Plums are a healthy, low-calorie snack. But what happens when your backyard tree produces more fresh plums than your family can consume? One solution is drying plums in the oven or a food dehydrator to make prunes. If you've never tried making prunes, don't fret. Follow the simple instructions below and your family will be enjoying dried plums all winter long. 

Growing Prunes in the Home Garden

Before jumping in and learning how to make prunes, first consider whether or not you have a suitable type of plum for drying. Not all plums make good prunes. Commercial prune growers generally opt for European plum varieties over Japanese or indigenous American species of plums.

For the home gardener, European plums offer an additional advantage. Many European plum varieties and cultivars are self-fertile or are grafted with two compatible varieties on the same root stock. For gardeners with limited space, this means growing plums for prunes can be accomplished with a single tree. 

European plum varieties tend to bloom later in the season, which means they are much hardier and more reliable fruit producers than Japanese types. European plums also contain more natural sugars, which makes for sweeter-tasting prunes. 

How to Make Prunes

Learning how to dry prunes safely is not difficult. For the best results, start with freshly-harvested, mature plums in good condition (no mold, bruising or decay). Wash and dry the plums gently. 

Small plums can be dried whole, but the resulting prunes will contain pits. In order for whole plums to dehydrate properly, the skins must be cracked by dipping the plums in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Cool the fruit quickly by submerging in ice water, then continue with the following instructions for how to dry prunes:

• Pre-treat plums to retain color – Soak whole or pitted, halved plums in a pretreatment solution for 3-5 minutes. This solution can be made by mixing equal parts of lemon juice and water. 
• Arrange the plums on drying trays – Remove the plums from the pre-treatment solution and drain thoroughly. Then place the plums (skin side down to prevent sticking) in a single layer on the drying racks. Leave space around each plum for air to circulate.
• Select the drying temperature and time – Place the drying racks in the oven or dehydrator and set the thermostat to 140 degrees F. (60 C.) Pitted, halved plums will take 24 to 36 hours to dry in a dehydrator. Expect longer times for whole plums or when drying plums in the oven.
• Test for doneness – To promote even drying, turn or rotate the fruit every 3 to 4 hours. Properly dried fruit will feel leathery and be pliable. Check for doneness by squeezing a few pieces of cooled fruit in your hand. If they stick together or ooze moisture, continue drying. 
• Condition – This conditioning process evenly distributes the residual moisture throughout the prunes and prevents spoilage when stored. To condition prunes, place them in a lightly-covered glass or plastic bowl for 4 to 10 days. Stir or shake daily. If droplets of moisture appear inside the container, repeat the drying and conditioning process.

To store prunes, place small portions of dried and conditioned plums into vapor-tight jars, containers or plastic bags. Store them in a cool, dry, dark place and use within 6 to 12 months.

If you have ever taken a hike at the margins of woodlands, you might have seen a wild plum. The American wild plum tree (Prunus americana) grows from Massachusetts, south to Montana, the Dakotas, Utah, New Mexico, and Georgia. It is also found in southeastern Canada.

Growing wild plums is easy in North America, as they are very adapted to many types of regions.

American Wild Plum Tree

Do wild plum trees produce fruit? Nursery-bought plum trees grow from grafted rootstocks, but wild plums need no such process to produce numerous delicious fruits. Plus, wild plum tree care is effortless since the trees actually thrive on neglect.

The wild plum can be found in most cool to temperate states. It is often planted by birds who flock to the fruits when they are in season. The multi-stemmed trees grow in thickets at abandoned sites and disturbed soil areas. Trees form suckers freely and will create a large colony over time.

Trees can grow 15-25 feet ( 4.5-7.5 m.) tall. Pretty 5-petaled, white flowers form around March just before the leaves appear. Serrated, oblong leaves turn a brilliant red and gold in fall. The fruits are very small but full of flavor and make terrific preserves.

Growing Wild Plums

Wild plum grows in almost any soil provided it is freely draining, even alkaline and clay soils. The trees will even produce fruit in partially shady sites. Zones 3 to 8 are suitable for growing wild plums.

The broad crown will often lean to the side and the multiple stems can be pruned to a central leader when the plant is young. Thorny side branches can be pruned away without affecting plant health.

Wild plums have average water needs once established, but young trees should be kept moist until roots spread. If you wish to propagate the tree, it will grow from seed or cuttings. Wild plums have a short life span but are easy to grow.

Wild Plum Tree Care

Since this plant thrives on neglect, the only special care is regular water and pruning to improve the appearance.

Wild plums are susceptible to tent caterpillars, which defoliate the tree. Use sticky traps to ensnare the moths. Other possible pests are borers, aphids, and scale.

Potential diseases are plum curculio, brown rot, black knot, and leaf spot. Use fungal sprays to prevent most disease problems early in spring.

If you want a terrific early dessert plum, try growing Rivers Early plum trees. They are also known as Early Prolific plums due to their heavy cropping. Their beautiful purple-blue skin houses extremely sweet flesh. Rivers Early Prolific plum is easy to grow and can even produce a small crop without a pollinating partner. Keep reading for more Early Prolific plum info and see if this variety is right for your zone and needs.

Early Prolific Plum Info

Rivers Early plum trees need a full sun location to produce their best. With good soil and careful establishment, Early Prolific plum care is minimal, requiring just annual pruning and feeding, and attention to water. United States Department of Agriculture zones 6 to 8 are perfect for Early Prolific plum tree growing.

Early Prolific is an English variety developed in Herfordshire around 1820. The parent is a Precoce de Tours. It is undeniably sweet but is a dual-purpose fruit also excellent in recipes. By 1895, it was awarded a First-Class Certificate from the RHS and has been a commercial favorite ever since.

The fruit is fairly small, rounded, and has golden-yellow flesh. It is a freestone variety and said to be very good for jam. The tree itself is small with drooping branches that can be fragile and will need monitoring and support if cropping is heavy. While it can produce fruit on its own, a better crop will be produced with a variety like Marjorie’s Seedling.

Early Prolific Plum Tree Growing

Choose a site with plenty of sun where the soil is loose and fertile. Make sure it drains adequately since trees with “wet feet” can suffer from rot. Ideally, the tree should have 6 to 8 hours of sunlight during the growing season.

When planting new trees, soak the roots of bare-root trees prior to installing. Make sure the roots are well spread in the planting hole and fill in around them completely. Water in new trees well. Young plants will benefit from some judicious pruning after the first year to establish a vase shape and encourage strong branches.

Early Prolific Plum Care

Your Early Rivers Prolific plum needs food at bud break once they start producing fruit. Use an organic mulch around the root zone that will prevent weeds, conserve moisture, and slowly feed the roots.

Because this tree tends to have delicate stems, prune out excess fruit at terminal ends, leaving just a few to ripen. If necessary, provide support to overly laden branches during cropping.

Watch for insects and treat them immediately. Avoid watering the tree from above to prevent fungal issues. Overall, this is an easy tree for which to care for and will reward you with bushels of fruit. The only problem is how to eat it all.

Bacterial canker is a disease that can damage most types of stone fruit trees, including plum. If you grow fruit trees, knowing how to prevent plum bacterial canker is important for maintaining good tree health and a reliable harvest. Fortunately, prevention and management can help ensure you don’t see this disease in your orchard or that it has little impact on your trees’ health.

What is Plum Bacterial Canker?

Bacterial canker of plum is actually a disease that can affect any tree from the Prunus genus. These include plums as well as peaches and cherries. Other names for the disease are blossom blast, spur blight, twig blight, and gummosis. The cause of the disease is a bacterial infection triggered by Pseudomonas syringae.

