Plum Prunes: variety description, planting and care, collection instructions
Many gardeners are interested in the description of the Prunus plum variety, its planting and care. This culture was obtained by crossing related plants - cherry plum and wild sloe. There is also another opinion that the plant was obtained from unknown parents. Regardless of the predecessors, the culture is considered quite unpretentious and productive. It brings delicious and he althy fruits.
Variety description
Plum Prunes are considered a fairly common crop. It reaches a height of 4 meters and has a spreading crown. The average size of fruit branches is 50 centimeters. The plant is characterized by large flower buds and wrinkled foliage.
Culture brings rather large fruits, the weight of which is 40-45 grams. On top of them is covered with a dark blue peel. When fully ripe, it becomes black. Near the stalk on the plums there is a depression. In this case, a vertical strip passes through the entire fruit. Plums have a rounded or slightly elongated oval shape. Despite the rough peel, there is a juicy fibrous pulp inside. Bones come off easily.
This variety is ideal for growing in the Middle lane. The plant is considered self-fertile. Therefore, it gives a good harvest even in the absence of pollinators growing nearby.
Pros, cons and features
This variety has a number of distinctive features:
- self-fertile - this allows you to grow a plant alone without the mandatory planting of pollinators;
- high yield and good fruiting;
- undemanding to the ground;
- resistance to various climatic conditions;
- fungal resistance;
- high winter hardiness;
- drought tolerance.
The disadvantages of the plant include only the rough peel of the fruit and intervals in fruiting.
Correct fit
Prunes are a self-fertile crop that does not require pollinators to be planted nearby. This plant is recommended to be placed in places protected from the wind. Sufficient lighting is important. The soil should be loose and have neutral acidity parameters. Good air permeability of the soil is also important. At the same time, you should not choose areas with high groundwater.
A good option would be to plant a plant near the fence. However, it is recommended to do this from the side where the sun's rays fall well. Sufficient distance between trees is of great importance. It must be at least 3 meters.
First, the site for planting the plant must be cleared of weeds and fallen leaves. In autumn or early spring, it is recommended to dig a hole for planting 50x70 centimeters in size. The soil from the planting pit must be mixed with humus in a ratio of 2: 1. If the site has clay soil, the hole should be 70 centimeters deeper. At the same time, expanded clay, small pebbles and crushed stone should be added to the bottom.
When planting Prunes, it is important to ensure that the root neck remains 3-5 centimeters above the soil surface. With a deeper planting, there is a risk of deterioration in the development of the plant and a decrease in its yield.
If the seedling has an open root system, a stake must be driven into the central part of the recess. If the plant has closed roots, it can be removed from a container with a clod of soil. In this case, the peg is not required. After planting, the seedling needs to be watered, and the near-trunk circle should be covered with mulch.Peat is perfect for this.
Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionPlant care is easy. An adult tree needs to be watered up to 6 times during the season. Be sure to need moisture after flowering, during the ovary, after harvesting and before the onset of winter.Initially, the seedling has enough useful elements that are introduced during planting. In the second year, prunes begin to be fed with urea. This substance is required to be applied in early spring and in June. In the third year, the first feeding is recommended in early May. In this case, it is required to use a solution of 30 grams of the product and 10 liters of water.
In early June, you need to feed the plant a second time. To do this, use 3 tablespoons of nitrophoska and 8 liters of water. For the third time, nutrients are applied in early August. At this stage, to make a solution, you need to take 2 tablespoons of potassium and superphosphate and 10 liters of water.
The plant is resistant to fungal infections. However, if they appear, it is required to use a solution of Bordeaux liquid with a concentration of 1%. In advanced situations, it is recommended to use the Hom systemic fungicide. If there are signs of moniliosis, it is worth spraying with the preparation "Skor" .
Prophylactic treatment against parasites is of no small importance. Prunes are susceptible to attacks by aphids, scale insects, sawflies, weevils. To avoid the appearance of problems, in the fall it is imperative to clean the near-trunk circle from fallen leaves and fruits.
Collecting instructions
Plums are recommended to be carefully picked by hand and put in a suitable container. If you collect fruits with a stalk, it will be possible to increase their shelf life. When harvesting, it is important to avoid damaging the wax coating. It is a natural defense that helps keep fruit fresh longer.
It is recommended to harvest in a state of so-called technical ripeness. Too soft fruits are easily wrinkled. In addition, they have a short shelf life. There should be dry weather for several days before harvesting. After precipitation, the plums become watery. In addition, their shelf life is reduced.
Plum fruits can be dried, pickled, dried. It is also permissible to freeze them or use them to make jams, juices, compotes, liquors. When preparing plum jam, be sure to remove the stone. This will help increase its shelf life.
Useful properties of fruits
Prunes have excellent taste and have a positive effect on the functioning of the human body. When using the fruits of this variety, you will be able to get the following results:
- Cope with oral problems. Prunes are great at killing bacteria.
- Clean the kidneys of bile and stones. Also, the fruit helps to remove toxins from the body.
- Get rid of excess weight. To lose weight, the fruit is recommended to be consumed every day.
- Improve the condition in case of pathologies of the stomach and other digestive organs. Eating 6 fruits a day helps to normalize metabolic processes and stimulate bowel contraction.
- Prevent cancer.
- Normalize brain functions.
- Replenish energy reserves in the body.
- Improve the condition of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular pathologies.
- Increase visual acuity.
If you dry the fruits, they will pick up a lot of vitamins and minerals. Such fruits have a positive effect on the human body and help to cope with many pathologies.
Plum Prunes are a fairly common plant that has tasty and he althy fruits. In order for the culture to develop normally, it is important to carry out planting work correctly and provide it with full and high-quality care.
