Plum – Water the plum tree

• Plum tree origin
• Plum tree care and location
• Pruning a plum tree
• Fertilizing plum trees
• Watering plum tree

Plum tree origin

The plum (Prunus domestica) is a deciduous, spreading tree or shrub. Botanically, it belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is classified as a stone fruit. Its origin is not precisely known, but is thought to have originated in Asia and the Altai Mountains. Damascus was the center of the plum trade, and the plum was probably brought to Greece by Alexander the Great. It was introduced to Germany and France by the Romans. In Central Europe, it was systematically cultivated during the reign of Charlemagne.

In Germany, two-thirds of the plum harvest is gathered primarily in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.

The modern plum tree is believed to be a natural hybrid between the blackthorn and the cherry plum. It reaches a height of 6 to 10 meters and forms a broad, rounded or pyramidal crown. The leaves are ovate or elliptical and between 4 and 10 centimeters long. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the underside is significantly lighter and densely hairy.
The white to greenish flowers appear from April to May, before or at the same time as the leaves emerge, and are about two centimeters in diameter. The mostly blue-violet fruits ripen from August onwards. They are round to oval and have a distinct suture. The flesh is greenish-yellow to golden-yellow.

Plum tree care and location

A sunny, warm and sheltered location offers ideal growing conditions for the plum tree to thrive. The plant is best planted in front of a house wall facing south to reduce the risk of late frost. Plum trees are very undemanding and like moist, humus- and nutrient-rich soil. They do not tolerate drought or waterlogging.

Pruning a plum tree

In the first few years you should Training cuts Prune the tree and remove any branches that obstruct the outward-growing side shoots. Plum trees develop a narrow crown, so remove any shoots growing inwards or at an angle. The best time for this is in midsummer, between late July and early August. Since the crown is easier to inspect without leaves, pruning in late autumn is also a good option.

Fertilizing plum trees

Go to the Fertilize Mature compost or farmyard manure is suitable for plum trees. Care should be taken to ensure that only untreated plants are used in the compost and that there are no pharmaceutical residues in the farmyard manure. To boost the nutrient content of the soil, a small amount of horn meal is recommended.
An infestation by the plum moth can lead to significant crop losses. This can be recognized by the premature ripening of the fruit and its falling off the tree. The presence of reddish caterpillars inside the fruit can be identified if a gelatinous droplet is visible at the boreholes.

Watering plum tree

Climate change is causing increasingly hot weather in our regions, resulting in longer periods of drought. This has an impact on the environment and especially on trees. Depending on the specific location and the climate-related conditions, more frequent watering may be necessary than in previous years. The roots of young trees are not yet as extensive in the soil, which is why they need to be closely monitored and watered earlier than established trees. Regular watering is beneficial during the first year after planting to support root development. From the fourth year onward, additional water is generally not required; however, it is advisable to water at least once a week during dry periods. GiessenSigns of drought stress include drooping leaves, weak young branches, discolored or withering leaves, and premature fruit drop. It's definitely time to water the tree now.

The water requirements of a plum tree depend on several factors, such as the duration of the dry period and the condition of the tree. As a general rule, young trees need 75 to 100 liters per watering, while older trees require 150 to 200 liters. Watering plum trees is... tree bath watering bags Ideal. Drip irrigation continuously releases water into the soil, ensuring consistent moisture levels. Attaching and filling the water bags is simple and straightforward. The bag is wrapped around the tree trunk like a jacket and zipped shut. The next step is to fill the bag with enough water so that, after further adjustment, no wrinkles remain in the lower area, and then allow it to fill.
Filling a watering bag provides young trees with sufficient water. For existing trees with a larger trunk diameter, two or three watering bags can be zipped together to water them.