Small plum trees, often referred to as dwarf plum trees or patio varieties, are specially bred to grow to a manageable size without compromising their fruit yield. This makes them an ideal addition to urban gardens, patios, or even balconies where space is at a premium. Not only do they provide delicious fruit, but they also add aesthetic value to the garden with their spring blossoms and lush foliage.
Selecting the Right Variety
The first step in welcoming a small plum tree into your garden is selecting the right variety. In the UK, several plum varieties are well-suited to smaller gardens, including ‘Victoria’, ‘Damson’, and ‘Mirabelle’. When selecting a kind, take into account the following factors:
- Climate Tolerance: Some plum varieties are more tolerant of the UK’s variable climate than others. Research the hardiness of each variety to ensure it can thrive in your specific region.
- Pollination Requirements: While some plum trees are self-fertile, meaning they don’t require another tree to produce fruit, others may need a pollination partner. If your space is limited, opt for a self-fertile variety to ensure fruit production.
- Fruit Use: Consider what you want from your plum tree – whether it’s eating fresh, cooking, or making preserves. Different varieties offer different flavors, textures, and suitability for culinary use.
Where to Purchase Small Plum Trees
After selecting a specific type, the following task is to buy your tree. Specialist nurseries, garden centers, and online plant retailers are all viable sources for quality plum trees. Look for reputable suppliers who offer healthy, disease-free trees and can provide detailed information about the tree’s origin and care requirements.
When purchasing, opt for a tree that’s one to two years old. Younger trees tend to adapt more readily to their new environment and can start bearing fruit within a few years of planting.
Planting Your Plum Tree
The best time to plant plum trees in the UK is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring. This timing gives the tree a chance to establish roots before the growing season. When planting your plum tree, consider the following steps for best results:
- Choosing a Location: Small plum trees need a sunny spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They also prefer shelter from strong winds. Ensure the planting site has well-drained soil, as plum trees do not fare well in waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Preparation: Amend the planting site with well-rotted compost or manure to improve soil fertility and structure. This is particularly important if your garden soil is heavy clay or sand.
- Planting: Dig a hole that’s twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your tree. Gently tease out the roots if they are pot-bound and place the tree in the hole so that the graft point (the junction where the variety is grafted onto the rootstock) is above the soil line. Backfill with soil, gently firming down, and water thoroughly.
Early Care for Your Plum Tree
After planting, it’s crucial to care for your plum tree properly to ensure its healthy growth and fruit production. Here are some key aspects of early care:
- Watering: Young trees need consistent moisture to establish themselves. Water your plum tree deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually improve soil quality. Avoid placing the mulch too close to the trunk to prevent decay.
- Feeding: In early spring, apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Follow the product instructions for application rates.
Ongoing Care for Your Plum Tree
Maintaining the health and productivity of your plum tree requires consistent care throughout the growing season. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Watering and Feeding
- Watering: Even after establishment, plum trees need regular watering, especially during dry spells. The goal is to maintain evenly moist soil; over-watering can lead to root issues, while under-watering can stress the tree, affecting fruit production.
- Feeding: Continue to fertilize your plum tree each spring with a balanced fertilizer. Additionally, applying a top dressing of compost or well-rotted manure can provide a slow-release nutrient boost.
Mulching
- Reapply organic mulch around the base of your tree each spring, taking care to avoid direct contact with the trunk. This will help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and add organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.
Pest and Disease Management
Plum trees can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Being proactive in monitoring and managing these issues is key to maintaining a healthy tree.
Common Pests
- Aphids and Plum Moth: These are among the most common pests affecting plum trees. Aphids can be controlled with soapy water sprays or by encouraging beneficial insects. Plum moth larvae, which bore into the fruit, require pheromone traps or approved insecticides.
Common Diseases
- Silver Leaf and Bacterial Canker: Silver leaf disease causes a silvering of the leaves and can be fatal if not addressed. Bacterial canker causes lesions and can weaken the tree. Both require removal of affected parts and careful disposal. In some cases, fungicides or bactericides recommended for fruit trees can be applied as preventive measures.
Pruning Practices
Pruning is vital for maintaining the tree’s health, shape, and productivity. For small plum trees, the aim is to create an open, airy structure that allows light to penetrate and air to circulate, reducing the risk of disease and ensuring even ripening of fruit.
- When to Prune: The best time to prune plum trees is in the early spring before new growth begins. However, removing diseased or damaged branches can be done at any time of year.
- How to Prune: Focus on removing any inward-growing branches, dead or diseased wood, and thinning out overcrowded areas. Aim to keep the center of the tree open. Always utilise sterile, sharp pruning equipment to create precise incisions.
Harvesting Your Plums
The reward for your diligent care is the harvest. Plums are typically ready to pick from late summer to early autumn, depending on the variety.
- Signs of Ripeness: Ripe plums will feel soft to the touch and detach easily from the tree with a gentle twist. The skin should be fully colored, and the fruit should give off a fragrant aroma.
- Storage: Plums can be eaten fresh, stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks, or preserved through canning, freezing, or drying for longer storage.
Conclusion
By selecting the right variety, ensuring proper planting and early care, and maintaining vigilance in ongoing care and pest management, you can enjoy the sweet success of home-grown plums.