Bacterial Canker Plum Symptoms

Plums with bacterial canker show most obvious signs of disease in spring. Trees most likely to be affected are between two and eight years old and weakened in some way. Possible signs of bacterial canker include:

• Branch dieback
• Blast of young shoots and flowers
• Long and narrow cankers on trunk and the base of buds in spring
• Amber-colored gum that smells sour
• Areas of bacteria outside the cankers
• Leaf spots

Managing Bacterial Canker of Plum

The bacteria that cause this disease survive on plant surfaces and can be spread by rain splash. The disease is often not serious and causes the most damage to trees that are unhealthy or weakened. The best way to manage the disease is to prevent it by keeping trees healthy and vigorous with good irrigation, adequate and appropriate fertilization, and management of pests and other diseases.

You can also prevent bacterial canker by choosing trees with Lovell peach rootstock, which has some resistance. Also helpful is using trees that have been grafted well above the root crown, about 32 inches (81 cm.) at least. Fumigating the soil for nematodes is also a good preventative measure, as these pests weaken trees and predispose them to bacterial infection.

If you have a tree already infected with bacterial canker, prune away the affected branches. Do this only in winter or in hot, dry periods in summer to avoid spreading the disease. Burn the infected branches and disinfect pruning tools carefully.

Make sure your tree gets all the care it needs to be vigorous, and the damage from the disease can be minimized.

Warwickshire Drooper plum trees are perennial favorites in the United Kingdom that are revered for their abundant crops of medium sized, yellow fruit. Read on if you’re interested in growing your own Warwickshire Drooper fruit trees.

What are Warwickshire Drooper Plums?

The parentage of Warwickshire Drooper fruit trees is unsure; however, it is believed that all the trees hail from the Dundale plum, bred in Kent during the 1900’s. This cultivar was grown commercially in Warwickshire orchards where it was known as ‘Magnum’ until the 1940’s when the name was changed to Warwickshire Drooper.

Warwickshire Drooper plum trees produce prodigious amounts of medium/large yellow fruit that, while pleasant when eaten ripe and fresh, really shines when cooked. The trees are self-fertile and do not need a pollinator, although having one nearby will increase the yield.

Warwickshire Drooper plums are late season plums ready for harvest in early autumn. Unlike other plums, Warwickshire trees will retain their fruits for about three weeks.

In its country of origin, Warwickshire Drooper fruit was fermented into an alcoholic drink called Plum Jerkum that apparently left the head clear but paralyzed the legs. Today, the fruit is more often eaten fresh, preserved, or used in desserts.

Growing Warwickshire Drooper Trees

Warwickshire Drooper is easy to grow and very hardy. It is suitable for all but the coldest parts of the United Kingdom and suffers little from late frosts.

Despite its heavy yields, Warwickshire Drooper trees are sturdy enough to withstand the heavy weight of the fruit and are not likely to break.

Select an area with well-drained soil, in sun to partial sun, and fertile soil to plant Warwickshire Drooper trees.

Warwickshire Drooper trees are large trees with a spreading to drooping habit. Prune the tree to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches and to tighten up the tree a bit to make it easier to harvest.

What is a Willingham gage? Willingham gage trees produce a type of greengage plum, a super-sweet variety of plum. Those growing Willingham gages say that the fruit is the best plum fruit available. If you are considering growing Willingham gages, you’ll need a little more information. Read on for facts about these fruit trees and tips on how to grow Willingham gage fruit.

What is a Willingham Gage?

The fruit is a type of greengage plum, but this information won’t help you unless you are familiar with the greengage. A greengage plum is a type of fruit tree imported to England from France by Sir Thomas Gage. What makes a plum a greengage? Don’t rely on the color to help you. Some greengage plums are green, but some are purple and some are yellow. Some say that you can only distinguish between a gage and a plum by tasting it rather than by its outward appearance. If you bite into a plum and find it deliciously sweet and very juicy, it is probably a greengage. In fact, it might be a Willingham gage. Those growing Willingham gages say that the green plums are utterly delicious, extremely sweet with an almost melon-like flavor. Willingham gage trees are known for their reliable harvest and great-tasting fruit. They are also reputed to be low-maintenance and easy to grow. In fact, the care for Willingham gage trees is neither complicated nor time-consuming.

How to Grow Willingham Gage Fruit

You’ll have to consider many factors when you are learning how to grow Willingham gage trees. One of the first questions is whether you need to plant another compatible plum tree nearby to get fruit. The answer is not clear. Some report that the trees are self-fertile, meaning that you don’t require a second plum tree of a compatible species nearby to produce crops. However, others call Willingham cage trees self-sterile. So, go ahead and plant a second tree in the pollinator group D. It never hurts to have another type of plum nearby and could aid fruit production. Care for Willingham gage trees is similar as for other plum trees. These trees require a sunny site that gets six to eight hours of direct sun a day. They also need well-draining soil and adequate, regular irrigation. Expect Willingham gage trees to flower in spring. You will harvest fruit from these trees in midsummer.

Valor plum trees produce bounteous crops of attractive purple-blue fruit, occasionally with a hint of red. The sweet, juicy plums are versatile and can be eaten fresh or used for preserving, canning, or drying. You can easily grow your own tree if you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. The good news is that Valor plum care is relatively uninvolved. Read on to learn about growing Valor plums.

Valor Plum Information

Valor plum trees originated in 1968 at the Vineland Research Institute in Ontario, Canada. The trees are appreciated for their abundant harvests and the excellent flavor of the firm, amber flesh. Valor plum trees tend to be resistant to bacterial leaf spot. Look for Valor plums to ripen in late September or early October.

How to Care for a Valor Plum

Valor plums require at least one plum tree nearby for pollination. Good candidates include Opal, Stanley, Italian, Bluefire, and other European plum varieties. Valor plum trees require at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day for healthy development of flower buds. Valor plum trees are adaptable to nearly any well-drained, loamy soil. They shouldn’t be planted in heavy clay or extremely sandy soil. Improve poor soil by adding a generous amount of compost, manure, or other organic material at planting time. If your soil is nutrient-rich, no fertilizer is needed until the tree begins bearing fruit, usually two to four years. At that point, provide a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer after bud break, but never after July 1st. Prune Valor plum trees to maintain desired size in early spring or midsummer. Remove branches that rub or cross other branches. Thin the center of the tree to improve air circulation. Remove water sprouts throughout the season. Thin plums during June or early July to improve fruit flavor and prevent limbs from breaking under the weight of the plums. Allow 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) between each plum. Water a newly planted plum tree weekly during the first growing season. Once established, Valor plum trees require very little supplemental moisture. Provide the tree with a deep soaking every seven to ten days during prolonged dry periods. Slightly dry soil is always better than soggy, waterlogged conditions. Beware of overwatering, which may result in rot or other moisture-related diseases.

For a deliciously sweet and juicy plum, and one with a unique green color, consider growing a Cambridge gage tree. This variety of plum comes from the 16th century Old Greengage and is easier to grow and hardier than its ancestors, perfect for the home gardener. Enjoying it fresh is best, but this plum also holds up to canning, cooking, and baking.

Cambridge Gage Information

Greengage or just gage, is a group of plum trees that originate in France, although the Cambridge was developed in England. The fruits of these varieties are often green but not always. They tend to be juicier than over varieties and are great for fresh eating. Cambridge gage plums are no exception to this; the flavor is high-quality, sweet, and honey-like. They have a green skin that develops a slight blush as they ripen. This is a plum variety that can tolerate colder climates. The flowers bloom later in the spring than those of other plum cultivars. This means that the risk of having a frost destroy the blooms and subsequent fruit harvest is lower with Cambridge gage trees.

