Herman Plum Information – Tips For Growing Herman Plums
Choosing the variety of a particular fruit to grow can be difficult, especially with so many options and limited garden space. A Herman plum tree is a good option for many reasons. It produces a tasty, high-quality fruit, it doesn’t require a second tree for pollination, and it is easy to grow.
What is a Herman Plum?
The Herman plum variety was developed from Czar plums in Sweden and was first introduced in the 1970s. The fruit is medium in size with a deep purple-black skin and yellow flesh. In appearance it is very similar to Czar, but the Herman plum has a better flavor and is delicious when eaten fresh, right off the tree. You can also use Herman plums for cooking, canning, and baking. They are easy to work with because they are freestone plums, meaning the flesh easily comes away from the pit. This makes it easier to can or preserve. Herman is an early variety, one of the earliest, in fact, and depending on where you live you may be picking ripe plums as soon as mid-July. You’ll also be harvesting a lot too, as this is a heavy producer.
Growing Herman Plums
These are easy plum trees to grow relative to other varieties and fruits. You only need some basic Herman plum information to get started and to help your tree thrive. Like other fruit trees, this one will do best with full sun and well-drained soil. Otherwise, it is not too picky about soil type, but if you have particularly poor soil, you may want to amend it first with some organic matter, like compost. During the first season, you’ll give your tree more attention, including regular watering to help it establish a good root system. Start the first year off with pruning as well, which you should continue to do once a year. Pruning of plum trees helps maintain a good shape, thin out fruit so you get better quality yields, keeps the tree healthy, and minimizes disease risk. Herman plum care is truly easy. It is considered an ideal fruit tree for novice growers, and even if you neglect it for a while, it will still produce a good harvest. This is a great choice for any gardener who wants to try plums.
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Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.
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