Plum Trees Growing and Care: Everything You Need to Know

Many people dream of growing their own plum trees, but they often struggle with the complexities of cultivation and maintenance.

Without proper knowledge, plum trees growing can lead to poor fruit production, susceptibility to diseases, and overall disappointment in your gardening efforts.

Thankfully, experts have found that following a few key practices significantly increases the success rate of growing healthy and fruitful plum trees.

Today, I’ll share evidence-based tips to help you cultivate thriving plum trees in your garden.

Introduction to Plum Trees

Plum trees are a popular fruiting tree that produce delicious plums. There are several types of plum trees that grow well in home orchards and gardens.

This guide will provide information on planting and caring for plum trees growing to help you successfully grow your own plums.

What Are Plum Trees?

Plum trees are deciduous trees in the genus Prunus that bear plums. The three main categories of plums grown are Japanese plums, European plums, and wild American plums.

Japanese plums tend to be smaller than European plums and have good flavor. European plums often have firmer flesh, which is good for baking. Wild American plums are often used for jams and preserves.

Important Facts About Plum Trees

Some key facts about plum trees growing include:

• Plum trees grow 15–30 feet tall and thrive in USDA growing zones 5–9.
• Trees begin bearing fruit 3-5 years after planting and can produce for 20+ years.
• Plums are self-fertile but multiple varieties ensure good pollination and larger crops.
• Fruits are usually roundish or oval with yellow, red, or blue skin colors, depending on variety.

Choosing a Plum Tree Variety

Popular plum tree varieties each have their own benefits to consider when selecting one for your garden or orchard. Matching the right variety to your conditions will help ensure successful plum trees growing.

Popular Plum Tree Varieties

Some commonly grown plum varieties include:

• Japanese plums: Santa Rosa (large red fruit, most widely grown), Burgundy (dark red/black skinned), Shiro (large yellow fruit)
• European plums: Stanley (firm amber fruit), Green Gage (sweet green skinned), and Italian Prune (valued for drying)
• Wild American plums: Only a few named varieties; often used for jams/preserves due to tartness.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Variety

When selecting a plum tree variety, consider:

• Climate and hardiness: match to your growing zone
• Soil preferences: some prefer loam vs clay or dry vs moist soil
• Intended use: fresh eating, cooking, or drying
• Bloom time: earlier or later blooming reduces frost risk
• Disease resistance: some are prone to common plum diseases

Planting Plum Trees

Proper planning and timing are important for successful plum trees growing.

Best Time of Year to Plant

The best times to plant plum trees depends on your location. In most areas, the ground will be soft and rain is more frequent in:

• Late winter/early spring (February–April): ideal for potted bareroot trees
• Early fall (September–October) is good for balled & burlapped trees if irrigation is available

Planting during these windows gives roots time to establish before extreme heat/cold.

Preparing the Planting Site

To prepare the soil:

• Select a spot with full sun for at least 6 hours/day
• Improve existing soil with 2-4 inches of compost or other organic matter
• Dig a shallow but wide planting hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball
• Amend clay or compacted soils
• Maintain a mound in the center for the root flare to sit on.

Planting Plum Tree Seedlings or Transplants

1. Remove any labels or ties from the root ball
2. Place root ball on mound and backfill soil around roots
3. Tamp soil firmly to eliminate air pockets
4. Water thoroughly after planting

Caring for Plum Trees

Proper care is key for productive plum trees growing. Here are some best practices:

Watering Plum Trees

Young plum trees, in particular, need adequate moisture to become established. Water guidelines vary depending on weather and soil conditions:

During establishment (1-3 years):

• Water deeply, 1-2 inches per week during hot/dry periods
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for controlled watering

Mature trees:

• Most plum trees are drought tolerant once established
• Water trees deeply only if rain is less than 1 inch per week
• Avoid over-watering which can cause root or fruit rot issues

Proper watering is important for healthy trees and maximum plum production. Allowing soil to partially dry between waterings encourages deep root growth.

Fertilizing Plum Trees

Young plum trees should be fertilized in early spring:

• Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10
• Rake or till fertilizer into top 6 inches of soil
• For mature trees, fertilize in early spring before bloom
• Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers which promote excessive leaf growth

Proper tree nutrition leads to more plentiful and flavorful plum production. Overuse of fertilizer may damage trees or nearby plants and contaminate groundwater.

Pruning Plum Trees

Strategic pruning guides plum trees to healthy growth and abundant crops.

Formative pruning for young trees (1–5 years):

• Develop a strong tree structure by removing weak branches
• Maintain an open center to allow sunlight penetration
• Keep the branch angle above 60 degrees for strength

Maintenance pruning for established trees:

• Remove diseased or damaged limbs
• Thin out crowded inner branches for air circulation
• Raise lower branches 18–24 inches from the ground

Plum trees naturally produce more fruits on spurs rather than new long shoots, so minimize heavy pruning after the first few years. Proper pruning results in larger plums and avoidance of disease issues.

Pest and Disease Management

Common challenges affecting plum trees growing include:

• Plum curculio: handpick small, snout-nosed beetles that damage fruit
• Peach tree borer: apply horticultural oil in late winter to smother overwintering larvae
• Powdery mildew: rake up fallen leaves and thin, dense foliage
• Brown rot: use preventative fungicides if susceptible varieties are grown

Integrated pest management practices like selecting resistant varieties, pruning strategies, and organic pest controls help reduce risk of major issues during plum trees growing.

Harvesting and Enjoying Plums

With the right care, homegrown plum trees can produce loads of delicious fruit to enjoy!

Determining Ripeness

Plums are ready to pick when skin has fully colored and flesh yields slightly to gentle pressure. Overripe plums will fall from the tree.

Picking and Storing Plums

• Cut plums from the tree with at least 1/2 inch of stem attached
• Store at room temperature 2-3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week
• Freeze or can peeled/sliced plums for year-round enjoyment

Preserving and Cooking with Plums

Get creative in the kitchen with a plum harvest:

• Make jam, jelly, or preserves
• Pit and slice for crisps, cobblers, or pies
• Grill halved plums with a drizzle of balsamic
• Dehydrate slices for a sweet fruit-leather snack

With proper care, a home plum tree can provide tasty fruit for many summers. Enjoy your plums straight off the tree or preserved in many unique dishes!