The Black Ruby Plum is a highly favored variety, prized by home gardeners for its distinctive dark skin and rich, sweet flavor. It is a sought-after choice for those desiring fresh, high-quality fruit from their own garden.
Understanding Black Ruby Plums
The Black Ruby plum fruit has a striking appearance and appealing taste. Its skin ripens to a deep reddish-purple, almost black, with reddish-amber flesh. These medium-sized plums offer a firm, juicy texture and a balanced flavor profile of sweetness with subtle tartness, making them excellent for fresh consumption.
The Black Ruby plum tree typically grows to a semi-dwarf size, reaching 12 to 15 feet tall with a similar spread. It has an upright, spreading growth habit, suitable for various garden sizes. In spring, the tree produces delicate white blossoms, adding ornamental value before fruit development.
Growing Black Ruby Plums
Site Selection and Soil
Black Ruby plums thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production and tree health. They perform best in well-draining loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Good air circulation around the tree is also important to minimize fungal disease risk.
Planting
Plant Black Ruby plum trees during their dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and of similar depth. Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil, then backfill carefully to eliminate air pockets. Space multiple trees 15 to 20 feet apart to allow for mature growth.
Watering
Young Black Ruby plum trees require consistent moisture to establish a strong root system, typically needing about one inch of water per week. Established trees benefit from deep watering, particularly during extended dry periods and fruit development. Monitor soil moisture regularly; avoid both under-watering, which can lead to fruit drop, and over-watering, which can cause root issues. Consistent hydration is important for developing plump, juicy fruits.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, in early spring before new growth to support vigorous tree growth and fruit yield. Alternatively, use a fruit tree fertilizer according to package directions. Spread it evenly around the tree’s drip line, avoiding direct contact with the trunk. Subsequent applications may be beneficial in late spring or early summer, depending on the tree’s vigor and soil nutrient levels.
Pruning
Annual pruning of Black Ruby plum trees maintains tree structure, promotes fruit production, and removes dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Establishing an open-center shape improves light penetration and air circulation throughout the canopy. This practice helps ensure consistent fruit quality and reduces disease incidence.
Harvesting and Using Black Ruby Plums
Harvest Black Ruby plums when they show several indicators. The fruit should have its characteristic deep reddish-purple to black color and feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. Ripe plums detach easily from the branch with a gentle twist. Hand-picking is the preferred method to prevent bruising and damage to the fruit.
Once harvested, Black Ruby plums can be stored at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for up to two to three weeks. For longer preservation, they can be frozen, canned, or dried. These versatile plums are excellent for fresh eating due to their sweet and juicy nature. They also excel in various culinary applications, including jams, jellies, pies, tarts, and sauces.
Managing Common Issues
Black Ruby plum trees can encounter common pests and diseases. Aphids can be managed by a strong spray of water from a hose, dislodging them. Plum curculio, a small beetle, causes crescent-shaped scars on young fruit; regularly removing fallen fruit helps break their life cycle. Monitoring for pests allows for early intervention, preventing widespread issues.
Diseases such as brown rot, a common fungal issue, can be mitigated through good cultural practices. Proper air circulation from strategic pruning reduces humidity, discouraging fungal growth. Promptly removing diseased fruit or plant debris also prevents disease spread. Late spring frosts can damage blossoms, potentially reducing fruit set. Covering young trees with a frost blanket on cold nights provides protection.