What does a plum tree look like?
Plum trees always remind me of my grandmother’s backyard. She had a gnarled, old Japanese plum tree that was as much a part of my childhood summers as the warm sunshine and the smell of freshly cut grass. Its branches twisted and dipped in all directions, the bark was a deep, textured brown, and it burst into a cloud of delicate pink blossoms every spring. I remember how the plums had this beautiful rosy blush on their skin, and the moment you bit into one, the juice would spill out, sweet and slightly tangy. Even now, that memory always makes my mouth water.
How to grow plum tree from seed?
I haven’t had the best of luck growing plum trees from seed, but from what I’ve learned, it takes a whole lot of patience! First there’s the whole process of extracting the seed from the pit, then it needs to chill in the fridge for a few months to simulate winter. Even after that, germination isn’t guaranteed. I did have one sprout a few years back – it was such a thrill to see that tiny green shoot finally poke through the soil. Unfortunately, it didn’t get much bigger than a sapling before it succumbed to a harsh winter. I think I’ll stick to buying young trees from the nursery from now on, but there’s definitely something rewarding about starting from that tiny seed.
When to prune plum trees?
Pruning plum trees always makes me a little nervous – I’m so afraid of cutting off too much or doing it at the wrong time. But I’ve learned that the best time really depends on the type of plum tree. For the young Japanese plum I have now, I prune in late winter or early spring, focusing on creating a strong, open framework for the branches. It still feels a bit like guesswork sometimes, but I always remind myself that a few strategic cuts will boost the tree’s health and hopefully lead to a better harvest later in the summer.
How to prune a plum tree?
I always get a bit of a knot in my stomach before I prune my plum tree. There’s a mix of excitement and apprehension – will I prune the right branches? Will I help or hurt the tree’s growth? With my trusty pruning shears in hand, I start by removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches – those are the easy ones. Then, I try to step back and look at the overall shape of the tree, aiming for that open, vase-like form that lets in plenty of sunlight. It takes some careful decision-making, deciding which branches to shorten and which to remove completely, but I always try to remember that a little pruning now will lead to a healthier, happier tree in the long run.
How big do plum trees get?
Plum trees come in all sorts of sizes, which makes choosing the right one for your space really important. I remember being surprised the first time I went to a plum orchard – some varieties were towering over my head, while others were more like large shrubs. I currently have a semi-dwarf Japanese plum in my backyard, and it’s the perfect size. It still gets big enough to provide a nice bit of shade in the summer and produces a generous harvest of plums, but I can still reach most of the branches without needing a ladder.
Are plum trees self pollinating? Do you need two plum trees to produce fruit?
This is something I’ve always been a bit confused about! There are some plum varieties that are self-pollinating, which is fantastic if you only have space for one tree. However, even those varieties tend to produce a bigger, tastier crop if they have a pollination partner nearby. My neighbor has a plum tree of a different type, and both our trees seem to have a bumper harvest most years – I’m convinced it’s because they can cross-pollinate. If you have the space, planting two compatible plum trees might be the best way to get the most out of your fruit-growing efforts.
When do plum trees bloom?
I love when my plum tree bursts into bloom – it’s such a beautiful sign that spring is on its way! The timing depends a bit on the variety and your climate, but my Japanese plum usually blooms in the early spring. Those masses of delicate white or pink blossoms always feel like a gift after a long winter. I love strolling through my yard and getting that sweet, floral scent carried on the breeze. And of course, the promise of delicious fruit later in the season is an added bonus!
When do plum trees produce fruit?
Waiting for a plum tree to produce fruit is a true test of patience! It usually takes a few years for a young tree to start bearing fruit, but after that, the payoff is so worth it. The exact timing depends on your climate and the type of plum tree, but mine produces fruit in the late summer. I love checking on the plums every week, watching them grow larger and change color. When that perfect rosy blush appears and they feel just a bit soft to the touch, that’s when I know they’re finally ready to pick.
Do plums ripen off the tree?
Yes, plums definitely ripen off the tree! In fact, they’re one of the few stone fruits that continue to sweeten a bit after being picked. That’s why I usually pick them when they’re just slightly underripe – firm with a bit of give. Then, I’ll let them sit on the kitchen counter for a day or two until they soften and develop that perfect, juicy sweetness. I find that perfectly ripe plums straight from the tree are wonderful, but that little bit of countertop ripening can bring out even more delicious flavor.
When to fertilize plum trees?
I always try to give my plum tree a good boost of fertilizer in early spring, right as it’s starting to leaf out. It helps it recover from the winter and gives it the energy it needs to produce loads of blossoms and eventually delicious fruit. I’ve also learned that some experts recommend fertilizing again in late summer, but I usually skip that step unless my tree doesn’t look very vigorous. I think it’s important to find a balance—fertilizing can be beneficial, but I also don’t want to overdo it and risk damaging the tree’s sensitive roots.
Do plum trees have thorns?
Yes, some plum trees definitely have thorns! It surprised me the first time I encountered one – I always thought of plums as having smooth branches. But I learned that especially wild plum varieties can have pretty sharp thorns as a defense mechanism. My current plum doesn’t have thorns, but I’m always extra careful when pruning just in case, as I’ve definitely been poked by the occasional surprise thorn on other trees in the past!
