Plum Trees

Novice6

I would be grateful for any advice on which plum tree I should plant, when and how.

I have plenty of space but am not sure whether there is a particular type of plum tree I should be planting.

Alan4711

Hi Nov, try this for a start, go to plums and guages

http://www.readsnursery.co.uk/plum-and-gage-trees/ 

fidgetbones

If you're only planting one, make sure it is self fertile like victoria.

paull2

It's hard to ignore a Victoria at least as a starting point. If you have the space, it is difficult to know when to stop planting wonderfully different varieties. In any case, give the tree a good start with a sheltered sunny position, good drainage, a bigger than likely hole with plenty of rotted manure/compost and a good handful of bonemeal to encourage rooting. Tread in and water in well and don't let it suffer in dry spells during the first year. Good luck.

DEACONS

You need to decide how big you want the tree to grow and then select a tree on the relevant rootstock. Rule of thumb is that however tall your tree will grow is the required planting distance for instance a tree on the M26 rootstock will grow 8-10ft and so will need a planting distance of 8-10ft. You then need to decide if you want just one tree in which case you will need a self-fertile variety. The other factor that will determine your choice will be what part of the country you are in. If you are further up North then a hardy variety would be more suitable. Be careful if you are planting bare rooted trees as opposed to pot grown trees as ground prepared using manure or garden compost is far too acid for bare rooted trees. It will burn the new white roots that are trying to form. We recommend planting using John Innes 3.This will give the tree all the nutrients it will need in its first year of planting. Trees that have been pot grown can be planted in soil prepared using manure but the manure must be so well rotted that it is powder form and you must take out of the pot carefully to keep as much of the pot soil around the roots as possible.

Novice6

Thank you so much everyone for your very helpful advice and I apologise for not acknowledging sooner all your great help.  Plums ahoy!

pansyface

This autumn we have been lucky enough to have a selection of the National Fruit Collection's heritage varieties on sale in our local street market. Things that you would not find in the shops and supermarkets have been on offer and the difference in their flavours is remarkable. Flavours and perfumes are, of course, the most subjective of things but I was very impressed by the plum varieties Archduke and Yellow Pershore, less so with the one called Bluetit. Marjorie's Seedling is good too.