Plum Trees

The Burgundy Plum Tree thrives in full sun but can also grow in areas with partial shade. This relatively small tree can be planted with as little as 10 feet of space between each tree. If you prefer wider trees or more space, provide additional spacing when planting. Watering Schedule Winter Dormancy: During winter dormancy, the tree does not require supplemental water. Spring: Begin watering weekly as the tree becomes active in the spring. Summer: Increase watering to twice per week during hot summer months to support the tree's growth. Fall: As temperatures cool in the fall, gradually reduce watering frequency until you discontinue it completely in the winter. Fertilization Winter Fertilization: Before spring growth begins, apply fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium, such as bone meal, humus, and manure, to prepare the tree. Spring and Summer Fertilization: During the growing season, switch to higher nitrogen fertilizers, such as blood meal and granular fertilizers, to support active growth and fruit production. Pruning Winter Pruning: Prune the tree in winter while it is dormant to maintain its shape and size. Summer Thinning: Thin the tree in summer by removing dry branches, excess fruit, and suckers to promote healthy growth and prevent overloading the tree with fruit. Pest Prevention Winter Pest Control: Apply organic horticultural oils during winter to prevent soft-bodied insects from affecting the tree during the growing season. Fruit Protection: As the fruit ripens, use repellents and cover the tree with netting to protect the harvest from birds and rodents.

Overview of the Flavor Queen Pluot Tree The Flavor Queen Pluot tree produces medium to large, plum-shaped hybrid fruit with green skin and yellowish-green flesh. The fruit is sweet, juicy, and highly favored by fruit enthusiasts. The tree also displays beautiful white blossoms in the spring, followed by a summer fruit harvest. Originally from China, the Flavor Queen Pluot made its way to the U.S. via Japan in 1899. This hybrid of plum and apricot requires a pollinator, such as a low-chill Japanese plum, to produce fruit. Tree Size and Appearance Flavor Queen Pluot trees can grow over 20 feet tall. However, most home orchards keep their trees between 8 to 15 feet tall and wide for easier maintenance and harvesting. The tree is deciduous, losing its leaves in winter and producing a beautiful flush of white flowers in spring before bearing fruit. Care Instructions for Flavor Queen Pluot Trees Planting Sunlight: Plant in full sun to maximize fruit production. Soil: Choose well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Spacing: Allow 12 to 15 feet between trees to accommodate the tree’s size and ensure good air circulation. Watering First Few Years: Water regularly to establish deep roots. During Growing Season: Water deeply once per week, increasing to 2-3 times per week during hot summer months. Fall and Winter: Reduce watering in fall and avoid watering during winter dormancy. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Fertilization Early Spring: Apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 before new growth starts. Additional Fertilization: Apply more fertilizer in late spring and summer if needed, but avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent cold damage to new growth. Pruning and Pollination Pruning Winter Pruning: Prune during dormancy to control size, improve air circulation, and allow more sunlight penetration. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Summer Thinning: Thin excess fruit in the summer to prevent overburdening the tree and to promote larger, healthier fruit. Pollination The Flavor Queen Pluot requires a compatible pollinator, such as a low-chill Japanese plum, for fruit production. Ensure that the pollinator blooms at the same time as the Flavor Queen Pluot to set fruit successfully. Without pollination, the tree will only produce flowers. Pest and Disease Control Common Pests: Aphids, mites, and scale can affect the tree. Use organic insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control infestations. Fungal Diseases: Watch for fungal issues such as powdery mildew and brown rot. Prune to improve airflow and avoid overwatering to prevent these problems. Harvesting The Flavor Queen Pluot ripens in late summer. The fruit is ready to be harvested when it feels firm but slightly soft to the touch and has a sweet fragrance. The vibrant color of the fruit is another indicator of ripeness. The fruit can be enjoyed fresh, in desserts, or made into jams and preserves.