How to Grow Cambridge Gage Plum Trees

Growing a Cambridge gage plum tree is easier than you might think. It is mostly a hands-off variety if you give it the right conditions and a good start. Your tree will need a spot with full sun and enough space to grow 8 to 11 feet (2.5-3.5 m.) up and out. It needs soil that drains well and that has adequate organic matter and nutrients. For the first season, water your plum tree well and regularly as it establishes a healthy root system. After year one, you will only need to water it when there are unusually dry conditions. You can prune or train the tree to any shape or against a wall, but you really only need to trim it once a year to keep it healthy and happy. Cambridge gage plum trees are partially self-fertile, which means they will produce fruit without another tree as a pollinator. However, it is highly recommended that you get another variety of plum tree to make sure your fruit will set and that you get an adequate harvest. Be ready to pick and enjoy your plums in late summer or early fall.

If you like Victoria plums, you’ll love Jubilee plums. What is a Jublieum plum? It’s the fruit of the Jubileum plum tree, and a bigger, better version of the Victoria plum. Growing Jublileum plums is not difficult as long as you pick an appropriate planting site and provide the right care. Read on for information about Jubileum plum trees and tips on Jubileum plum care.

What is a Jubileum Plum?

Jubliee plums, also known as Jubileum plums, are better known in Britain than in this country. So exactly what is a Jubileum plum? It’s an improved version of the extremely popular Victoria plum. Those growing Jubileum plums report that the fruit looks a lot like the Victoria plum, with mottled red skin. The fruit is long, oval, and uniform, somewhat larger than the Victoria plum. When you open these plums, the fruit is deep yellow. It is firm but also very sweet. The Jubileum plum is said to be a top-notch plum for eating fresh, and is often called a plum of superb eating quality. These juicy plums work well as dessert plums since they are succulent and attractive. It can also be used very successfully for cooking.

Jubileum Plum Care

Growing Jubileum plums isn’t very difficult if you live in an appropriate region for plum growing. Plums, in general, require plenty of sun and well-draining soil. If Victoria plums grow in your area, you won’t have any trouble with Jubileum plum care. These plums are so simple to grow that they are touted as perfect plums for beginners. They are disease resistant and hardy. An additional plus is that Jubileum plum trees are self-fertile. That means that Jubileum plum care does not include planting a second species plum tree nearby to get fruit. These trees are known for a heavy yield. Despite their self-fertile status, you may be able to get even more fruit with a compatible pollinator species in the area. The Jubilee plums come to harvest in mid-August, so pick a second plum species with a similar fruiting time. Some considerations include:

• Avalon
• Belle de Louvain
• Cambridge Gage
• Early Transparent Gage
• Farleigh
• Guinevere
• Merryweather
• Opal
• Victoria

Plums come in three distinct types: European, Japanese, and American species. What is a European plum? European plum trees (Prunus domestica) are an ancient, domesticated species of fruit tree. These plum trees produce the best-known cultivated plums and the most widely distributed. Read on for more European plum facts and tips on European plum growing.

What is a European Plum?

You won’t find European plum trees growing wild in European forests. This tree is known only in cultivation, but it is planted around the world in temperate areas. European plum trees grow well in the western U.S. They bloom in late winter or early spring. Fruit ripens between spring and fall, with the harvest of different types of European plums occurring at different points between May and September. So exactly what is a European plum? What does it look like and how does it taste? European plum trees produce plums with skins in a wide variety of colors – generally blue or maroon, although popular ‘Green Gage’ plums are green, while ‘Mirabelle’ plums are yellow. These plums are often canned or made into jams or jellies. Most European plums are quite sweet but some are even sweeter. Prunes are one of the various types of European plums. They are plums that have a high enough sugar content to allow growers to dry the plums in the sun without fermenting.

European Plum Growing

According to European plum facts, these fruit trees are self-fertile. This means that they produce fruit even without a nearby plum tree of a different but compatible species. However, you may get better yields if you do have compatible European plum trees in the neighborhood. When you are beginning European plum growing, remember to plant your trees in a sunny site. They need many hours of direct sun a day to fruit. These trees do best in well-draining soil that holds moisture with a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. They can even thrive in heavy clay soils as long as the drainage is good. Plant plum trees very early in winter. Space them some 18 to 22 feet (5.5-7 m.) apart to allow for mature size. Don’t toss in fertilizer at the time of planting, but wait at least six weeks after planting to fertilize.

Plum ‘President’ trees produce an abundance of large, bluish black fruit with juicy yellow flesh. Although President plum fruit is used primarily for cooking or preserving, it’s also a delight eaten straight off the tree. This vigorous European plum is relatively easy to grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. Read on and learn more about this plum tree.

President Plum Tree Info

President plum trees were bred in Hertfordshire, U.K. in 1901. This sturdy tree tends to be resistant to brown rot, bacterial leaf spot, and black knot. Mature size of President plum trees is 10 to 14 feet (3-4 m.), with a spread of 7 to 13 feet (2-4 m.). President plum trees bloom in late March and President plum fruit ripens late in the season, generally mid to late September. Look for the first harvest two to three years after planting.

Caring for Plum President Trees

Growing President plums require a pollinator of a different variety nearby – generally another type of European plum. Also, be sure the tree receives full sunlight for at least six hours per day. President plum trees are adaptable to nearly any well-drained, loamy soil, but they don’t do well in heavy clay. Improve soil drainage and quality by adding a generous amount of compost, shredded leaves, well-rotted manure, or other organic material at planting time. If your soil is nutrient-rich, no fertilizer is needed until your plum tree begins bearing fruit. At that point, provide a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer after bud break, but never after July 1st. Prune plum President as needed in early spring or midsummer. Remove water sprouts throughout the season, otherwise, they’ll draw moisture and nutrients from the roots of your President plum tree. Thin plum President fruit in May and June to improve fruit quality and prevent limbs from breaking. Water a newly planted plum tree weekly during the first growing season. Once established, President plum trees require very little supplemental moisture. However, soak the tree deeply every seven to ten days if you live in an arid climate, or during extended dry periods. Beware of overwatering your President plum tree. The tree can survive slightly dry conditions, but rot may develop in soggy, waterlogged soil.

Marjorie's seedling tree is an excellent plum for smaller gardens. It needs no pollinating partner and produces a tree full to the brim with deep purple-red fruit. Marjorie's seedling plums get sweeter as they stay on the tree, a bonus for home gardeners who can wait, unlike commercial growers who pick early. If you love plums, try growing Marjorie's seedling plum as a low maintenance, heavy producing fruit tree.

About Marjorie's Seedling Plum Trees

Marjorie's seedling plum trees will produce copious amounts of sweet-tart fruits for canning, baking, or fresh eating. This variety is known for its intense flavor when allowed to fully ripen on the tree. The fruits are beautiful with deep color that turns almost purple black when mature. It is a perfect tree for a small garden because you don't need another plum variety for it to set fruit. Marjorie's seedling plums are small fruits with deeply yellow, juicy flesh. The trees can grow 8 to 13 feet (2-4 m.) tall with a bushy habit, unless trained. There are several seasons of interest with this plum tree. In early spring, a cloud of pearly white flowers appear, followed by the deeply hued fruit and finally, purple-bronze foliage in fall. It is in flowering group 3 and considered a late season plum with fruit arriving in September to October. Marjorie's seedling tree is resistant to most common plum diseases and is a reliable producer. It has been around in the U.K. since the early 1900's.

