How does European plum grow?
European plum, Prunus domestica, includes many fruit cultivars. Fruits can be red, purple, yellow, or greenish. Not all plums belong to the same species or share pollination requirements. Cultivars differ in suitability for fresh use, drying, and processing.
Cultivars and growing conditions
Grow trees in sun and well-drained soil. Winter dormancy, spring frost, and summer heat guide cultivar choice. Self-fertility varies, and compatible companions can improve set in some orchards. Different plum groups can have mismatched flowering times or genetic incompatibilities, so two arbitrary plum trees are not necessarily suitable partners. Rootstock affects size and soil adaptation.
Crop load and harvest
Heavy cropping can strain branches and contribute to a weaker crop the next year; thinning may be useful. Consistent irrigation is preferable to drought followed by sudden excess water. Harvest maturity depends on use, with sugar and dry matter important for drying cultivars. The kernel is not recommended for consumption. Pruning should respect tree structure and avoid unnecessary large wounds.