Plum as a cultivated plant has been known for a very long time. It is successfully used in cooking, in homemade preparations and desserts. Thanks to selection, today there are many varieties of plums that delight gardeners with their fruits. A total of 1,500 species, of which 300 are cultural. A special place in this list is Chinese plum. Usually these are trees about 3-6 meters high. Their fruits have a bright yellow or red color and a slightly astringent, sour taste.
The benefits of plums
The fruits of this plant are very high in calories and are second only to cherries and grapes in this parameter. The amount of nutrients may vary depending on the variety. But in any sink there are sugars, various groups of vitamins, carotene, organic acids, pectins, fiber, tannins, dyes and minerals. The use of plums helps to improve protein metabolism and strengthen the nervous system. This fruit lowers blood pressure and strengthens blood vessels. All the beneficial properties of plums are preserved even after processing.
Chinese plum
Chinese plum is a willow plant, whose homeland is China. For over a hundred years, it has been successfully cultivated in Japan, the USA, South America and Australia. Many varieties have taken root on our continent. Due to severe weather conditions in Russia, the Chinese plum appeared relatively recently. It took time to develop varieties that would be adapted to our climatic conditions. But even now, this culture is not common in garden plots. Although it should be noted that the fruits of such a tree are very tasty and juicy. Distinctive features of "our" varieties are high frost resistance (despite the fact that it was originally a southern tree), good and early fruiting.
Features of Chinese plum
Many varieties are especially popular in the Far East and Siberia. They can withstand severe frosts up to 50 degrees. About one in eight varieties was bred on the basis of Chinese plum. For the garden, it's just the perfect plant. This is a low tree with a very spreading crown, which has the shape of a ball. Plum leaves and branches are smooth. A distinctive feature of this species is abundant flowering. Chinese plum is premature. She releases peduncles earlier than the leaves. Each bud can have up to three flowers. There is nothing more beautiful than blooming Chinese plum. So that the pollination process in such an early period, when the bees have not yet activated, is successful, it is necessary to plant cherry plum nearby. As a result, the tree gives a lot of fruit. Harvest may be already in the second year after planting. Plum is quick and tasty. Its fruits are spherical, yellow or red.
Where to plant
Like most plants, Chinese plum loves the sun and fertile soil. It must be planted in well-lit areas. Usually seedlings are planted in the fall. When planting, you can make a little fertilizer, especially if the soil is poor. In the future, it is necessary to loosen the soil in the region of the root system. This must be done carefully. Moderate watering and weed removal are also required. Fertilize is recommended as necessary. It all depends on the quality of the soil. But the main condition for the successful growth and development of the tree is a good planting material. Saplings of Chinese plum must be chosen with great care. The roots of the plant should not be damaged or have signs of disease.
Souvenir of the East
This variety is obtained by crossing two hybrids: Dawn and Giant. Plum Chinese varieties Souvenir of the East has a height of about 2-2.5 meters. The crown of the tree is spreading. Leaves and shoots are smooth. The growth rate of this plum is average. The fruits of the tree are very large and can reach a weight of 40 grams. They have a rounded shape, and upon reaching maturity they acquire a maroon color. The fruit pulp is very fragrant, with a slight acidity. It is dense and juicy at the same time, has a yellow-orange color. To taste and appearance, this plum variety can be compared to peach. The fruit pit is small and perfectly behind the pulp. Plums contain about 13 percent sugar and about one percent organic acids. Basically, the fruits are used for fresh consumption. For the preparation of compotes and preserves, this variety is of little use. Ripening occurs in mid-August. The tree is characterized by high winter hardiness. If all the conditions for good growth are met, then the plum will please with abundant flowering and a large harvest.
Santa rose
The article presents Chinese plums, reviews of which are only the most positive. But when buying seedlings, one should take into account the climatic features of the region and choose more suitable varieties. Santa Rosa is a dessert Chinese plum, despite the fact that it was bred in the USA and is one of the most popular trees among gardeners there. This variety was created to obtain a high-quality, good harvest. The tree is distinguished by high growth rates. It can reach about 6 meters in height. Its crown grows up to 3-4 meters in diameter. In the 3-4th year after planting, the plum begins to yield a crop.
Santa Rosa has large, up to 5-8 centimeters in diameter, round fruits of dark purple color. The pulp of the fruit is tender and juicy. It has excellent taste and aroma. The stone is well separated from the pulp and has a small size. The fruits ripen in the first half of August. This variety is distinguished by high yields and annual fruiting. For high-quality pollination, it is necessary to plant Santa Rosa with other varieties of Chinese plum. Its only drawback is sensitivity to spring frosts. For planting, you should choose sunny areas with light partial shade. In the spring, top dressing with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus is used.
Red ball
Plum Chinese Red ball is one of the most popular varieties. The medium-sized tree can reach a height of 2.5 meters. Its crown is round and slightly hanging. The Red Ball has large round red fruits with a light bluish bloom. Their weight can reach 35-40 grams. The plum pulp is juicy, aromatic and has excellent palatability. The bone is small and easily separated from the pulp. This variety has good transportability. Plum has early ripening. Also a distinctive feature of the variety is good winter hardiness and a high percentage of preservation of fruit buds. Harvest tree begins to give in the 2-3rd year after planting. The red ball is less susceptible to clastosporiosis. It is distinguished by high productivity.
Terry Chinese plum
In another way, this variety is called Three-bladed almonds. Its height reaches 3 meters. The tree has shiny dark shoots with oval leaves, in the upper part of which there are plates with three blades. Flowering Terry plum occurs in May. The flowers are like roses and have a terry surface. Regular pruning can be done to form a beautiful crown. For planting, you should choose a protected, well-lit area. The soil should be fresh, nutritious and not too dense. In winter, the crown can be tied to avoid damage. At the roots, the ground can be covered with peat, wood leaf or any other similar material.
Early Chinese plum
This variety is characterized by high winter hardiness. With good care, it gives good yields. The name itself speaks of the rapid and early ripening of fruits. The tree is resistant to various diseases. Plum has medium-sized fruits. Their shape is round, and the color is bright red. This variety is well adapted to our climatic conditions and is popular among gardeners. Choose the best representatives, buy healthy seedlings of Chinese plum, and you will get a decent harvest from year to year.