Growing Marjorie's Seedling Plum

Marjorie's seedling is an easy plum tree to grow. These trees prefer cool, temperate regions and well-draining, sandy soil. Acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal. The planting hole should be twice as wide and deep as the root mass and well worked. Water the soil in well and keep new trees moist as they establish. Water once per week deeply, or more if the temperatures are high and no natural precipitation occurs. Prevent weeds around the root zone. Use about an inch (2.5 cm.) of organic mulch to accomplish this and also to conserve moisture. Young trees should be staked to help them develop an erect trunk.

Seedling Plum Tree Care

Prune in summer to keep an open center and sturdy scaffold of branches. You may also have to tip prune to thin heavy bearing branches. Plums don't generally need much shaping but they can be made into espaliers or trained to a trellis. Start this early in the plant's life and expect a delay of fruiting. Fertilize in spring before the flowers open. If deer or rabbits are common in your area, erect a barrier around the trunk to prevent damage. These plums will usually bear in two to four years after planting. Fruit is prolific so be ready to share!

Some call plum ‘Opal’ the most delectable of all fruit. This cross between the delectable gage variety ‘Oullins’ and the cultivar ‘Early Favorite’ is considered by many to be the best early plum variety. If you are growing Opal plums or want to plant Opal plum trees, you’ll need to know more about this fruit tree. Read on for information and tips on Opal plum care.

About Opal Plum Trees

The trees that grow Opal are a cross between two subspecies of European plums, one of them a gage plum. Gage plums are extremely juicy, sweet, and delicious and the plum ‘Opal’ inherited this exceptional dessert quality. Opal plum tree flowers flower in spring and harvest starts in summer. Those growing Opal plums say the trees must have full sun in summer to produce the famed, rich flavor. Plum ‘Opal’ is a medium-sized fruit with mottled skin and golden or yellow flesh. These plums mature over a few weeks, rather than all at the same time, so expect to harvest more than once. If you start growing Opal plums, you’ll find that the fruit is excellent eaten fresh. These plums also work well cooked. Plums last about three days after picking.

Opal Plum Care

Opal plum trees are easy to grow but the fruit flavor depends almost entirely on whether the fruit sugars have time to develop over its short growing period. You will do best growing Opal plums in full sun if you are aiming for that intense flavor, and a sunny site makes caring for these trees even easier. When you are planting, choose a site with the tree’s mature size in mind. They only grow to about 8 feet tall (2.5 m.) with the same spread. These fruit trees are somewhat self-fertile but it’s probably a better bet to plant them with another compatible pollinator plum. One good choice is ‘Victoria.’ Caring for Opal plums involves much the same effort as for other plum trees. The trees require regular water to establish, then irrigation during the fruiting season. From the time you plant, you’ll have to wait between two and four years to get a good harvest. Fortunately, Opal plum trees are very resistant to plum tree diseases. This makes Opal plum care much easier. Expect to do some plum tree pruning, however, to build a strong frame for the fruit.

What is a Merryweather damson? Merryweather damsons, originating in England, are a tart, delicious type of plum, sweet enough to be eaten raw, but ideal for jams and jellies. One of the hardiest of all fruit trees, Merryweather damson trees are attractive in the garden, providing showy white flowers in spring and lovely foliage in autumn. Large crops of bluish black Merryweather damson plums are ready for harvest in late August. Growing Merryweather damsons isn’t difficult for gardeners in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 7. Read on and we’ll provide tips on how to grow Merryweather damsons.

Growing Merryweather Damsons

Merryweather damson plums are self-fertile, but a pollination partner nearby that flowers about the same time may improve quality and yield. Good candidates include Czar, Jubilee, Denniston’s Superb, Avalon, Herman, Jefferson, Farleigh, and many others. Grow damson trees in full sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. Add plenty of compost, chopped leaves, or well-rotted manure to the soil prior to planting. Keep the area free of weeds in at least a 12 inch (31 cm.) radius around the tree. Fruit trees don’t compete well with weeds, which rob moisture and nutrients from the roots of the tree. Apply mulch or compost around the tree in spring, but don’t allow the material to pile up against the trunk. Water Merryweather damson trees regularly during dry periods, but be careful not to overwater. Fruit trees may rot in soggy, poorly drained conditions. Check the Merryweather damson trees frequently for aphids, scale, and spider mites. Treat them with insecticidal soap spray. Caterpillars can be managed with Bt, a naturally occurring biological control. It may be necessary to thin large crops of Merryweather damson plums in spring when the fruit is tiny. Thinning produces healthier fruit and prevents branches from breaking under the weight. Merryweather damson trees requires very little pruning, but old wood, crossing branches, and twiggy growth can be removed between spring and early autumn. Never trim Merryweather damson trees during the winter.

With a name like Reine Claude de Bavay gage plum, this fruit sounds like it only graces the table of aristocrats. In Europe though, the Reine Claude de Bavay is the type of plum most frequently seen in supermarkets. The Reine Claude de Bavay tree produces classic, sweet greengage plums and lots of them. Read on for more information on gage plums, especially the gage 'Reine Claude de Bavay.'

About Reine Claude de Bavay Plum

The Reine Claude de Bavay plum was named after the Director of the Vilvoorde Horticultural Station, located near Brussels. It was first cultivated in 1932 and imported to Britain in 1846. Today, the gage 'Reine Claude de Bavay' is a common greengage variety in France as well. Greengage plums are green during most of their life on the tree, and green or yellow-green when ripe. To develop the exceptional sweetness expected on greengage plums, you have to allow them to ripen on the tree in full sun. This is very true of Reine Claude de Bavay gages. Essentially, the more sun that Reine Claude de Bavay trees get, the more delicious the crop.

Growing Reine Claude de Bavay Gages

If you are thinking of growing Reine Claude de Bavay plums, find the sunniest place in the yard to site the trees, both for flavor as well as to increase the size of the crop. It’s also important to grow Reine Claude de Bavay plum trees in rich soil. Take the time to mix in composted manure or other organic compost before you even dig the planting hole. Reine Claude de Bavay gages will not do well unless they are planted in an area with good drainage. They are termed self-fertile but they can also benefit from another species nearby for pollination. One good neighbor would be the plum Rootgrow. Gage 'Reine Claude de Bavay' is a plum tree that flowers in spring and matures in fall. Expect blossoms in April and harvest in September. While the Reine Claude de Bavay tree can tolerate cold winters, it does better in temperate climates. The warmer and sunnier the growing season, the more delicious the Reine Claude de Bavay plums will be.

What is a Jefferson gage? Jefferson gage plums, originating in the United States around 1925, have yellow-green skin with reddish spots. The golden yellow flesh is sweet and juicy with a relatively firm texture. These gage plum trees tend to be relatively disease-resistant and easy to grow as long as you provide the right conditions. Read on to learn about growing Jefferson plums.

Jefferson Gage Tree Care

Jefferson gage plum trees require another tree nearby to provide pollination. Good candidates include Victoria, Czar, King Damson, Opal, Merryweather, and Denniston’s Superb, among others. Be sure your plum tree receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. A location away from harsh winds is preferable. Jefferson gage trees are adaptable to nearly any well-drained soil, but they don’t perform well in poorly-drained soil or heavy clay. Improve poor soil by adding a generous amount of compost, shredded leaves, or other organic material at planting time. If your soil is nutrient-rich, no fertilizer is needed until the tree bears fruit. Thereafter, provide a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer after bud break. Never fertilize Jefferson gage trees after July 1st. If your soil is extremely poor, you can start fertilizing the tree the spring following planting. However, never add commercial fertilizer to the soil at planting time, as it may damage the tree. Prune the tree in late spring or early summer. Remove water sprouts throughout the season. Thin plums when the fruit is dime-size to improve fruit quality and prevent limbs from breaking under the weight of the plums. Allow enough space for the fruit to develop without rubbing other fruit. Water the tree weekly during the first growing season. Once established, Jefferson gage plum trees require very little supplemental moisture unless rainfall is lacking. Water deeply every seven to ten days during extended dry periods. Be careful not to overwater. Soil on the dry side is always better than soggy, waterlogged conditions, which may cause rot. If wasps are a problem, hang traps in late spring or early summer.

