The Nadia plum represents a unique advancement in fruit cultivation, merging the desirable qualities of both plums and cherries. Originating from Australia, this innovative fruit is a hybrid resulting from a cross between a Blackamber plum and a Supreme cherry. It offers a novel experience for home growers and fruit enthusiasts alike.
Nadia Plum Fruit Characteristics
The Nadia plum has dark red skin and similarly colored flesh, offering a striking appearance. Its size is generally larger than a common cherry but smaller than a traditional plum. The fruit possesses a firm texture that yields to a juicy interior, making it appealing for various uses.
The flavor profile is a balance, combining the sweetness associated with cherries and the rich, succulent taste of plums. While some find the cherry hint subtle, others describe a distinct blend of both parent fruits, sometimes with a slightly tart note. It is suitable for fresh eating, baking into pies, making jams and jellies, or canning and freezing.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Nadia plum trees are generally suited for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8 or 5 through 9. While specific chill hour requirements are not definitively determined, some growers have observed good flowering and fruiting with fewer than 500 chill hours.
Full sun exposure requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit quality. The tree can tolerate partial shade, provided it still receives four to six hours of sunlight, ideally morning sun to prevent leaf scorch. Nadia plum trees prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH, typically ranging from 6.0 to 6.8.
When planting, proper spacing is important for the tree’s health and productivity. Standard-sized trees generally require a spacing of 12 to 24 feet apart, depending on the rootstock and mature size. Preparing the soil by ensuring good drainage and incorporating organic matter can support the tree’s establishment.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is necessary for Nadia plum trees, especially during their establishment period and dry spells. Newly planted trees should be watered thoroughly and regularly. Mature trees benefit from deep watering when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
A balanced fruit tree fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, should be applied. For young trees, application can begin about three weeks after planting, and for established trees, annual fertilization in early spring is generally recommended. It is advisable to reduce nitrogen application in the fall to avoid encouraging new growth that could be susceptible to winter damage.
Pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape, promotes air circulation, and supports fruit production. The best time to prune Nadia plum trees is typically in spring to early summer on a dry day, avoiding winter pruning to reduce the risk of diseases like silver leaf. Removing suckers that grow from the rootstock, along with any crossed or crowded limbs, contributes to the tree’s overall health.
Nadia plum trees are not reliably self-fertile; they require a Japanese plum pollinator to produce fruit. Suitable pollinator varieties include:
Fortune
Black Amber
Anne Gold
Aphrodite
Toka
Shiro
Beauty
Santa Rosa
Nadia plum trees are hardy and not widely associated with specific pest or disease problems. However, general preventative measures for plums, such as monitoring for brown rot, are beneficial.
Harvesting and Enjoying Nadia Plums
Nadia plums typically ripen mid-season, often around mid-August in temperate climates, though the exact timing can vary. Indicators of ripeness include the fruit developing its full dark red skin color and a slight softening to the touch. The fruit should also detach easily from the branch with a gentle twist.
Once harvested, Nadia plums can be stored for less than one month. Beyond fresh eating, they can be transformed into jams, baked into pies, or preserved through canning or freezing.