If you live in the U. S. , see which “plant hardiness zone” you live in on the USDA’s website: https://planthardiness. ars. usda. gov/PHZMWeb/#
In general, Japanese plums are sweet and juicy, with red skin. European plums are very sweet and purple. American hybrids vary in appearance and taste, but many are similar to Japanese plums. [2] X Research source
Dome plum varieties are only ornamental while others with bear fruit. Choose the type of plum tree that fits with the rest of your yard or garden. A local nursery will have plum trees that grow well in your climate. [3] X Research source
If your planting site doesn’t have good drainage, choose a different spot in your yard. You can also install gutters and drains or regrade your soil to redirect water.
Give your tree at least 15 feet (4. 6 m) of space all around to grow. If you’re planting multiple plum trees, space them at least 18 inches (46 cm) apart. [5] X Research source
By planting in the spring you’ll also avoid frost, which can damage your tree. [7] X Research source
If your hole is too deep, fill it little by little with soil you removed until the graft line is at the right position. [11] X Research source
Fertilizer isn’t needed when you plant a young grafted tree. Fertilizer can damage or kill the tree’s roots. [13] X Research source
Give your tree more water if its leaves are curling up and turning brown. Try watering it every 5 or 6 days at first, or soak it for 25 to 30 minutes when watering it. [16] X Research source Give your tree less water if its leaves are turning yellow and falling from the branches. Wait to water it every 10 or 13 days, or soak the soil for 10 minutes instead. [17] X Research source If you live in a humid or wet climate, your tree is probably getting plenty of moisture. Let the weather water your tree naturally when it rains. [18] X Research source
Use a pruning tool that will make clean cuts, like a lopper, to discourage pests and disease. Cut any shoots that form on the bottom of the trunk, as they take away energy from the rest of the tree.
A 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer is recommended for plum trees, which has equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. [20] X Research source
Apply mulch around the base of your tree so that it’s 2 inches (5. 1 cm) thick. When organic mulch like cypress and cedar decomposes, it also provides nutrients to your tree so it can be used as an alternative to fertilizer. [22] X Research source You can make your own mulch from tree branches, bark, and leaves.
You can also apply a fungicide like myclobutanil to treat brown rot. [24] X Research source
European plums can be picked when they’re fully ripened. You can pick Japanese and American Hybrid plums slightly early and ripen them. Use your plums to make dishes like grilled plums or plum jam.