The British love plums from Victoria plum trees. The cultivar has been around since the Victorian era, and it’s the most popular plum variety by far in the U.K. The lovely fruit is particularly known as a cooking plum. If you start growing Victoria plums on this side of the pond, you’ll want to stock up on Victoria plum tree information first. Read on for a description of the tree as well as tips on how to grow Victoria plums.

Victoria Plum Tree Information

Victoria plums that ripen on a tree in your backyard orchard are really delicious eaten fresh. However, if you buy them in supermarkets, they may have been picked early and allowed to ripen off-tree, reducing the flavor. In either case, the plums from Victoria plum trees are excellent in jams and pies. The flesh cooks up to a puree the color of a sunset. It has a great sweet/sharp balance, with just a taste of almond. It’s the color of the Victoria plum that is the tip-off as to ripeness. According to Victoria plum tree info, the plums grow in green, then transform to a bright orange before ripening to plum purple. Pick them when they are red/orange for the perfect cooking plums, but for eating fresh out of hand, harvest the plums when dark reddish purple. The trees are available on standard “St Julien A” rootstocks as well as smaller rootstocks. Standard trees grow to 13 feet (4 m.) tall, while with the smaller VVA-1 rootstock, expect an 11 foot (3.5 m.) tree that you can trim down to 10 feet (3 m.). Victoria plums grown on the Pixy rootstock can grow to the same height as on the VVA-1. However, you can prune them down much smaller, to 8 feet (2.5 m.).

How to Grow Victoria Plums

If you are tempted to start growing Victoria plum trees, you’ll discover that it isn’t too difficult. These are fairly easy-maintenance trees if you site them well. Victoria plum trees are self-fertile. This means that you don’t necessarily need another plum species in the neighborhood in order for your tree to produce plums, but it still helps. So exactly how to grow Victoria plums? You’ll want to find a site that will accommodate the tree’s height and spread. The site should get full sun but it should also be sheltered from wind and weather. This will keep high winds and late frosts from damaging the crop. Growing Victoria plums is far easier if you start with excellent soil. Make sure it is well-worked and add in organic compost before you plant. You can mix in some fertilizer too. This plum tree tolerates poor conditions, but the more favorable they are to begin with, the better the fruit will be.

Bacterial spot is a disease that attacks stone fruit, including plums. It is found throughout fruit-growing states in the eastern half of the country, affecting a fruit tree’s leaves, twigs, and fruit. If you have or plan to have plum trees in your home orchard, you’ll want to learn about bacterial spot on plums. Read on for information about plums with bacterial spot and tips for controlling plum bacterial leaf spot.

Plums with Bacterial Spot

Plums are not the only fruit susceptible to bacterial spot. The disease also affects nectarines, apricots, prunes, and cherries. Severe infection can result in poor quality fruit and even devastating fruit loss. Ornamental trees can also get this disease. Bacterial leaf spot on plums is caused by Xanthomonas, a bacterium that thrives in rainy summer weather– typical summer weather in many regions. Currently, there is no effective plum bacterial spot treatment.

Symptoms of Bacterial Spot on Plums

The first symptoms you may see on plums with bacterial spot are numerous tiny leaf spots. They begin as water-soaked circles, but quickly develop into deep purple or brown lesions. The dry centers often tear away leaving a shot-hole or wind-torn effect. That’s why bacterial leaf spot is also known as bacterial shot-hole. Bacterial spot on plums also attacks small twigs as well as fruits. This makes the fruit unappealing to eat and severely reduces the quality too.

Plum Bacterial Spot Treatment

You can control bacterial spot in some types of fruit trees by applying the antibiotic oxytetracycline. However, products containing this substance are not labeled for use on plums with bacterial spot. This means that there is no effective plum bacterial spot treatment. While chemical control has not been effective, you can try controlling plum bacterial leaf spot with cultural practices. Providing your plum trees with good care is important, including all the nutrients they require to thrive. Vigorous trees are not as susceptible to the disease as stressed or neglected trees. Any cultural practice that makes the fruit and foliage of the plum tree dry faster reduces the risk of infection. For example, trimming the inside branches to allow sun and wind in the canopy can help prevent this issue.

Czar plum trees have a history dating back 140 years and, today, are still prized by many gardeners despite the dearth of more modern and improved varieties. The reason so many gardeners are growing Czar plums? The trees are particularly hardy, plus Czar plum fruit is an excellent cooking variety. Read on to learn about growing Czar plums and Czar plum tree care.

Czar Plum Tree Info

Czar plum trees have an interesting lineage. It is a cross between Prince Engelbert and Early Prolific. Samples of Czar plum fruit were sent to Robert Hogg in August 1874 from the growers, Rivers of Sawbridgeworth. This was the first year of the trees’ fruiting and was yet to be named. Hogg named the plum fruit Czar in honor of the Czar of Russia who made a momentous visit to the UK that year. The tree and fruit caught on and became a popular staple in many an English garden due to its hardy nature. Czar plums can be grown in a variety of soils, in partial shade, and the blossoms have some resistance to late frosts. The tree is also a prolific producer and is one of the earliest producing culinary plums. Czar plums are large, dark black/purple, early season fruit. They can be eaten fresh if allowed to fully ripen, but that is not their primary use. Although palatable fresh, they really shine when made into preserves or juiced. The interior flesh is yellow with a cling freestone. On average, the fruit is 2 inches (5 cm.) long and 1 ½ inches (3 cm.) across, just slightly larger than the average plum. The tree size is dependent on the rootstock, but also on growing conditions. Generally, trees are between 10-13 feet (3-4 m.) for a tree that has not been pruned to 8-11 feet (2.5-3.5 m.) for a pruned tree.

How to Grow a Czar Plum

Czar plums are self-fertile but will yield better and produce larger fruit with another pollinator nearby. That said, it doesn’t need another tree, and it will be quite fruitful on its own. It does well in cooler climates and, as mentioned, is unfussy regarding its soil. Plant Czar plums in full sun to partial shade areas. Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and a bit wider. Gently loosen the roots and place the tree in the hole. Back fill with a mixture of half garden soil and half compost.

Czar Plum Tree Care

Depending upon weather conditions, plan to provide the plum with one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Unlike other fruiting trees, plum trees should be pruned when they are fully leafed out. The reason for this is if you prune a plum when it is dormant, it may become infected with a fungal infection. Prune a new tree immediately upon planting unless it is winter. Generally, plan to prune once a year from late spring to the end of July. The idea is to create a wine goblet shape that allows air and light to penetrate the canopy and also makes the tree easier to harvest. Remove any crossing, damaged or diseased branches as well. Plum trees are notorious for the copious quantities of fruit they produce. Too much fruit has its price, though, and can result in broken branches that make way for insects and disease. Thin the crop so the tree isn’t too overburdened. Mulch around the tree, taking care to keep the mulch away from the trunk to retard weeds and retain moisture. Before laying the mulch, fertilize the tree with an organic blood meal, fish meal or bone meal in the spring and then lay the mulch. Keep an eye out for insects. Czar plum trees are susceptible to all of the insects as other plums. In the case of Czar plums, there is one particular insect that attacks this cultivar. Plum moths love Czar plums and can wreak havoc on the fruit. Signs of this are small pinkish maggots inside the plums. Unfortunately, this is an insect that is particularly difficult to control. Plums, in particular the Czar plum, are comparatively easy to grow and require very little attention. The tree will crop in 3-4 years from planting and at maturity, 6 years, will reach its full cropping potential.

