Young Japanese plum trees need one cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer for each year of tree age, up to a maximum of 10 cups, in early March. A second application of one cup per year of tree age, up to a maximum of 4 cups, is applied in early August.
What is the best fertilizer for a plum tree?
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 (.
How do you take care of a Japanese plum tree?
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.
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.
What nutrients does a plum tree need?
In general, plum trees thrive when macronutrients like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K) are present. Nitrogen helps encourage vegetative growth (leaves and branches). Phosphorus encourages root and blossom development.
Is Epsom salt good for plum trees?
Fruit trees like citrus, apples, peaches, pomegranate, and plums perk up after application of Epsom salt.
Are coffee grounds good for plum trees?
Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper, all of which are essential to fruit trees. They also raise the pH level in the soil, which is good for the health of the plant.
When should I prune my Japanese plum tree?
Unlike other fruit trees, they are not pruned when dormant. Instead, prune in early spring and then thin out excess branches again in summer. Plums are formed on two year old fruit so prune to create a balance of old and new wood.
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.
Can you overwater a plum tree?
You can easily overwater your plum trees. Plums grow poorly in wet soil. Too much water prevents roots from absorbing nutrients and oxygen. Avoid overwatering your trees by adjusting your approach to the weather conditions.
How can you tell if a tree is getting too much water?
Overwatering signs
If new growth withers before it’s fully grown or becomes slightly yellow or green, there is too much water present. Watch leaves carefully as well. They may look like they are green, vibrant, and healthy, but if they break easily and are overall fragile, they can be suffering from too much water.
How long do Japanese plum trees live?
Plum | 10-25 years*
What is the best time to fertilize fruit trees?
spring
Early spring is the best time to fertilize fruit trees. Avoid fertilizing in late spring or summer as this may stimulate late summer growth that is more susceptible to winter injury. Too much fertilizer produces excessive vegetative growth and inhibits fruiting.
How do you rejuvenate a plum tree?
The basic principles are:
- If significant pruning is required spread it over two or three years.
- Remove dead, damaged and diseased branches (the three Ds) first.
- Prune away any crossing branches.
- Thin out the centre of the tree.
- When pruning at this stage, try to maintain the “balance” of the tree.
How often should plum trees be watered?
Young plum trees need to be watered at least once a week to promote healthy root growth. Once the tree is established, it requires regular watering, especially in the dry summer months. Deeply water your plum tree once every two to four weeks.
Can I sprinkle Epsom salt around plants?
If the soil becomes depleted of magnesium, adding Epsom salt will help; and since it poses little danger of overuse like most commercial fertilizers, you can use it safely on nearly all your garden plants.
Why are the leaves on my plum tree going yellow?
Lack of water – trees in pots need regular watering as they dry out quicker and do not catch as much rain water as plants and trees in the ground. Small pots – are the pots big enough? Nutrient deficiencies – as with watering, trees in pots need regular feeding to give them the nutrients they require to grow.
Can too much Epsom salt hurt plants?
Adding Epsom salts to soil that already has sufficient magnesium can actually harm your soil and plants, such as by inhibiting calcium uptake. Spraying Epsom salt solutions on plant leaves can cause leaf scorch. Excess magnesium can increase mineral contamination in water that percolates through soil.
How often should you add coffee grounds to plants?
Just don’t add too many at once, because the acidity could bother your worms. A cup or so of grounds per week for a small worm bin is perfect. In addition to using coffee grounds in your worm bin, earthworms in your soil will also be more attracted to your garden when you use them mixed with the soil as fertilizer.
Which plants do not like coffee grounds?
In most cases, the grounds are too acidic to be used directly on soil, even for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas and hollies. Coffee grounds inhibit the growth of some plants, including geranium, asparagus fern, Chinese mustard and Italian ryegrass.
Do coffee grounds keep pests away?
To use coffee grounds as an insect and pest repellent, simply set out bowls of grounds or sprinkle them around outdoor seating areas. You can also keep pests out of your garden by scattering coffee grounds around your plants. They help create a barrier that slugs and snails do not like to crawl over.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.