Plum (tree)

Plant family

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Seeding distance

300 cm

Row spacing

300 cm

Seeding depth

15 cm

Instructions

Description

The plum (Prunus domestica) is part of the rose family (Rosaceae). There are several subspecies of the plum: the plum (Prunus domestica subsp. domestica), as well as the mirabelle (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca) and the reneclode (Prunus domestica subsp. italica). Probably a cross between blackthorn and cherry plum. Grows between 4-8 m tall. Flowering in May. Fruits, which form in midsummer, are large, round to oval with soft, juicy, sweet flesh. Good for fresh consumption as well as canning. Rather undemanding and also suitable for harsh areas. Only the flowers are susceptible to late frosts in spring.

Growing tips

Requires sunny, warm, preferably wind-protected location with nutrient-rich, humus, moist soil. Requirements partly different depending on the variety. Planting time: late autumn or spring, not during frost. Non-self-pollinating varieties need a second pollinator. Mix compost into the soil before planting. Plant as deep as in the pot. Firm the soil, mulch if necessary and water well. A support stake may be recommended. Place the tree in the soil and tamp it down. Water on hot days. Fertilize with compost once a year. Harvest from July to the end of September, 1-2 weeks after the fruits have turned dark blue/red. Young trees may need to be protected from frost damage to the bark with a coat of white paint in the fall or sleeve.