Cherry plum trees (Prunus cerasifera) are popular for their ornamental beauty and fruit. These hardy trees are known for early spring blossoms and adapt to various climates.
Selecting Your Cherry Plum Tree
Choosing the right variety is key. Popular cultivars include ‘Nigra’, known for dark red foliage and sweet, dark red fruits ripening in August. ‘Trailblazer’ or ‘Hollywood’ produce larger, burgundy-red fruits in September with notable red-brown foliage. Many varieties are not self-pollinating, so planting more than one may be necessary for fruit production.
Select a healthy specimen from a reputable nursery. Choose between bare-root or container-grown trees. Bare-root trees, available from autumn to early spring while dormant, are often less expensive and can develop stronger root systems. Container-grown trees offer flexibility and can be planted any time, provided consistent watering. Consider the rootstock for desired tree size, as it influences standard or dwarf growth.
Site Selection and Preparation
Cherry plum trees thrive in full sun, ideally six to eight hours daily, promoting optimal growth, flowering, and fruit development. While they tolerate light shade, fruit production may be reduced. Protecting the tree from strong winds is also beneficial.
Ideal soil is well-draining, fertile loam, though they adapt to various soil types. A soil pH between 6.0 and 8.0 is generally suitable, with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0 pH). Before planting, test your soil’s pH and drainage. Amend heavy clay or very sandy soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility. Good drainage prevents waterlogging and root rot.
Planting Your Cherry Plum Tree
When planting a bare-root tree, soak roots in water for a few hours to hydrate them. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root spread, but only as deep as the longest root. Ensure the root flare remains visible at or slightly above the soil surface. Create a small soil cone in the center to support the roots, spreading them evenly.
For container-grown trees, remove the tree and gently loosen any circling roots. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times wider. Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with excavated soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets and ensure good root contact. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Ongoing Care
Watering Needs
Consistent watering is crucial, especially during establishment and dry spells. Newly planted trees need more frequent watering as roots develop, often about 5 gallons one to three times per week. Established trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during prolonged dry periods, typically 20-30 liters (5-8 gallons) per week, divided into two sessions. Keep the soil lightly moist without waterlogging, ensuring deep penetration to the root zone.
Fertilization Schedule
Cherry plum trees generally do not require heavy fertilization, especially in fertile soil. Annual fertilization can enhance fruit yield and tree vigor. For established trees, apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 NPK, in early spring to support growth and flowering. Apply about 1/2 pound of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter, spreading it evenly under the canopy but away from the trunk. Avoid over-fertilization, particularly with nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning maintains the tree’s shape, promotes health, and encourages fruit production. The optimal time is during winter dormancy, just before spring growth, or in late spring to early summer after flowering. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to prevent infection. Thin overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration, reducing disease risk. For young trees, formative pruning directs growth and establishes a strong structure.
Pest and Disease Management
Cherry plum trees are generally robust but can be susceptible to common pests and diseases. Aphids, small sap-sucking insects, can cause leaves to curl and distort; manage them by encouraging natural predators like ladybugs or using insecticidal soap. Brown rot, a fungal disease, affects blossoms and fruit, causing browning and decay; proper pruning and prompt removal of infected material can help. Bacterial canker is another concern, showing as spots on leaves and branches. Preventative measures include maintaining tree vigor, ensuring good air circulation, and removing fallen leaves or fruit debris.
Winter Protection
Preparing your cherry plum tree for winter, especially in colder climates, ensures its survival and health. Apply mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around the base to insulate the root system from freezing temperatures. Ensure mulch is not heaped against the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and rot. For young trees, consider wrapping the trunk with a tree guard or painting it with diluted white latex paint to protect against sunscald and rodent damage. Continue to water deeply in fall until a few weeks before the ground freezes, as well-hydrated trees are more resilient to winter stress.
Harvesting Your Cherry Plums
Cherry plums typically ripen between July and September, depending on variety and local climate. Ripeness indicators include the fruit’s color deepening to its characteristic hue, and a slight softening when gently squeezed. Ripe plums should come away easily from the branch with a gentle twist. A sweet, fruity aroma is another sign of readiness.
Plums on the same tree often ripen at different times, so multiple harvesting sessions may be necessary. Pick fruit carefully to avoid bruising, ideally by hand. If the ground beneath is hard, holding a basket or soft material underneath can prevent damage to dropped fruit. For optimal flavor, plums are best enjoyed fresh from the tree, though they can be stored for a short period in a cool, dry place or refrigerated.
Addressing Common Issues
Even with diligent care, cherry plum trees can experience issues beyond typical pest and disease challenges. If a tree shows poor fruit set, possible causes include inadequate pollination, late frosts damaging early blossoms, or nutrient deficiencies, particularly phosphorus, which supports flower and fruit formation. Ensuring good air circulation and balanced nutrition can help.
Slow growth or general decline not linked to specific pests or diseases might indicate nutrient imbalances, soil compaction, or insufficient water. Removing competing grass from around the tree’s base and applying mulch can improve nutrient and water availability. Regularly testing the soil can identify and correct nutrient deficiencies. Proper watering, avoiding both over and under-watering, is important for tree health. If these measures do not resolve the issue, consulting a local horticultural expert might be beneficial.