Damsons are considered by many gardeners to be the finest example of plums. Langley Bullace damson plums are one of the better fruits for canning and cooking. The name seems to point to large fruit, but actually Langley Bullace trees produce fairly small plums. Nonetheless, the tree is worth growing for its interesting form and the tart, firm fruits that make excellent preserves.

About Langley Bullace Trees

In the U.K., growing Langley Bullace damson plants or any of the other damsons is quite common. These varieties of plum prefer temperate weather and have very hardy natures. They are also noted for their sharp flavor, and many damsons are too tart to eat out of hand, as is the case with Langley Bullace. Langley Bullace damson care is minimal once you start your tree off right. With good training, it will produce a bumper crop of culinary fruit. Langley Bullace is a self-fruitful tree that produces round to oblong, clingstone fruit. It was first raised in Langley, U.K and introduced in 1902. The tree develops long, downward growing branches when young which twist upward as they mature. Trees are self-fertile but a pollination partner can help increase yields. White flowers cover the plant in early spring. Langley Bullace damson plums are bluish-black under a powdery coat, with firm green flesh. Expect crops in autumn, usually late September to early October.

Tips on Growing Langley Bullace Damson

Damsons can grow in United States Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 8. They prefer full sun locations with fertile soil and a pH of at least 6.0. Work compost or well-rotted manure into the planting hole prior to installing new trees. This will also help enhance drainage, another important component to growing damsons. Plant in the dormant season and water the tree in well. Langley Bullace can be espaliered or trained to trellis or wire. Set a stake in with young plants at installation to keep the central leader supported and straight. Keep the soil evenly moist but not boggy as the tree establishes.

Care for Langley Bullace Damson

Pruning and training young trees is the most important part of Langley Bullace damson care. Pruning the plum tree will help shape the side branches and create a pyramid shape that helps support heavy crops. Heading back branches that haven't forked can encourage new growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season. Use organic mulch around the root zone of the plant to conserve moisture, gradually add nutrients and prevent weeds. Fertilize damson trees in early spring with a balanced food. Watch for aphids, caterpillars and mites. The most common diseases are fungal and may be combated by using a copper fungicide in early spring before bud break.

Gage plums, also known as greengage, are varieties of European plums that can be eaten fresh or canned. They can range in color from yellow and green to red and purple. The Early Transparent Gage plum is a yellow plum with a pretty red blush. It is a good choice for all types of eating and is an easy tree to grow as compared to similar cultivars.

About Early Transparent Gage Plums

This plum variety comes from England and dates back to the 19th century. All gage plums date back to an even earlier period in France, where they are called Reine Claude plums. As compared to other types of plums, gages are very juicy, which makes them exceptional for fresh eating. Among the gage, Early Transparent is a variety with unique coloring. It is yellow to pale apricot with a blush of red that creeps over the fruits as they ripen. This variety is named “transparent” because the skin is very thin and delicate. Like other gages, this one is delicious eaten fresh and raw, right off the tree. However, it is more versatile than other gage varieties, so if you want a plum you can eat fresh but also cook or bake with, can, or turn into jam, Early Transparent is a great choice.

Early Transparent Gage Care

Early Transparent Gage trees are easier to grow than other varieties. They produce more fruit and are less finicky. This is also a more compact tree and is self-fertile, so it makes a good option for smaller gardens where you have no room for a second plum tree for pollination. Like other plum trees, this one will need full sun and well-draining soil that is adequately rich with organic material. There is some disease resistance in this variety, but it is important to look out for signs of disease or pests. Keep the tree trimmed regularly to shape it and allow for airflow. It should be pruned once a year. Water your tree throughout the initial growing season and then water only when there are drought conditions. You can also use a fertilizer once a year if your soil is not very rich. Be prepared to harvest your plums in late summer, just when the tops of the fruits have begun to wrinkle slightly.

If you are a fan of plums, you will love Farleigh damson fruits. What is a Farleigh damson? The drupes are cousins of plums and have been found to be cultivated as far back as the Roman period. The Farleigh damson tree is a vigorous producer and quite easy to grow. Continue reading for some fun and informative Farleigh damson info.

What is a Farleigh Damson?

Farleigh damson plums are palm-sized bites of goodness. Their slight acidity and extra hardiness set them apart from standard plums. The trees are small and sturdy, which makes them excellent for windbreaks or hedges and they can be trained to a trellis or espalier. The damson tree is a subspecies of plum. Farleigh damson plums are longer and more oval than regular plums and smaller overall in size. The flesh is firmer and drier and does not break down completely when cooked, unlike plums whose flesh melts into an almost baby food consistency when cooked. Damsons are used more often cooked because the fruit will retain its form. They make excellent preserves or additions to desserts. Farleigh damsons are bluish-black and arrive mid to late season. This damson originated in Kent in the early 1800s. The seedling was possibly a wild sport and grown by Mr. James Crittendon from Farleigh. The tree is also known as Farleigh Prolific due to its heavy cropping habit. It is fairly slow growing and will not attain its maturity until the plant is at least 7 years of age. Depending upon the rootstock, the tree can reach 13 feet (4 m.) or may be smaller. Farleigh damson is a self-fertile tree, but you can get a better crop with a pollinating partner. In addition to its extreme hardiness, the tree is also resistant to many pests and diseases, including silverleaf.

Growing a Farleigh Damson Tree

Like all plums, damsons require full sun. A southern or western site is perfect. Soil should have a neutral pH, be well draining and loam to sandy loam. Keep young trees well-watered and train them early to develop a strong scaffold and sturdy trunk. Little pruning is required on a mature tree, but it can be trimmed at the top to keep fruit at an easy to gather level. Keep weeds and grass away from the root zone. Although damsons are not bothered by many pests, keep an eye on the plant and treat as required. Fertilize trees in early spring before bud break. These are such easy-to-grow trees that the Royal Horticultural Society selected them for an Award of Garden Merit.

Mirabelle de Nancy plum trees originated in France, where they are beloved for their intensely sweet flavor and firm, juicy texture. Mirabelle de Nancy plums are delicious eaten fresh, but they are also at the top of the list for jams, jellies, tarts, and nearly every sweet treat under the sun. This robust plum tree is easy to grow and tends to be relatively frost-resistant. Read on to learn more about how to grow Mirabelle de Nancy plum trees.

