Columnar fruit is a trend among hobby gardeners, as the comparatively compact growing plants can produce acceptable yields for enjoyment fresh from the tree, even in a small area. With little care and occasional pruning, the various columnar plum varieties provide vitamin-rich fruit for fresh consumption or as a baking ingredient.
What varieties of columnar plums are there?
Popular varieties of columnar plums include 'Black Amber', 'Imperial' and 'Fruca', which are self-fertile and thrive in sunny to partially shaded locations. They reach heights of around 200-250 cm and are suitable for small gardens or balconies.
Star among the columnar plums: the variety 'Black Amber'
One of the best-known varieties of columnar plums is the 'Black Amber' variety. This type of fruit is characterized by a naturally columnar growth that only needs to be supported by relatively minor pruning measures. The variety 'Black Amber' has the following characteristics:
- Growth height: max. approx. 250 cm
- Fruits: very large and with a particularly sweet taste
- Location: sunny to partially shaded, if possible somewhat sheltered
- self-fruitful
The columnar plum 'Imperial'
The columnar plum 'Imperial' is a late-ripening domestic plum that is hardy without any problems. The yellow-fleshed, blue fruits are good at removing stones and are therefore also good for baking. This robust columnar plum reaches a height of around 250 cm over the years and should be kept he althy with regular pruning.
The compact columnar plum 'Fruca'
The popular columnar plum 'Fruca' is a particularly compact columnar plum that can be easily cultivated in a pot and can even produce a considerable amount of its sweet fruits on a balcony. The self-fruitful columnar plum ripens in September about 14 days earlier than the 'Imperial' variety and also impresses from a decorative point of view with its attractive spring blossoms. The very straight growth with a maximum height of around 200 to 250 cm enables easy harvesting and cultivation in rows with a planting distance of around 60 cm. The dark blue, stone-dissolving fruits have a particularly fruity aroma.
Tip
It is advisable to grow different varieties of plum plums next to each other so that you can enjoy fruits fresh from the tree or use them in the kitchen over a period of time that is as long as possible.
