Plum Mirabelle: description and characteristics of the variety, planting, cultivation and care

Among the plums there are people from foreign countries who take root well in our latitudes and give a high yield. One of the notable varieties is Mirabel, which combines the features of plum and cherry plum. It has a number of varieties that allow you to choose the right crop for any region.

General description and characteristics of the Mirabell plum

Medium-sized compact tree up to 2 m high, forming a wide spreading crown. The bark of the trunk and branches has a light gray tint. The leaves are oval-shaped, dark green, wrinkled.

Fruits are small, round, with dense yellow skin and a large number of orange dots on the surface. The weight of one fruit is 35 g. The pulp is distinguished by its density, low juiciness, tenderness and sweet taste. The pulp contains a flat, oval, easily detachable stone.

A number of varieties of this columnar plum have been bred. More popular among gardeners are Mirabell Nancy, Mirabell September. The culture enters fruiting in the 4-5th year. Harvest bestows in August or September.

Main advantages and disadvantages

The secrets of why the Mirabell plum variety conquers gardeners lie in the following qualities:

• yield, each tree yields up to 15 kg;
• frost resistant, can withstand temperatures below 30 degrees;
• variety resistance to various diseases;
• universality of purpose;
• transportability.

Disadvantages of the Mirabell plum variety include:

• self-infertility;
• Short lifespan of a tree.

How to grow plums

Plum planting is an important procedure that affects the quality and quantity of the crop. It must be treated with special care, having studied all the advice of experienced gardeners.

Choosing a seat

When choosing a location, give preference to the southern or southwestern sides of the site. The sun's rays should fall on the fruit tree throughout the day. The plant should be protected from strong winds. It is required to avoid low-lying and damp areas with a close occurrence of groundwater. It is also important to keep a distance of 3-4 m from nearby trees.

Selection and soil preparation

The main features of the soil are nutritional value, friability and the absence of an acidic environment. Before planting, you need to prepare the selected area by digging it up. If the soil is acidic, apply dolomite ash, 600 g per 1 m2^2.

Boarding process

According to the description of the variety, Mirabelle columnar plum seedlings can be planted both in spring and autumn.

Seating algorithm:

1. Dig a 70 x 70 x 60 cm hole.
2. Equip the hole with a soil mixture containing peat, humus with the addition of minerals such as superphosphate, potassium.
3. Lower the seedling into the planting hole so that the root neck remains above ground level, failure to follow this rule will lead to underheating of the bark and disruption of sap flow.
4. Fill with unfertilized soil, shaking the plant to prevent voids.
5. Pour water at the rate of 2 buckets per seedling and mulch the trunk circle with peat.

When planting in autumn, it is necessary to obliquely dig the seedling into the ground so that in winter the snow cover completely covers it, protecting it from the cold.

Further crop care

Growing the Mirabelle columnar plum requires care and attention. From the very beginning, the crop needs quality watering, top dressing, proper pruning and other important agricultural practices.

Irrigation

An important event for crop care is regular watering once a month throughout the growing season. During the dry season, the amount of irrigation needs to be increased.

Feeding

Plum Mirabella is responsive to top dressing. From spring to autumn, fertilize the plant with urea, using 50 g of the substance per 10 liters of water. Each tree should get 2 liters of solution.

To stimulate the growth and development of the root system, you need to feed it with a solution of "Heteroauxin" in the second year of the culture's life. Also, in the struggle for the harvest, water the tree by applying slurry or s altpeter in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. per 10 liters of water.

Loosening and mulching

It is recommended to loosen and mulch the trunk circle as needed. The procedure will ensure the flow of air to the root system of the plant, and make the earth light and with a porous structure. A layer of mulch will protect the soil from being washed away by water during irrigation, retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.

Cutting

The Mirabelle columnar plum does not need pruning and crown formation, since it has no side shoots. Sanitary pruning should be done, removing diseased, dry and damaged branches. You also need to trim the top of the tree in case of severe frostbite.

Preparing for winter

Young Mirabelle plum trees are very sensitive to frost, as they do not have time to harden after planting. If the winter is snowy, you can install a slate sheet near the plant and throw snow from time to time. This design will protect both from low temperatures and from rodents. Expecting a snowless winter, cover a young tree with spruce branches or a layer of sawdust.

Diseases and pests

The Mirabelle plum variety shows disease resistance. But if the plant lacks nutrients, moisture, or has suffered from frost, then pests can attack it: aphids, plum sawfly, codling moth. Therefore, in order for the tree not to become the center of pest accumulation, it is necessary to carry out protective measures using special tools and organizing proper care.

Harvesting

Plum fruits of the Mirabell variety are harvested in August.Harvest in dry weather. Plums intended for transportation and storage should be plucked together with the stalks. You need to start collecting from the lower, and then the upper branches. In the process, try not to crush the fruits and not damage the wax coating and the stalk.

Storage rules

In order for the crop not to deteriorate during storage, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of 0-2 degrees and a humidity of at least 85 percent. Store fruit in wooden boxes or low trays lined with paper.

Plums that will not be stored should be eaten fresh immediately or processed into homemade winter preparations.

The Mirabelle plum variety is perfect for growing in any climatic conditions. Its main advantages - winter hardiness, abundant fruiting and ease of care, provide this crop with considerable demand in many countries.

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