Table of Contents
Most plum trees will reach 16 feet (5 m.) at maturity or 14 feet (4 m.) if they are a dwarf variety. If you live in a more northerly climate, you may consider planting your plum tree in a location where it will have protection from cold winds, as they are prone to late frost damage.
How fast do plum trees grow?
The Plum Trees can grow up to 1 metre (3 ft) in a single season, producing “wippy” growth that can quickly become unruly, if left unpruned. Young trees will typically take at least 3 to 4 Years to produce fruit. This is because most fruit is produced on spurs that are at least 2 Years old.
How tall and wide Do plum trees grow?
Plum Trees With Burgundy Foliage cerasifera) can grow to a mature height of 15 to 30 feet and canopy width of 15 to 25 feet but usually grow to 15 to 25 feet tall with a canopy width up to 20 feet.
Where is the best place to plant a plum tree?
Selecting a Planting Site Plant plum trees in loamy, well-drained soil. Plums do not do well when planted in clay-heavy soils or in locations where their roots will be constantly wet. Choose a planting location that receives full sun—6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight at the very least.
How much space does a plum tree need to grow?
Standard-size trees need at least twenty feet of space, while dwarf varieties need at least ten feet.
Do I need 2 plum trees to produce fruit?
Plums are a stone fruit that are both delicious and beautiful. Most plum trees are not self-pollinating, so you will need to plant at least two plum trees to bear fruit. When planting a plum tree, it is important to make sure that the variety you choose will grow well in your climate.
Are plum trees large?
American Plums An individual plant can be from 3 feet to 25 feet tall and wide, but they usually form thickets, which can spread much farther. Chickasaw plum or sandhill plum (Prunus angustifolia, USDA zones 5 through 9) is a larger native plum that can grow to 35 feet.
How long does it take for plum tree to bear fruit?
Plum trees begin to bear when they are three to six years of age. You can tell right after bloom if your tree will set fruit. Inspect the terminal ends after blossom drop.
Are plums easy to grow?
Growing plum trees is not too difficult as long as you give them what they need. Plums require full sun and well-drained, sandy soil in order to thrive. Many of the European varieties are self-fruiting, which means that you only need to plant one tree in order to get fruit.
What is the average size of a plum?
Fruits are usually of medium size, between 2–7 centimetres (0.79–2.76 in) in diameter, globose to oval. The flesh is firm and juicy. The fruit’s peel is smooth, with a natural waxy surface that adheres to the flesh.
How big is a small plum?
Cherry plums are small fruits, averaging 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter, and have an oval to round shape.
What is the lifespan of a plum tree?
Plum | 10-25 years*Jun 22, 2018.
How close to a house can you plant a plum tree?
Wall-trained trees should be planted at least 20cm (8 inches) from the wall to allow for the radial growth of the trunk. To keep root problems to a minimum, dig the planting hole about 20cm-40cm away from the wall, and lean the young tree into the wall, so that the roots are away from the base of the wall.
Do plum trees fruit every year?
Fruit such as apples and plums may fruit in alternate years. This is known as biennial bearing. A generally poor crop, but vigorous growth. Performance may decline over several years.
Do plum trees spread?
are great starter trees for the novice gardener. Plum trees are usually vigorous growers with a wide, laterally spreading root system that grows close to ground level, often producing numerous basal shoots or suckers within three feet of the trunk on all sides.
How far do plum tree roots spread?
These feeder roots extend horizontally to the edge of the leaf canopy, or drip line, and beyond up to 1 1/2 times the height of the tree. A few anchoring “sinker” roots grow down several feet to stabilize the tree. It’s likely that your plum tree has some roots that extend 5 feet deep.
When should I plant a plum tree?
Technically, you can plant your plum tree any time from late Autumn to early Spring. The best time to plant is in October when the soil is moist but still retains some of the summer warmth. Soil preparation is best done a month or more before planting so that the soil has time to settle.
What month do plum trees produce fruit?
Plum trees produce fruit between June and September, after blooming in late winter to early spring. Dwarf varieties can produce fruit a year sooner (2 to 5 years after planting). Plum trees produce more fruit as they grow large enough to support the extra weight.
Will an apple tree pollinate a plum tree?
Cross pollination is essencial for apples, pears, cherry and plums. The same variety of tree will not pollinate itself, but requires a different variety to pollinate with. Apples only pollinate apples, pears only pollinate pears, plums only pollinate plums and so on.
What is the easiest fruit tree to grow?
The easiest fruit tree to grow for beginners is usually an apple tree, which has the benefit of being such a popular, versatile fruit. ‘If you are seeking a more low-maintenance fruit tree, look to the plum or peach trees, which require less care than other fruit trees,’ adds Smith.
