plum tree: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
When and how do you plant a plum tree?
Plant a plum tree in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile soil that does not stay waterlogged. Allow mature space for the rootstock and check whether the cultivar needs a pollination partner. Plant bare-root trees during dormancy, from late autumn to early spring, avoiding frozen or saturated ground. Container-grown trees can be planted over a wider season but need closer attention in dry weather.
Water the rootball before removing the pot. Keep bare roots moist and soak them briefly before planting. Dig a broad hole that accommodates the roots without folding them, but not one twice as deep as the rootball. Position the first main roots at finished ground level and keep the graft union above it. Avoid a thick layer of compost or manure at the bottom, which can settle later.
Install a stake if needed without injuring roots, then backfill with the excavated soil and firm gently. Water to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Keep the surrounding area weed-free and mulch without touching the trunk. During establishment, check moisture below the surface and water in dry spells rather than assuming a wet surface means the root zone is moist.
When does a plum tree flower and how do you protect its blossom?
How do you prune a plum tree?
How to care for this plant
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Maintain the mulch
Check the ground cover around the base. If the mulch has thinned, top it up on moist, well-drained soil after removing competing weeds. Keep the trunk, crown and graft union clear; add nothing if the existing layer is sufficient.
When and how do you harvest plums?
