The Prunus domestica came to our region from the Near East. Its sweet fruits are a must in any orchard. The resilient rose plant provides long-term shade. We present its most important features to you here at a glance.
What are the main characteristics of the plum (Prunus domestica)?
The plum (Prunus domestica) is a rose family that grows 4 to 10 meters high and is native to Asia and Europe. It flowers from April to May and has elliptical, dark green leaves. Its fruits are blue-purple, egg-shaped to round and weigh up to 80 grams.
Key data
- Area of distribution: Asia, Europe (since the Middle Ages)
- Age: 30 to 120 years
- Flowering period: April to May
- Height: 4 to 10 meters
- Location: sunny and sheltered from the wind
- Leaves: elliptical shape, dark green (top), light green (bottom), 4 to 10 centimeters long
- Fruits: blue-violet, egg-shaped to round, weighing up to 80 grams depending on the variety
- Bark: smooth, gray-brown, low profile
Appearance and care
Summer green plum trees can be grown yourself from a core. Specialist shops offer cuttings of different sizes. These feel at home in the home orchard. Almost all floors are suitable. A pH value of 6 to 6.5 is recommended. Regular pruning gives the Prunus domestica a robust growth habit. It also allows for favorable light and its fruits ripen into juicy specimens.
The annual gift of compost supports its development sustainably. Diseases or pest infestations can be prevented. Natural predators are considered to be the most effective remedies when impaired.
Its roots anchor themselves broadly in the ground. The bale is approximately the size of the tree crown. A generous tree disc supports growth. The use of grass mulch is recommended. Avoid using bark mulch, shrubs or perennials. In late autumn the plum tree loses its leaves. It easily survives low temperatures.
Usage
Fresh plums taste best picked straight from the tree. Their flesh is sweet and juicy. They can be boiled and enjoyed as a puree throughout the winter. Thanks to their favorable mineral and nutrient content, plums support he alth. Vegetable dyes neutralize free radicals in the human body. For this reason, they serve as a natural prevention of cancer.
Tips & Tricks
It is advisable to choose self-fruitful plum varieties for the home garden. Alternatively, you can plant two different variants next to each other.
