If you believe that you can’t grow plum trees because your house is too small, you may need to rethink a bit. One of the simplest and easiest ways to grow plum trees is to buy dwarf plum trees. Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can plant them in your small garden. While they are called dwarf plum trees, they are magical in every aspect.
What is a dwarf plum tree and how do they stay small?
A dwarf plum tree is an ordinary tree that will reach up to a specific height, unlike the taller ones that you see around. The best part is that regardless of their small height, the fruit comes in a normal size.
While you may think that these trees have undergone some kind of genetic modification, this is not the case. Dwarf trees are made using an old technique called grafting. A branch of the fruiting tree called a scion is grafted onto a rootstock.
The rootstocks are chosen based on their characteristics such as soil adaptation, disease resistance, drought tolerance, hardiness, and size. In addition, the plum trees will grow to a height as much as the roots allow them.
Dwarf plum trees sow and plantation:
The first thing to do is prepare a large hole in the soil and add plenty of organic matter. For best results, it should be well-rotted. Also, makes sure that the hole is wide rather than increasing its depth.
After planting the dwarf plum tree that you bought from CRJ Fruit Trees via their https://www.fruit-trees.com/ website, mulch the tree. They are a reputed supplier that provides you with high-quality trees for plantation. So, the next time you are planning to buy dwarf plum trees, do not hesitate to buy from them.
Next, encircle the trunk with a wire cage to protect the young tree from insects and animals. You should know that young plum trees are at a greater risk of being damaged by insect attacks.
However, certain variants of dwarf plum trees are self-fertile. Or else, you may need a plum flowering at the same time for pollination. It is good to prune in late winter because this is when the buds start to swell.
Healthy plum trees can bear fruits for 10 to 15 years or even more. The best time to harvest is when you feel the fruit is soft enough. You can know that through a gentle squeeze on the fruit.
When the fruit ripens, you will notice some of them fall from the tree. Whereas, you can collect the other ones by spreading clothes on the ground and shaking the tree. Plums often develop issues with fungal diseases. So, use organic fungicides to grow high-quality plums.