Growing plums in Colorado can be a rewarding endeavor, offering not only delicious fruit but also a beautiful addition to your garden. With the right knowledge and practices, Colorado’s unique climate can be conducive to successful plum cultivation. This guide will delve into various aspects of growing plums, including choosing the right varieties, planting, care, and pest management.
Before diving into plum cultivation, it’s important to understand Colorado’s climate. The state is characterized by its high altitude, which results in cooler temperatures and a shorter growing season compared to other regions. High elevations can lead to late frosts in spring and early frosts in fall. It’s crucial to choose plum varieties that are hardy and can thrive in these conditions.
Colorado spans several USDA hardiness zones, predominantly zones 5 to 7. When selecting plum trees, make sure they are suited for your specific zone. Some varieties are more tolerant of cold winters and may flourish better in the harsher climates of northern Colorado.
When growing plums, selecting the appropriate variety is essential for success. Here are some recommended varieties that do well in Colorado:
Stanley: A reliable variety known for its deep blue skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It is self-pollinating and has good disease resistance.
Damson: These plums are small but packed with flavor. They are excellent for preserves and jellies and can withstand colder climates.
Satsuma: This variety produces large, sweet fruits with a reddish-purple skin. Satsuma plums require cross-pollination, so plant them alongside other varieties.
Methley: Known for its early ripening and sweet flavor, Methley is a popular choice among gardeners. It’s also self-pollinating.
Once you’ve chosen your plum trees, it’s time to prepare for planting. The right preparation ensures that your trees have a successful start.
Choose a site with full sun exposure (at least six hours of sunlight daily) to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Additionally, select a location with good air circulation to reduce humidity levels that can lead to diseases.
Plum trees prefer well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter. Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels; plums thrive best in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 – 7.0). Amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure and nutrient content.
The best time to plant plum trees in Colorado is during the spring when the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, you can plant in the fall, but ensure that the trees are adequately established before winter sets in.
Now that you’re prepared, let’s go through the steps of planting your plum trees.
Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root system itself. This encourages lateral root growth.
Soil Amendment: Mix some of the native soil with organic compost before placing it back into the hole.
Positioning: Place the tree in the center of the hole so that the graft union (swelling on the trunk) is above soil level.
Backfilling: Fill the hole with amended soil while ensuring there are no air pockets around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to suppress weeds and retain moisture but keep it away from the trunk.
Once planted, ongoing care is essential for optimal growth and fruit production.
Plum trees require regular watering, particularly during dry spells. Young trees need about an inch of water per week until they are established (approximately three years). Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to provide consistent moisture without waterlogging the roots.
In late winter or early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer designed for fruit trees according to package instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing as this may lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
Prune your plum tree annually during dormancy (late winter) to shape it, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve air circulation. Proper pruning enhances sunlight penetration and helps reduce disease pressure.
Pests can pose challenges when growing plums; however, proactive management techniques can mitigate issues effectively.
Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from leaves and can cause leaf curl. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a treatment.
Japanese Beetles: Handpicking these pests or using pheromone traps can help control their populations.
Spider Mites: Often found in dry conditions; regular watering and increased humidity can deter these pests.
Be vigilant about diseases common among plum trees such as:
Brown Rot: Fungal infections that affect fruits; ensure proper sanitation by removing any mummified fruits.
Crown Gall: Caused by bacteria leading to galls on stems; avoid wounding roots during planting.
Powdery Mildew: White fungal growth on leaves; improve air circulation through pruning and apply fungicides when necessary.
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting plums! Generally, plums will ripen from late summer into early fall depending on the variety. To determine if your fruit is ready:
Gently twist or cut them from branches using pruning shears rather than pulling them off to avoid damaging the tree.
Growing plums in Colorado requires careful planning and attention but pays off with delicious homegrown fruit. By selecting suitable varieties, preparing your site properly, maintaining ongoing care, managing pests and diseases effectively, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest year after year. With patience and dedication, your Colorado plum trees will thrive and become a treasured part of your garden landscape!