Most plum trees will reach
16 feet (5 m.) at maturity or 14 feet (4 m.) if they are a dwarf variety
. If you live in a more northerly climate, you may consider planting your plum tree in a location where it will have protection from cold winds, as they are prone to late frost damage.
Do I need 2 plum trees to produce fruit?
Plums are a stone fruit that are both delicious and beautiful. Most plum trees are not self-pollinating, so you will need
to plant at least two plum trees to bear fruit
. When planting a plum tree, it is important to make sure that the variety you choose will grow well in your climate.
How big do Plums get?
Fruits are usually of medium size,
between 2–7 centimetres (0.79–2.76 in) in diameter
, globose to oval. The flesh is firm and juicy. The fruit’s peel is smooth, with a natural waxy surface that adheres to the flesh. The plum is a drupe, meaning its fleshy fruit surrounds a single hard seed.
How fast does a plum tree grow?
This tree has a moderate growth rate and gains
about 1 to 2 feet per year
. It’s best planted in the early spring or fall.
How do you know when plums are ready to pick?
- Color: Plums ripen to many colors depending on the variety – from almost black, purple or red, to pale green. …
- Taste: The best way to determine ripeness is to taste. …
- Feel and texture: Ripe plums are soft and “give” when pressed. …
- Smell: Give your plums the smell test.
Where is the best place to plant a plum tree?
- Plant plum trees in loamy, well-drained soil. …
- Choose a planting location that receives full sun—6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight at the very least.
- Avoid planting in low areas where frost may settle, as the frost can damage your trees.
Do plum trees fruit every year?
Fruit such as apples and plums
may fruit in alternate years
. This is known as biennial bearing. A generally poor crop, but vigorous growth. Performance may decline over several years.
What month do plums grow?
All varieties of plums bloom in
late winter to early spring
and fruit generally ripens in May through September, depending on species, cultivar and climate. Japanese plums are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10, while European plums thrive in USDA zones 3 through 9, depending on …
How many years will a plum tree produce fruit?
A plum tree will produce fruit
3 to 6 years after planting
(sooner if you buy more mature trees!). Plum trees produce fruit between June and September, after blooming in late winter to early spring. Dwarf varieties can produce fruit a year sooner (2 to 5 years after planting).
How long does a plum tree take to bear fruit?
Plum trees typically begin to bear fruit when they are
three to six years of age
. Fruit develops earlier in some varieties and you even see baby plums begin to appear earlier in age.
When’s the best time to plant a plum tree?
It’s best to plant plum trees as bare-root trees in
late winter or in early spring
, while they’re dormant—this minimizes the shock of transplanting and encourages the tree to start new spring growth soon after being planted.
Do plum trees have invasive roots?
A plum tree does not have a notorious root system
, one that heaves up sidewalks, for instance. … These feeder roots extend horizontally to the edge of the leaf canopy, or drip line, and beyond up to 1 1/2 times the height of the tree. A few anchoring “sinker” roots grow down several feet to stabilize the tree.
Why are my plums falling off the tree?
There can be numerous reasons why a plum tree drops its fruit before it ripens:
insects, disease, high winds, and stress
( too much water, too little water, lack of nutrients, poor drainage, weed competition, and excessive shade, for example).
Do plums ripen after they are picked?
Plums continue to ripen after picking
. Plums should be stored at room temperature, away from sunlight and heat until they give softly to the touch and have a sweet aroma. Once ripe, refrigerate plums as necessary to prevent spoiling, but cold temperatures may change their texture and taste.
What to do with plums that are not sweet?
If you have un-ripened plums that are not sweet yet, there are a few ways you can use them. You can put them
in a glass jar and pickle them to make plum pickles
. Or you can cut them up into small slices and soak them in pepper sauce and salt for an easy chow chow dish.
