Plum

Plums prefer well-drained loam around pH 6.0-7.0 and moderate fertility, with nitrogen guided by soil testing and shoot growth. Pollination needs differ among European, Japanese, and hybrid types, so choose compatible cultivars and train sturdy branches before allowing heavy crops.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

180 in

First harvest

3–5 years

Tips

• Plant grafted nursery trees with the graft union above soil and verify whether a compatible pollinizer is required.
• Water deeply during establishment and dry periods while fruit expands, keeping the trunk clear of mulch.
• Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding, which produces excessive shoots and delays fruit maturity.
• Build a strong framework during the first years and thin crowded young fruit to prevent broken branches and small plums.
• Remove black knot growth during recommended pruning periods, discard brown-rotted fruit, and harvest when fruit develops full color and yields slightly.

Plant dormant grafted bare-root trees in early spring or container trees in spring or fall where winters permit establishment.

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