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General Information
In coastal Southern California, it is important to choose plum trees with a low chilling requirement. A number of Japanese Plum varieties generally fruit well in this climate, and some are even self-fruitful (others need a different variety for pollination). Since fruit is formed on year-old wood, it is often recommended to prune these vigorous trees in the late spring or early summer (rather than in winter), especially if you are pruning to control the size of the tree.
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Plant Care Instruction
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- January
- February
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- October
- November
- December
January1. BuyBuy bare-root trees from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantPlant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.3. Treat for Pest/DiseaseIf pests or fungal diseases have been a problem, spray trees this month with a dormant spray that combines horticultural oil with lime sulfur.February1. BuyBuy bare-root trees from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantPlant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.March1. BuyBuy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantPlant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.3. FertilizeFertilize with a balanced plant food such as 10-10-10.4. MulchMulch to conserve water use.April1. BuyBuy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantPlant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.3. WaterWater trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.May1. WaterWater trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.2. PruneIf crop is heavy, thin fruit as it forms to 4-6\" apart on the branches. Prune to control size and branch structure when you thin fruit.June1. WaterWater trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.2. PruneIf crop is heavy, thin fruit as it forms to 4-6\" apart on the branches. Prune to control size and branch structure when you thin fruit.3. MulchMulch to conserve water use.4. ProtectProtect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.5. HarvestHarvest plums when they are fully ripe and sweet.July1. WaterWater trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.2. PruneIf you haven\'t already done so, prune trees to control size and branch structure.3. ProtectProtect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.4. HarvestHarvest plums when they are fully ripe and sweet.August1. FertilizeFertilize with a balanced plant food such as 10-10-10.2. WaterWater trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.3. ProtectProtect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.4. HarvestHarvest plums when they are fully ripe and sweet.September1. WaterWater trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.2. MulchMulch to conserve water use.October1. BuyBuy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantPlant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.3. WaterWater trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.November1. BuyBuy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantPlant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.December1. BuyBuy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.2. PlantPlant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible. -
Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
January
Buy bare-root trees from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
February
Buy bare-root trees from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
March
Buy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
April
Buy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
October
Buy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
November
Buy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
December
Buy established trees in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
January
Plant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.
February
Plant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.
March
Plant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.
April
Plant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.
October
Plant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.
November
Plant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.
December
Plant bare-root trees immediately after you get them, or container trees anytime, in full sun in well-drained soil in a location with good air circulation and as much winter chilling as possible.
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
March
Fertilize with a balanced plant food such as 10-10-10.
August
Fertilize with a balanced plant food such as 10-10-10.
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
April
Water trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.
May
Water trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.
June
Water trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.
July
Water trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.
August
Water trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.
September
Water trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.
October
Water trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.
Prune
When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?
May
If crop is heavy, thin fruit as it forms to 4-6\" apart on the branches. Prune to control size and branch structure when you thin fruit.
June
If crop is heavy, thin fruit as it forms to 4-6\" apart on the branches. Prune to control size and branch structure when you thin fruit.
July
If you haven\'t already done so, prune trees to control size and branch structure.
Mulch
Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?
March
Mulch to conserve water use.
June
Mulch to conserve water use.
September
Mulch to conserve water use.
Protect
When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?
June
Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
July
Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
August
Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting, if necessary.
Treat for Pest/Disease
How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?
January
If pests or fungal diseases have been a problem, spray trees this month with a dormant spray that combines horticultural oil with lime sulfur.
Harvest
When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?
June
Harvest plums when they are fully ripe and sweet.
July
Harvest plums when they are fully ripe and sweet.
August
Harvest plums when they are fully ripe and sweet.
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