How Do You Take Care Of A Japanese Plum Tree?

Plant Japanese Plums in moist, but well drained soils. Avoid wet areas or locations with poor drainage. Shelter Japanese Plums from the cold and wind as they are not as hardy as European Plums.

How much water does a Japanese plum tree need?

One inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week is sufficient in most weather; however, in warmer weather you will need to water more often. In the spring, fertilize with a 10-10-10 food and then again in the early summer. Simply sprinkle a handful of fertilizer around the base of the plum and water in well.

How tall does a Japanese plum tree grow?

Species Japanese plums, suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, typically reach a mature height of 10 to 15 feet, with a somewhat wider spread. Gardeners seldom have to wait long to enjoy their fragrant, white spring blooms and tasty fruit.

How much sun does a Japanese plum tree need?

Japanese plums require full sun — at least six to eight hours of direct, bright light, each day to produce healthy growth and fruit. Loamy, fast-draining, nutrient-rich soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 will ensure the tree has access to sufficient water and nutrients.

What month do you prune plum trees?

When to prune plums. Avoid pruning plums in winter, as it increases the risk of infection by silver leaf disease to which plums and other Prunus species are prone. The best time for pruning is usually spring for young trees and mid-summer for established ones.

Are you supposed to prune a plum tree?

Young plums are generally pruned in early spring, before bud break, in order to avoid infection by silver leaf disease. Begin pruning immediately when you plant a young tree to ensure a proper shape. Established fruit tree plums are best pruned in midsummer. Trimming flowering plum trees is not advised.

How long does it take for a Japanese plum tree to produce fruit?

You may need to wait four to six years after planting a plum tree before it will produce a large crop of fruit. Those with patience enough to wait until the tree is between eight and 10 years old will see the maximum fruit production from the tree.

How long do Japanese plum trees live?

Plum | 10-25 years*

What’s the best fertilizer for plum trees?

For newly planted plums, fertilize in the early spring by broadcasting one cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer over an area that is roughly three feet (. 9 m.) across. In mid-May and mid-July, apply a ½ cup of calcium nitrate or ammonium nitrate evenly over an area about two feet (.

Do Japanese plum trees lose their leaves in winter?

When deciduous fruit trees such as peach, plum, apricot and apple lose their leaves in the winter, they become dormant. At this time of year, they can be easily planted due to this dormancy.

Can you eat Japanese plums raw?

How Are Ume Plums Being Used? Ume are extremely tart, astringent, and bitter, therefore they are not for eating raw – they will cause you a stomachache. However, they are perfectly safe to eat when salted or preserved in alcohol; or fermented into wine known as Umeshu (梅酒).

Can you eat Japanese plum fruit?

The beautiful trees, also called Japanese plums or Japanese medlars, are common here, but many Houstonians don’t realize the fruit is edible.

Can plum trees grow in pots?

With careful selection of cultivars and appropriate growing methods, it is possible to grow fruit such as apples, cherries, pears and plums in containers. This is a great way to grow fruit in a small garden, particularly as it keeps trees smaller than if they were grown in the ground.

Can plum trees survive winter?

A plum tree can withstand cold ground temperatures for only so long, but it needs the chill hours to enable the tree to grow and produce fruit. Each variety of plum differs in its chill hour needs, which is when the ground is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, but no lower than 32F.

Where should you plant plum trees?

Plant plum trees in loamy, well-drained soil. Plums do not do well when planted in clay-heavy soils or in locations where their roots will be constantly wet. Choose a planting location that receives full sun—6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight at the very least.

Can you trim the top of a plum tree?

If your plum is not unreasonably tall and is basically healthy, you can leave the tree at its existing height and prune it to clear away branches that don’t bear fruit. The first branches to remove are those that are dead, damaged, broken or infected.

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.

Why are my plum trees not fruiting?

One of the most common causes of plum tree problems is the lack of a co-pollinator. Plums are not self-fruitful and need another of the same species nearby for pollen transfer. This is done with bees, moths, and other pollinator’s help. Pruning at the wrong time removes the buds necessary for flower and then fruit.

What is the best way to prune a plum tree?

Pruning established plum trees

1. Prune every year in early spring (April), before bud break.
2. Remove any suckers growing from the rootstock.
3. Rub out any buds growing on the lower trunk.
4. Cut out any dead, damaged or diseased wood, and dispose of it as appropriate, removing it from the garden.

How do you prune a plum tree for the winter?

Prune back the trunk 12 – 20 inches at a bud each year so fruit and vegetative buds concentrate in the bottom tree branches. Every year, cut out dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also remove unproductive shoots and any crossing branches. Cut off suckers and watersprouts at their source.

How often should you water a plum tree?

Once every 10 days or two weeks is plenty. Worse than dry, thirsty roots is waterlogged, drowning roots. Although a little depression in the soil aids summer watering, it’s important to bring the soil around the tree up to the level of the surrounding soil for the winter.