Golden Plums Information and Care Golden Plums, also known as Yellow Plums or Mirabelle Plums, are a delightful and versatile fruit prized for their sweet, juicy flesh and vibrant yellow color. These plums are smaller than most other varieties, often round or slightly oval in shape, and are known for their smooth, yellow-golden skin. With a mildly tart flavor that perfectly balances their sweetness, golden plums are popular for fresh eating, baking, and preserving. Fruit Characteristics Appearance: Golden plums are typically small to medium-sized, with smooth, glossy skin that ranges from light yellow to a deeper golden hue. The flesh inside is soft, succulent, and bright yellow, with a single pit in the center that is easy to remove. Flavor: These plums have a unique flavor profile, offering a delicate sweetness with a hint of tartness. Their mild, honey-like taste makes them perfect for a variety of culinary uses. Varieties: While several types of golden plums exist, Mirabelle plums are among the most well-known, particularly in Europe, where they are used for jams, tarts, and even making brandy. Growing Conditions Light Requirements: Golden plums thrive in full sun. Plant them in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Soil: These trees prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). If the soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with organic material to improve drainage. Watering: Golden plum trees require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Increase watering during hot, dry periods to prevent fruit drop or poor fruit quality. Care Instructions Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 works well for plums. Reapply in mid-summer if needed, but avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this can promote excessive growth instead of fruit development. Pruning: Prune golden plum trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and thin the canopy to improve air circulation and light penetration. This helps promote better fruit production and prevents fungal diseases. Pollination: While some golden plum varieties are self-pollinating, planting another plum variety nearby can improve fruit set and yield. Be sure to research the specific pollination needs of your tree variety. Pests and Diseases Golden plums can be susceptible to common fruit tree pests such as aphids, plum curculio, and scale insects. Regular monitoring and the use of organic insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can help control infestations. Fungal diseases like brown rot and leaf spot may also affect the tree, especially in humid climates. Ensure good air circulation through pruning and avoid overwatering to reduce the risk of fungal problems. Harvesting Golden plums are typically ready to harvest in late summer to early fall, depending on the variety and climate. The fruit is ripe when it is firm but yields slightly to pressure and has a deep golden color. These plums can be eaten fresh, used in baking, or made into jams, jellies, and sauces. They are also excellent for drying or freezing for later use. Culinary Uses Golden plums are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their sweet-tart flavor makes them perfect for: Fresh eating: Enjoy them straight off the tree or as part of a fruit salad. Baking: Use them in pies, tarts, cakes, or crumbles. Preserving: Golden plums make excellent jams, jellies, and preserves. Drinks: They can also be used to make brandies or plum-based liquors.

Overview of the Green Gage Plum Tree The Green Gage Plum Tree is a compact and versatile variety known for its attractive blossoms and deep green foliage. This plum tree is an excellent addition to any garden, offering both ornamental beauty and delicious fruit. Fruit Description The fruit of the Green Gage Plum is yellow-green and known for its rich, plum-honey flavor: Taste: Sweet, making it perfect for canning, desserts, or preserves. Texture: Freestone, allowing the pit to be easily removed. Harvest Time: Ripens in early August, providing an abundant summer harvest. You may find it difficult to resist eating them fresh right off the tree! Pollination and Climate Self-Pollinating: The Green Gage Plum tree does not require a pollinator to produce fruit, making it an easy choice for home orchards. Low-Chill Climate: Well-suited for regions with mild winters, such as Southern California (Los Angeles and Orange County), where the chilling requirement is low. Growth and Size Size: This tree can be kept under 10 feet tall and wide for smaller spaces or allowed to grow larger, depending on your preference. Compact Growth: Ideal for small yards and urban gardens due to its manageable size. Watering and Care Watering: Water regularly until the tree is established. Deeply irrigate once per week during the spring and increase watering to twice per week during the summer, especially in hot, dry climates. Soil: Ensure the soil remains moist but well-draining to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth. History The Green Gage Plum has a storied history, believed to have originated in the Middle East or possibly France. It was later brought to England in the early 18th century by Sir William Gage, from whom it takes its name. The Green Gage quickly gained popularity across Europe and became a favored variety for its exceptional flavor and versatility. Today, it is considered one of the finest dessert plums, cherished by gardeners and fruit enthusiasts worldwide.

