Plum as a cultivated plant has been known for a very long time. It is successfully used in cooking, homemade preparations and desserts. Thanks to breeding, today there are many varieties of plums that delight gardeners with their fruits. In total, there are 1500 species, of which 300 are cultivated. Chinese plum occupies a special place in this list. Usually these are trees about 3-6 meters high. Their fruits are bright yellow or red in color and have a slightly astringent, sour taste.
Benefits of plums
The fruits of this plant are very high in calories and are inferior in this parameter only to cherries and grapes. The amount of nutrients may vary depending on the variety. But in any plum there are sugars, various groups of vitamins, carotene, organic acids, pectins, fiber, tannins, coloring and minerals. The use of plums improves protein metabolism and strengthens the nervous system. This fruit lowers blood pressure and strengthens blood vessels. All the useful properties of the plum are preserved even after processing.
Chinese plum
Chinese plum is a willow-like plant native to China. For more than a hundred years, it has been successfully cultivated in Japan, the USA, South America and Australia. Many varieties have taken root on our continent. Due to the harsh weather conditions in Russia, the Chinese plum appeared relatively recently. It took time to develop varieties that would be adapted to our climatic conditions. But even now this culture is found in garden plots infrequently. Although it should be noted that the fruits of such a tree are very tasty and juicy. Distinctive features of "our" varieties are high frost resistance (despite the fact that it was originally a southern tree), good and early fruiting.
Features of Chinese plum
Many varieties are especially popular in the Far East and Siberia. They can withstand severe frosts up to 50 degrees. Approximately one in eight varieties was bred on the basis of the Chinese plum. For the garden, this is just the perfect plant. This is a low tree with a very spreading crown, which has the shape of a ball. The leaves and branches of the plum are smooth. A distinctive feature of this species is abundant flowering. Chinese plum - fast-growing. She releases flower stalks before leaves. Each bud can have up to three flowers. There is nothing more beautiful than Chinese plum blossoms. In order for the pollination process to be successful at such an early period, when the bees have not yet become active, it is necessary to plant cherry plum nearby. As a result, the tree produces a lot of fruits. Harvest may be as early as the second year after planting. Plumand delicious. Its fruits are spherical, yellow or red.
Where to plant
Like most plants, Chinese plum loves the sun and fertile soil. It should be planted in well-lit areas. Usually seedlings are planted in autumn. When planting, you can apply a little fertilizer, especially if the soil is poor. In the future, it is necessary to loosen the soil in the area of \u200b\u200bthe root system. This must be done carefully. Moderate watering and weed removal are also required. Fertilizers are recommended as needed. It all depends on the quality of the soil. But the main condition for the successful growth and development of a tree is good planting material. Chinese plum seedlings must be selected with great care. The roots of the plant must not be damaged or show signs of disease.
Souvenir of the East
This variety is obtained by crossing two hybrids: Dawn and Giant. Plum Chinese variety Souvenir of the East has a height of about 2-2.5 meters. The crown of the tree is spreading. Leaves and shoots are smooth. The growth rate of this plum is average. The fruits of the tree are very large and can reach a weight of 40 grams. They have a rounded shape, and upon reaching maturity they acquire a maroon color. The pulp of the fruit is very aromatic, with a slight sourness. It is dense and juicy at the same time, has a yellow-orange color. By taste and external data, this plum variety can be compared with a peach. The stone of the fruit is small and well behind the pulp. A plum contains about 13 percent sugars and about a percent organic acids. Mostly the fruits are used for fresh consumption. For the preparation of compotes and jams, this variety is of little use. Fruit ripening occurs in mid-August. The tree is highly winter hardy. If all the conditions for good growth are met, then the plum will delight you with abundant flowering and a large harvest.
Santa Rosa
The article presents Chinese plums, reviews of which are only the most positive. But when buying seedlings, one should take into account the climatic features of the region and choose more suitable varieties. Santa Rosa is a Chinese dessert plum, despite the fact that it was bred in the USA and is one of the most popular trees with gardeners there. This variety was created to obtain a high-quality, good harvest. The tree is distinguished by high growth rates. It can reach up to 6 meters in height. Its crown grows up to 3-4 meters in diameter. On the 3rd-4th year after planting, the plum begins to yield.
Santa Rosa has large, up to 5-8 centimeters in diameter, round fruits of dark purple color. The fruit pulp is tender and juicy. It has excellent taste and aroma. The stone is well separated from the pulp and has a small size. The fruits ripen in the first half of August. This variety is characterized by high yields and annual fruiting. For high-quality pollination, it is necessary to plant Santa Rosa with other varieties of Chinese plum. Its only drawback can be considered sensitivity to spring frosts. For planting, you should choose sunny areas with light partial shade. In the spring, top dressing is used withnitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
Red balloon
Chinese Plum Red Ball is one of the most popular varieties. A medium-sized tree can reach a height of 2.5 meters. Its crown is round and slightly drooping. Red Ball has large red fruits of a round shape, with a slight bluish bloom. Their weight can reach 35-40 grams. Plum pulp is juicy, fragrant and has excellent taste qualities. The stone is small and easily separated from the pulp. This variety has good transportability. Plum has an early ripening period. Also, a distinctive feature of the variety is good winter hardiness and a high percentage of preservation of fruit buds. The tree begins to harvest in the 2-3rd year after planting. The red ball is little susceptible to clasterosporiasis. It is distinguished by high productivity.
Terry Chinese Plum
In another way, this variety is called the Three-lobed almond. Its height reaches 3 meters. The tree has shiny dark shoots with oval leaves, in the upper part of which there are plates with three lobes. Terry plum blossom occurs in May. The flowers are similar to roses and have a terry surface. To form a beautiful crown, regular pruning can be carried out. For landing, you should choose a protected, well-lit area. The soil should be fresh, nutritious and not too dense. In winter, the crown can be tied to avoid damage. At the roots, the ground can be covered with peat, a tree leaf, or any other similar material.
Early-fruited Chinese plum
This variety has high winter hardiness. With good care, it gives good yields. The name itself speaks of the rapid and early ripening of the fruit. The tree is resistant to various diseases. The plum has medium-sized fruits. Their shape is round, and the color is bright red. This variety is well adapted to our climatic conditions and is popular among gardeners. Choose the best representatives, buy he althy Chinese plum seedlings, and you will get a decent harvest year after year.
