjoy the bounty of your hard work. In autumn, clear away fallen leaves and fruit to reduce the risk of disease, and apply a fresh layer of mulch to protect the roots over winter.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Growing plums in Britain can be a deeply satisfying experience, yielding a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved. By following the expert advice outlined in this guide, you can ensure your plum trees remain healthy and productive for many years to come. Whether you’re making plum jam, baking a plum tart, or simply enjoying a fresh plum straight from the tree, the rewards of growing your own plums are plentiful and delicious.
