The Valor plum tree, originating in 1968 from the Vineland Research Institute in Ontario, Canada, is a popular European plum variety. Valued for its ornamental beauty, flavorful fruit, and straightforward care, it offers consistent productivity, making it a rewarding addition to home gardens.
Valor Plum Characteristics
The Valor plum produces abundant crops of attractive, large, purple-blue fruit, sometimes displaying a hint of red. These plums typically feature firm, amber or greenish-yellow flesh that is both sweet and juicy. The fruit is semi-freestone, meaning the pit is somewhat easily separated from the flesh.
This plum variety is generally suited for USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. The tree is vigorous and spreading, reaching a mature height and spread of about 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters). In mid-April, deciduous branches are covered with fragrant, showy white blossoms that attract pollinators. Valor plums are often self-sterile, requiring a pollination partner from other European plum varieties like Opal, Stanley, Italian, or Bluefire for successful fruit set.
Cultivating Valor Plums
Valor plum trees thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily for proper development of flower buds. A sheltered location with a south or west-facing aspect can also be beneficial, helping to reduce the risk of late frost damage. These trees are adaptable to a range of well-drained, loamy soils, with an ideal pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Heavy clay or extremely sandy soils should be avoided, but poor soil can be improved by incorporating organic materials like compost or manure at planting time.
Before planting, ensure the root ball is thoroughly hydrated. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so the top is level with, or slightly below, the ground surface. For grafted trees, keep the graft union 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) above the soil line. Backfill with soil, mixing in compost, and water deeply. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Consistent moisture is important, especially for newly planted trees. Young trees need about 5 gallons of water one to three times per week during their first growing season, depending on soil and weather. Established trees require about an inch of rainfall every seven to ten days, or deep soaking during dry periods when the top eight to ten inches of soil are dry. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other moisture-related diseases.
Fertilization needs vary; if soil is rich, no fertilizer may be needed until the tree begins bearing fruit (typically two to four years after planting). Once fruiting, a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) can be applied after bud break in early spring, but not after July 1st. A soil test can help determine specific nutrient deficiencies. For established trees, apply about one cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per year of the tree’s age (up to 12 cups) in early spring, with a second application in midsummer.
Pruning helps maintain size and promotes fruit production. Pruning can be done in early spring or midsummer. Techniques include removing branches that rub or cross, thinning the center of the tree to improve air circulation, and removing water sprouts throughout the season. Fruit thinning in June or early July is also beneficial to enhance fruit flavor and prevent limb breakage, aiming for 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm) between each plum.
Harvesting and Enjoying Valor Plums
Valor plums are typically ready for harvest from late September to early October, though some can ripen as early as the first week of September. Pick fruit carefully to avoid bruising, gathering in a shallow container. A plum is ripe when it shows a deep purple color and yields slightly to a gentle squeeze. Check the tree every few days for newly ripened fruits, harvesting them before they become too soft.
Once harvested, Valor plums are best enjoyed at room temperature for full flavor development. They keep for one to three days at room temperature. For short-term storage, ripe plums can be refrigerated in the crisper drawer in a plastic bag, where they may last for one to two weeks. The optimal storage temperature is around -0.5°C (31°F) to minimize softening and water loss.
Their sweet, juicy flesh is excellent for fresh eating. They are also suitable for preserving, canning, drying, making jams and jellies, or baking into pies and crumbles. For long-term preservation, plums can be frozen whole or sliced, or dried.
Addressing Common Challenges
Valor plum trees can encounter pests and diseases, though they are generally resilient. Aphids are common, causing leaves to curl and distort as they feed on sap. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage infestations, and encouraging natural predators like ladybugs is beneficial.
Plum curculio, a beetle, lays eggs in developing fruit, leading to premature fruit drop and crescent-shaped scars. Removing and destroying fallen fruit helps eliminate breeding sites, and applying kaolin clay can deter egg-laying.
Valor plum trees show some resistance to bacterial leaf spot and plum pox virus. However, they can be susceptible to black knot, which appears as black, swollen galls on branches. Other potential issues include brown rot, a common fungal disease, and leaf spot. Ensuring good air circulation through proper pruning can help prevent fungal problems.