Discover the Secret to Successful Plum Growth with RHS: How to Grow Plums RHS

Dreaming of a bountiful harvest of juicy, sun-kissed plums? If you’re looking for expert advice on how to grow plums with the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) guidance, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the perfect plum variety to harvesting your sweet rewards.

Choosing the Right Plum Variety

The first step in your plum-growing journey is selecting the right variety. The RHS recommends considering the following factors:

• Climate: Plums thrive in temperate climates with plenty of sunshine. If you live in a cooler region, choose a variety that’s known for its cold hardiness.
• Pollination: Most plum varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can pollinate themselves. However, some varieties require cross-pollination from another plum tree. If you’re unsure, check the variety description.
• Fruiting Season: Plums ripen at different times, so choose varieties that will provide you with a long harvest season.
• Taste and Size: Consider your personal preferences for size, sweetness, and acidity.

Here are some popular plum varieties recommended by the RHS:

• Victoria: A classic, reliable variety with large, sweet fruit.
• Early Laxton: An early-ripening variety with juicy, red-purple plums.
• Opal: A self-fertile variety with sweet, yellow plums.
• Marjorie’s Seedling: A self-fertile variety with large, dark-red plums.
• Coe’s Golden Drop: A late-ripening variety with golden-yellow plums.

Planting Your Plum Tree

Once you’ve chosen your plum variety, it’s time to plant your tree. Here’s how:

• Location: Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Avoid areas prone to frost pockets.
• Planting Time: The best time to plant is in autumn or early spring.
• Planting Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
• Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
• Planting: Carefully place the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union is above ground level. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
• Watering: Water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil.

Caring for Your Plum Tree

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, before new growth appears.
Pruning: Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the shape of your plum tree and encouraging fruit production. Here’s how to prune your plum tree:

• Winter Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
• Summer Pruning: Thin out excess fruit in summer to improve fruit size and quality.
• Pruning Techniques: Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation.

Protecting Your Plum Tree

Pests: Plums are susceptible to various pests, including aphids, plum sawfly, and plum curculio. Use appropriate pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Diseases: Plums are also prone to diseases, such as brown rot, bacterial canker, and plum pox virus. Practice good sanitation, remove diseased branches, and use fungicides as needed.
Birds: Birds are attracted to ripe plums. Protect your fruit by using netting or bird deterrents.

Harvesting Your Plums

Plums are ready to harvest when they’re firm but slightly soft to the touch. They should also be evenly colored and have a sweet aroma.

• Harvesting: Gently pick the plums by hand.
• Storage: Store ripe plums in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Enjoying Your Harvest

Once you’ve harvested your plums, there are endless ways to enjoy them. Here are a few ideas:

• Fresh: Enjoy them straight from the tree or add them to salads and yogurt.
• Preserves: Make delicious jams, jellies, and chutneys.
• Baking: Use them in pies, tarts, crumbles, and cakes.
• Dried: Dry them in the sun or an oven to create a sweet and chewy treat.

A Bountiful Future: Your Plum Orchard

With the RHS’s expert guidance, you can cultivate a flourishing plum orchard. By following these simple steps, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and abundant harvest for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water my plum tree?
A: Water your plum tree deeply once a week, especially during dry periods.
Q: When is the best time to prune my plum tree?
A: The best time to prune your plum tree is in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Q: What are some common plum diseases?
A: Common plum diseases include brown rot, bacterial canker, and plum pox virus.
Q: How can I prevent birds from eating my plums?
A: Protect your plums from birds by using netting or bird deterrents.
Q: How long does it take for a plum tree to bear fruit?
A: Plum trees typically start bearing fruit 3-5 years after planting.