In Iran, the arrival of spring is celebrated extensively as it coincides with the Persian New Year (Nowruz) and the blossoming of the Persian plum tree. As spring progresses, the blossoms of this tree gradually turn into fruit. One of the seasonal highlights is the arrival of Persian Plums, also known as Sour Goje Sabz, from Tabriz. These plums are picked while still green and are highly popular among both children and adults for their crunchy texture and tart flavor. Tree Characteristics The Persian Plum tree is relatively small and thrives in cooler winter temperatures while dormant. The fruit is green, round, and small at harvest. If left on the tree past the green stage, the plums ripen into a deep golden color, becoming soft, juicy, and sweet. This variety of Persian Plum sold at Paradise Nursery is from the northern Iranian city of Tabriz. Culinary Uses Raw Consumption: Persian Plums are typically eaten raw, often with a sprinkle of salt to enhance their tart flavor. In Persian Cuisine: Persian Plums are a key ingredient in Koofteh Tabrizi, a large, stuffed meatball simmered in beef broth with green plums added for tartness. They are also used in Khoresh, a traditional Persian stew made with cubes of lamb, parsley, and mint, where the plums provide a delightful tanginess. This stew is typically served over Persian rice. Growth and Care Climate: Persian Plum trees are deciduous and thrive in areas with cooler winter temperatures, making them ideal for regions with distinct seasons. Fruit Development: The plums are harvested when green, but if left to ripen fully on the tree, they turn into golden-colored, sweet, and juicy plums. Summary The Persian Plum (Sour Goje Sabz) from Tabriz is a beloved fruit in Iranian and Middle Eastern cultures. Its small, round, green fruit is crunchy, tart, and refreshing, often enjoyed with a touch of salt. These plums can also be used in various traditional Persian dishes, adding a unique sour flavor to meals. The tree thrives in cooler climates and produces a delicious fruit that transforms in flavor and texture as it ripens.

Santa Rosa Plum Tree Information and Care The Santa Rosa plum tree is small to moderate size. Although a plum tree can grow up to 2o feet tall, many homeowners prune to keep them between 8-12 feet tall and wide. Plant in the full sun and in soil that drains well. Use high-quality planting mix. Space trees 10-20 feet apart in depending on how large trees are intended to be grown. Santa Rosa plum trees have simple tiny green leaves that are smooth. Water and Fertilizer As a winter deciduous plant, the plum tree becomes dormant in the winter and do not need supplemental watering. Discontinue irrigation during the winter. Begin to water once the plum tree leafs out in the Spring. Usually once per week of deep water is good until it becomes warmer. Increase the frequency to 2-3 times per week when it's hot. Fertilize with organic fruit tree fertilizer during the Spring to Summer growing seasons. Use flower, bloom, and fruit fertilizers with more phosphorus and potassium but little nitrogen in the winter to promote Spring blossoms. There many types of fertilizer. Popular Organic fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium can be humus based or bone meal. Manure and blood meal fertilizers are high in nitrogen. Harvest and Pest Management Fruits are ripe in the Summer. Cover your tree with birds and animal netting to protect fruits from animals. Using repellents and covering fruits or the whole tree are very effective measures. Also, keep the area clean, remove fallen and ripe fruit, and possibly harvest early and store fruit indoors. Use organic dormant sprays known as horticultural oils such as Neem oil in the Winter. These prevent soft-bodied insects from becoming a problem in the Spring. Pruning and Thinning Plum trees should be pruned in the Winter while dormant to maintain height and form. Remove any suckers, dry twigs, or crossing branches. Top the tips of long branches to promote lateral growth from that branch. Remove growth towards the center of the tree or in the center where little light will reach. Thin your tree in the Simmer to direct growth and remove any growth that would waste the tree's energy. Remove excessive fruit to prevent broken limbs and small fruit. Use white water-based paint on the tree's trunk to prevent sunburn.