How to Grow Mirabelle de Nancy Plums

Mirabelle de Nancy plum trees are partially self-fertile, but you’ll enjoy a larger harvest and better quality fruit if a pollinator is located nearby. Good pollinators include Avalon, Denniston’s Superb, Opal, Merriweather, Victoria and many others. Be sure your plum tree receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Plum trees are adaptable to a range of conditions, but they shouldn’t be planted in poorly drained soil or heavy clay. Good Mirabelle de Nancy tree care will include the improvement of poor soil by adding a generous amount of compost, shredded leaves, dry grass clippings or other organic material at planting time. If your soil is nutrient-rich, no fertilizer is needed until the tree begins bearing fruit, usually about two to four years. At that point, feed Mirabelle de Nancy in early spring and again in midsummer, using a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio such as 10-10-10. Never fertilize plum trees after July 1. Prune plum trees as needed in early spring or mid-summer. Remove water sprouts as they pop up throughout the season. Thin Mirabelle de Nancy trees when the fruit is about the size of a penny, allowing at least 5 inches (13 cm.) between each plum. Thinning will improve fruit quality and prevent limbs from breaking due to excessive weight. Water plum trees weekly during the first or second growing seasons. Thereafter, give the tree a good soaking every seven to 10 days during extended dry periods. Beware of overwatering, as poorly drained soil or waterlogged conditions can cause root rot and other moisture-related diseases. Slightly dry soil is always better than too wet.

What is Denniston’s Superb Plum? Originating in Albany, New York in the last 1700s, Denniston’s Superb plum trees were initially known as Imperial Gage. These hardy trees produce round fruit with greenish-golden flesh and a sweet, juicy flavor. Denniston’s Superb plum trees are disease resistant and easy to grow, even for novice gardeners. The attractive springtime blooms are a definite bonus.

Growing Denniston’s Superb Plums

Denniston’s Superb plum care is easy when your provide the tree with adequate growing conditions. Denniston’s Superb Plum trees are self-fertile, but you’ll enjoy a larger harvest if a pollinator is located nearby. Good pollinators include Avalon, Golden Sphere, Farleigh, Jubilee, Gypsy and many others. Be sure your plum tree receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. These plum trees are adaptable to nearly any well-drained soil. They shouldn’t be planted in heavy clay. Improve poor soil by adding a generous amount of compost, shredded leaves or other organic material at planting time. If your soil is nutrient-rich, no fertilizer is needed until your plum tree begins bearing fruit, usually two to four years. At that point, provide a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer after bud break, but never after July 1. If your soil is poor, you can start fertilizing the tree the spring following planting. Prune as needed in early spring or mid-summer. Remove water sprouts throughout the season. Thin plums during May and June to improve fruit quality and prevent limbs from breaking under the weight of the plums. Water a newly planted plum tree weekly during the first growing season. Once established, Denniston’s Superb plums require very little supplemental moisture. However, the trees benefit from a deep soaking every seven to 10 days during extended dry periods. Beware of overwatering. Slightly dry soil is always better than soggy, waterlogged conditions.

Small, purple spots on your plum’s leaves could mean your tree has cherry leaf spot. The good news about cherry leaf spot in plums is that it is usually a minor infection. The damage to fruit and harvest yield is typically not serious, but you may want to take some preventative measures to avoid this disease in your home orchard.

About Cherry Leaf Spot in Plums

This disease is a fungal infection that attacks plum trees and both tart and sweet cherry varieties. The optimal conditions for the development of the infection include temperatures around 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 20 degrees Celsius) and either high humidity or rain. With the right temperatures, just a few hours of moisture can be enough to trigger the spores to germinate and begin infecting a tree. The fungus is spread from one branch or one tree to another by wind and water. The spores overwinter in leaf litter and can cause infection in the spring.

Signs of Cherry Leaf Spot on Plums

Plum trees are less susceptible than cherries to this infection, but they are still vulnerable, so it is important to watch for signs. Plum leaf spot symptoms begin with small, reddish or purple spots on the upper surfaces of leaves. As the infection advances, the spots on the leaves turn and punch through, and this leads to a shot-hole, raggedy appearance. After rain you may see a fuzzy pink or white spore cluster on the bottom of leaves. Severe infections can cause premature defoliation and affects the fruit development, but this is more common in cherry trees than in plums.

Managing Plum with Cherry Leaf Spot

Even if you have signs cherry leaf spot on plums in your yard, it doesn’t have to be a disaster. You can manage and control the spread of the infection, minimizing the impact of the disease. Clean up leaf litter each fall and burn it to prevent existing spores from spreading. Use a fungicide—many different types will work—to protect healthy trees and to spray trees in spring that were affected the previous year. This can prevent the infection from taking root again. It is also important to protect and strengthen trees that have been impacted by cherry leaf spot. The infection can cause stress, so apply fertilizer a couple times a year and water regularly to be sure the trees can thrive in spite of a small degree of fungal infection.

Plum rust fungus is a problem for plum tree growers, often showing up every year from spring through autumn. Rust on plum trees generally isn’t deadly, but it can weaken the tree and affect fruit quality if it is allowed to persist. Read on for information on the control of plum rust.

Symptoms of Plum Rust Fungus

Early symptoms of rust on plum trees include stunted growth, small leaves, and blister-like cankers on the twigs. Tiny, yellow spots develop on the tops of leaves, with pustules of rusty or brown spores on the undersides showing up a little later. As leaves turn from yellow to brown, they often drop from the tree.

Plum Rust Treatment

When treating plums with rust, spray affected trees with fungicide as soon as you notice signs of the plum rust fungus. Often, the disease doesn’t show up until later in the season. Your local cooperative extension office can advise you on the best product for your particular situation. Spray trees with a protective fungicide if your area is prone to early outbreaks of rust on plum trees. Apply the fungicide three months before harvest, then repeat for the next two months. Apply fungicide directly after harvest if rust on plum trees tends to show up later in the season. Prune the plum tree properly to improve air circulation. Remove contaminated debris around the tree. Dispose of the debris carefully or burn it. Avoid use of high nitrogen fertilizers. Water carefully at the base of the tree using a drip system or soaker hose to keep the leaves as dry as possible. If you irrigate with a sprinkler, angle it so it doesn’t wet the leaves. Rust on plum trees is favored by soggy conditions.

Growth of fruit for fresh eating is one of most common reasons listed by gardeners who have decided to begin a home orchard. Gardeners who plant fruit trees often dream of abundant harvests of the ripe, succulent fruit. While fruit picked fresh from the tree is quite delicious, many fruit trees are overlooked due to their lack of fresh-eating quality. One such example, the Yellow Pershore plum tree, is known for its characteristic acidity and use in jams, jellies, and preserves. While this plum tree is not highly sought after for its fresh eating qualities, it remains a favorite of growers wishing to preserve the harvest.

Yellow Pershore Plum Information

Sometimes known as ‘Yellow Egg’ plum, Pershore plums are a large, egg-shaped variety of European plum. Most often used in cooking, the Yellow Pershore plum tree is a heavy yielder and reaches over 16 feet (5 m.) tall at maturity. Since the trees are self-fertile, growers need not worry about the need to plant additional pollinator trees for this variety of plum, as fruit set will occur with a single planting.

Growing Yellow Pershore Plums

Due to their use as a specialty crop, it may be somewhat more difficult to find saplings of the Yellow Pershore plum tree locally. Luckily, the plants are readily available for purchase online. When purchasing plants online, always make certain to order from a reputable source to ensure that transplants are healthy and disease free. To plant, choose a well-draining planting location which receives direct sunlight. Before planting, soak the root ball of the plum sapling in water for at least one hour. Prepare and amend the planting hole so that it is at least twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the sapling. Plant, and then fill in the hole, making certain not to cover the collar of the tree. Then, water thoroughly. Surround the planting with a generous application of mulch. Once established, care of Yellow Pershore plums is relatively simple, as the plum trees demonstrate considerable disease resistance. As with all fruit trees, the Yellow Pershore plum tree will need routine irrigation, fertilization, and pruning.

Plum black knot disease is named for the warty black growths that appear on the branches and shoots of the fruit trees. Black knot on plum trees is quite common in this country and can affect both wild and cultivated trees. If you have plums or cherries in your home orchard, you need to know how to identify this disease and how to treat plum black knot. Read on to learn more about plum black knot control.

