If the well-growing fruit tree does not produce flowers, various reasons can be the trigger. We explain which steps lead to wonderful flowers.
Avoid steep shoots, promote fruit shoots
Young plum trees often develop steep shoots. These form magnificent foliage, but there are no flowers. You have the option to support the tree by gently spreading it.
How to do it:
- Early autumn: remove steep shoots
- Side shoots occupy an angle of approximately 45 degrees
With this method, the assimilates remain in the branch area. The plum tree begins to produce flowers and fruits.
Refinement as a cause
Refining office
The position of the processing center plays an important role in the development of fruit sets. If this is covered with soil, it prevents flowers from forming.
Rule of thumb:
There must be at least 10 centimeters of space between the ground and the finishing point.
Underlay
Various documents are used during finishing. Depending on the tree variety, some plum trees take between 4 and 8 years before they bloom for the first time.
- seedling-propagated rootstocks: 6 to 8 years
- weak documents: 5 to 6 years
Too much fertilizer
During the first few years, young plums do not need any fertilizer. Root formation works best in nutrient-poor soil. The tree's broad root network is just as wide as the crown. For this reason, make sure there is a free tree cover with protective grass mulch.
Unfavorable neighbors:
- Bark mulch
- Flower bulbs
- Shrubs
- Perennials
Emergency solution: fruit belt
If these measures do not bring about any improvement, a fruit belt (€29.00 on Amazon) has proven to be effective. To do this, attach a wire around the tree trunk in March. To prevent it from growing in, a strip of rubber, sheet metal or foam between the bark and the wire is suitable.
The belt remains on the plum tree until autumn. By this point, numerous flower buds are usually formed for the following growing season.
Note:
This method can cause long-term damage to the tree. The consequences become apparent after around 15 to 20 years. The plum tree must be completely removed from the garden.
Tips & Tricks
There are plum trees that do not produce any fruit despite abundant blossoms. Unsuitable tree neighbors are the cause. Planting two different types of plums next to each other can help.
