It is gratifying to grow your own plum tree.It will reward you with delicious plums after you've done your job.Your plum tree will produce plums for a long time with regular care.
Step 1: Pick a type of plum that will thrive in your area.
plum trees grow in most climates.plum trees need warm climates.Even in cold, harsh conditions, American hybrid plums can survive.The USDA has a website where you can find out which plant hardiness zone you live in.
Step 2: If you have only one tree, pick a European type.
Japanese plum trees and American hybrid trees need to cross-pollinate in order to produce fruit.If you only have one tree, go with a European plum tree.It will grow well in most climates.Red skinned Japanese plums are sweet and juicy.European plums are very sweet.Many American hybrid plums are similar to Japanese plums.
Step 3: If you want the best plums, start with a grafted plum tree.
A plum tree is a young tree that has been attached to a different variety to improve its growth.plum trees produce fruit.You can grow a plum tree from a seed, but it may not taste the same.Dome plum varieties are only ornamental.The type of plum tree you choose will affect the rest of your yard or garden.plum trees grow well in your climate and can be found at a local nursery.
Step 4: If you want your tree to grow, choose a planting site that has well-drained soil.
The best place for plum trees to grow is in rich soil.The roots of your tree might rot if the soil retains water.To check the drainage, dig a hole 1 foot deep and fill it with water.The site has good drainage if the water doesn't drain within an hour.Pick a different spot in your yard if your planting site doesn't have good drainage.If you want to divert water, you can install gutter and drain.
Step 5: Your planting site should get at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
The plum tree needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day to grow.There are places where frost might settle and places with high winds.Give your tree at least 15 feet of space to grow.If you are planting multiple plum trees, make sure they are at least 18 inches apart.
Step 6: It's easiest to plant in the spring.
If you live in a region with cold winters and hot summers, you should plant your plum tree in the spring.It will be easy to dig a hole for your tree, as the roots will adapt to the soil.You can protect your tree from damage by planting in the spring.
Step 7: The hole should be deeper and wider than the roots.
Don't bend the roots so they can grow.Your tree's roots will grow outside.Make sure your tree's longest roots have room to grow.
Step 8: The roots can spread easily if the soil is loosened.
Your roots will have trouble growing if the hole is too small.You can loosen the soil with a shovel or trowel.
Step 9: The tree's graft line is not submerged in the hole.
There is a clear line near the base where the root and tree join.The line should be at least 1 inch above the soil when the tree is in the hole.If your hole is too deep, fill it with soil and wait for the line to be at the right position.
Step 10: Pack the soil around the tree's roots to refill the hole.
Make sure to cover the root with soil when refilling the hole.The angle of the tree should be adjusted to keep it upright.You don't needfertilizer when you plant a young tree.It is possible to damage or kill the tree's roots.
Step 11: For the first year, water your tree weekly.
A lot of water is needed for the first few weeks after planting.If you water your tree deeply, the water will soak into your soil.The growth and production of fruit can be affected by a tree getting too dry.Over watering can damage the roots.
Step 12: Once the tree is a year old, you should soak the soil.
The tree doesn't need as much water after a year.If you live in a dry climate, soak the soil around the base of your tree with a hose for 15 to 20 minutes.Don't water your tree if it rains once every 7 to 10 days.If your tree's leaves are turning brown, give it more water.You can either water it every 5 or 6 days or soak it for 25 to 30 minutes.If your tree's leaves are turning yellow, give it less water.You can either water it every 10 or 13 days or soak it for 10 minutes.If you live in a humid or wet climate, your tree is likely getting a lot of water.When it rains, let the weather water your tree.
Step 13: To encourage growth, trim the branches above buds.
Pruning your young tree for the first time in late winter will set its shape and encourage growth the following spring.The branch will grow up and out if the branches are cut above the buds.A lopper is aPruning tool that will make clean cuts to discourage pests and disease.Take away the energy from the rest of the tree by cutting any shoots that form on the trunk.
Step 14: Clear damaged or fallen branches to keep the tree healthy.
High winds or storms can cause Prune branches to break.Cut the damaged sections where they meet undamaged parts of the branch.In the fall, Rake and remove fallen debris.
Step 15: After the first crop of fruit,fertilize your tree.
If the fruit trees are not growing more than 25 cm per year, they don't need fertilization.Spread a slow-releasefertilizer about 1 foot away from the trunk of your tree.plum trees have equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and should be fertilized with a 10-10-10 ratio.
Step 16: In the spring mulch around the trunk to control weeds.
Cypress mulch can help your tree conserve water.cedar mulch can be used to block weeds from growing in your plum tree.If you apply mulch around the base of your tree, it will be 2 inches thick.It is possible to use organic mulch like cypress and cedar as an alternative to fertilization.You can use tree branches, bark, and leaves to make mulch.
Step 17: Pruning damaged sections will treat diseases like brown rot.
plum trees are affected by brown rot.There are twigs and flowers covered in brown drops.Prune and destroy anything that has been damaged.Myclobutanil can be used to treat brown rot.
Step 18: When plums feel soft, you can harvest them.
If you pick plums early, put them in a clean paper bag with the top folded over and let them sit at room temperature for a day or two.When your finger touches the skin, it doesn't puncture it.When plums are fully ripened, they can be picked.Japanese and American hybrid plums can be picked early.You can use your plums to make grilled plums or plum jam.