How many years does it take for plums to bear fruit?

Introduction to Plum Planting

Plums are highly adaptable to the environment and are suitable for planting in loose, fertile soil. They can be planted in any type of soil. They prefer a humid environment and are extremely intolerant of waterlogging. Poor drainage in the orchard will lead to root rot, poor growth or susceptibility to various diseases.

Plums are grown in Henan, Shandong, Liaoning, Jilin, Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Hunan. They are grown in both the north and south of China. Plums are suitable for planting in spring. Every spring, plum flowers bloom and the fruits ripen in July and August. Common varieties include Angelo, Australian Plum 13, and Black Amber.

Plums have been planted for several years and have produced fruit

Normally, you can eat the fruits of plum trees after 4 years. If the fertilizer and water management is good, the trees will bear fruit earlier. The scion is collected from high-quality mother trees. Select the one-year-old branches with sufficient growth and development in the upper part. It is best to graft them as soon as they are collected.

Grafted plum blossoms and fruits

Plums usually bear fruit in the second year after grafting, because the grafted branches are already mature and have the conditions to bloom and bear fruit. However, the fruits cannot be retained in the second year and must be picked off because the fruit absorbs a lot of nutrients. The rootstock is too small and the root system is underdeveloped to provide sufficient nutrients, which will cause the grafted seedlings to lack nutrition and fail to grow.

Potted plums bearing fruit

Potted plums require careful care and management. They will start to bear fruit three years after planting and enter the peak fruit-bearing period in 5-6 years. During this period, sufficient light must be provided and they should not be kept in a cool place indoors.

Why don't plums bear fruit?

Plums are self-pollinating and do not bear fruit. If you plant only one variety without a pollinating variety, it will be difficult for them to bear fruit. If they encounter frost damage during or before flowering, it will also be difficult for them to bear fruit. In addition, if fertilizers are not applied in time during the growth period, the flower buds will find it difficult to fully develop, causing the pistil to degenerate.

Key points for high-yield plum planting

It is best for plums to overwinter outdoors, but certain cold-proof measures need to be taken. This can improve the tree's ability to withstand various natural disasters. When the weather is good, water the tree thoroughly once before the soil freezes to prevent frost damage.