Mariposa Plum Tree

Description

Growing a plum tree is simple as long as the tree is planted in the right soil and watered regularly. It grows best in warmer climates and blooms early spring. Harvest in the Pacific Northwest begins in September. If you live in a warmer climate, the tree will need approximately 250 hours of cool weather (between 32 degrees and 45 degrees (F) in order for it to go dormant and bloom in the spring—approximately 10 cool days.

In the spring, it’s a good idea to fertilize the trees with a 10-10-10 fertilizer and then once more at the start of summer. Place a handful of the mix around the base of the tree and water it in really well. Speaking of watering, you want to make sure that the tree is getting at least one inch of water per week, unless it’s really warm, then you will need to increase the frequency to two to three times per week.

Pruning is important to know about though you won’t want to do it too much in the first couple of years. The tree needs to reach its mature height of 14 feet to 18 feet before you prune it to your desired height. Pruning involves removing any branches that cross in the middle so that the main branches grow nicely with enough space around them that will allow room for the fruit, giving you more produce, and easier access to the plums themselves after they are ripe. Plum production begins when the three is 2 to 3 years old.

Eating the plums fresh is a pleasure; canning them will allow you to enjoy their deliciousness throughout the year. Here are the basics of canning mariposa plums.

You need canning jars, a stock pot and a jar lifter for removing the jars safely, a thermometer, a wide mouth funnel, a cooling rack, a wooden ladle and jar rings. If you haven’t done much canning, these are a few of the many useful tools available to use.

Plant Specifications

Plant Height: 2-6feet