About Plum Black Knot Disease

Plum black knot disease is a nightmare for gardeners, since it can easily result in the death of plum and cherry trees. It is caused by a fungus called Apiosporina morbosa or Dibotryon morbosum. Most cultivated plum trees are susceptible to black knot, including American, Japanese, and European plum tree species. The popular cultivars Stanley and Damson are very susceptible. You also see ornamental cherries and plums with black knot.

Symptoms of Plums with Black Knot

So how can you tell if your plum has black knot? The principal symptoms are rough black swellings or knots that appear on the woody portions of the tree, usually small twigs and branches. The knots grow longer and wider until they encircle the branch. Initially soft, the knots harden over time and turn from green to brown to black. Plums with black rot lose branches as the knots cut off the water and food supply, and eventually the disease can kill the entire tree.

Plum Black Knot Control

If you are wondering how to treat plum black knot, the first step is to catch it early. If you become aware of black knot disease when it first develops, you may be able to save the tree. The spores that spread the fungus are released from mature knots in spring when it rains, so removing the knots in winter prevents further infestation. The knots may be difficult to see while a tree is covered with leaves, but in winter, they are obvious. Plum black knot control starts in the winter when the trees are bare. Search each tree for knots. If you find any, prune the branches out, making the cut 6 inches (15 cm.) into healthy wood. If you find black knot on plum branches you cannot remove, scrape off the knots and the wood under it. Cut it away ½ inch (1.5 cm.) into healthy wood. Fungicides can help protect your plum trees, although they cannot cure a severe infection of black knot on plums. Use a protectant fungicide if your plum is among the more susceptible varieties like Stanley, Damson, Shropshire, and Bluefre. Spray the fungicide in spring when the buds begin to swell. Wait for a warm, rainy days when the tree leaves are wet for at least six hours. Reapply the fungicide every week during periods of heavy rain.

Whether grown for fresh eating, canning, or for use in baking recipes, plum trees are an excellent addition to the home landscape or small-scale orchards. Coming in a range of sizes and tastes, home gardeners are able to choose from a wide variety of plum cultivars in order to find that which fits their needs best. One variety, ‘Ersinger Fruhzwetsche,’ is especially known for its juicy flesh and characteristic sweet taste.

Ersinger Fruhzwetsche Plum Info

Known for its use in cooking and in sweet treats, Ersinger Fruhzwetsche plums are believed to have originated in Germany. In early spring, these plum trees offer gardeners and pollinators a dazzling display of white flower blossoms. Though usually listed as self-fruitful or self-fertile, trees will produce the best harvests when additional pollinator plum trees have been planted. Prone to bearing large crops of fruit, healthy trees will reward growers with ample supply of crisp, marketable plums.

Growing an Ersinger Fruhzwetsche Tree

Growing an Ersinger Fruhzwetsche tree is very similar to planting any other cultivar of plum. Ersinger Fruhzwetsche saplings may be difficult to find at local plant nurseries and garden centers. However, it can be found online. When ordering fruit saplings online, always make certain to order from a reputable source to ensure healthy and disease-free trees. Select a well-draining planting location that receives at least eight hours of sunlight each day. If planting multiple trees, make certain to account for sufficient plant spacing (at maturity) for each tree. Before planting, soak the roots of the bare root trees in water for at least one hour. After soaking, dig and amend a hole at least twice the width and twice the depth of the plum tree’s root ball. Place the tree into the hole and carefully begin to fill it with soil, making certain not to cover the flare at the bottom of the tree called the “collar.” Then, water the tree thoroughly as it settles into its new location. Once the plum has become established, begin a regime of proper orchard maintenance which includes fertilization, irrigation, and pruning.

Like many aspects of gardening, planning for and planting fruit trees at home is an exciting endeavor. Variation in use, color, texture, and taste offered by different cultivars of fruit trees make the choice an extremely difficult task for growers. Coming in colors ranging from dark purple to pale yellow, plums are no exception to this rule. One such plum tree, called ‘Yellow Egg,’ is praised for its use in preserves, baked goods, as well as fresh eating.

What is a Yellow Egg Plum?

According to its namesake, Yellow Egg plums are a type of yellow egg-shaped European plum. Known for being somewhat smaller, European plums are a great addition to home orchards for their fresh eating qualities when allowed to fully ripen as well as their use in pies, tarts, and various savory recipes. Thriving in USDA growing zones 5 through 9, gardeners are able to reap large harvests of these sweet freestone plums.

Yellow Egg Plum - Growing Information

Due to the uncommon availability of this plant in some areas, finding Yellow Egg plum saplings locally at garden centers or plant nurseries may be somewhat difficult. Luckily, the trees are frequently found for sale online. If ordering online, always make certain to order only from reputable sources, as to ensure healthy and disease-free plants. This is especially important as some varieties experience susceptibility to canker. Also known as the ‘Pershore Egg,’ Yellow Egg plum trees are grown much like other types of plum. Choose a well-draining planting location which receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Before planting, soak the root ball of the plum sapling in water for at least one hour. Prepare and amend the planting hole so that it is at least twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball of the sapling. Plant and then fill in the hole, making certain not to cover the collar of the tree. Then water thoroughly. Once established, these trees are generally carefree, but do require routine maintenance such as frequent irrigation and pruning. Though Yellow Egg plum trees are frequently listed as self-fertile, better pollination and increased yields are likely to result when planted with another plum tree, specifically for aid in pollination.

One of the most exciting parts of starting and maintaining a home garden is the ability to grow interesting and unique plants. Heirloom vegetables, nut trees, and fruits are delightful additions for those wishing to expand their harvests and broaden their accessibility to specialty fruits and vegetables. One such rare fruit tree, the Mirabelle plum, has started to find its way into gardens across the country. Read on to learn more about this plum tree.

What is a Mirabelle Plum?

Mirabelle plums are a small, sweet type of fruit most commonly grown in the Lorraine region of France. These high sugar plums are renowned for their use in various jams, jellies, baked products, and fruit brandy (known as eau de vie). Though it is possible to grow Mirabelle plums in the home garden, true Mirabelle fruit (grown in France) will not be found in the United States due to bans on the import of the fresh fruits. While many gardeners may be left wondering why are Mirabelles banned in the U.S., this is mainly due to difficulties related to importing high-quality, fresh products.

Growing Mirabelle Plum Trees

Luckily, for those not able to make the trip to France, many varieties of Mirabelle plums are able to be grown in home gardens throughout the country. Hardy to USDA growing zones 5-8, mature plants reach heights of up to 12 ft. (3.5 m.). While requiring some space, care and maintenance are generally trouble-free, aside from regular fruit tree pruning and fertilization routines. To plant Mirabelle plums, growers will first need to locate a supplier. Due to the nature of this fruit tree, it may not be found at local nurseries or garden centers. Fortunately, Mirabelle plum saplings can be obtained online. When ordering online, make certain to order from reputable suppliers to ensure healthy and disease-free transplants. When preparing to transplant the fruit trees, soak the root ball in water for an hour before planting. Select a well-draining location that receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Amend the planting area with high-quality compost. Dig the planting hole to at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the tree. Fill the hole with soil, making certain not to cover the crown of the tree. Though sometimes listed as self-fertile or self-fruitful, Mirabelle plums benefit from the planting of an additional pollinator tree as a means to increase yields and harvests. Common Mirabelle plum varieties include ‘Mirabelle Plum de Metz’ and ‘Mirabelle Plum de Nancy.’