Shiro plums are a favored fruit tree, celebrated for their sweet, mild flavor and golden-yellow fruit. Like many fruit trees, successful fruit production from a Shiro plum relies on effective pollination. This article guides you through Shiro plum pollination to help ensure a plentiful harvest.
Understanding Shiro Plum Pollination
Shiro plum trees are generally considered “self-unfruitful” or “partially self-fertile,” meaning they require pollen from a different plum variety for a substantial crop. While a single Shiro tree might set some fruit on its own, cross-pollination significantly increases yields. This need for another variety stems from genetic compatibility, as pollen from the same cultivar is often insufficient to fertilize blossoms effectively.
Pollen transfer between plum trees primarily depends on insects, with bees playing a central role. Bees visit blossoms, collect pollen, and inadvertently carry it to other flowers. For successful cross-pollination, the pollinator tree must have an overlapping bloom time with the Shiro plum.
Best Pollinator Varieties for Shiro
The most effective cross-pollinators for Shiro plums are other Japanese plum varieties, as European plums are not cross-compatible. Several Japanese plum cultivars align well with Shiro’s early spring flowering.
‘Methley’ is a highly recommended pollinator, known for its low chill requirement and hardy blossoms, making it reliable, especially in milder winter climates. ‘Satsuma’ is another excellent Japanese plum variety that effectively pollinates Shiro. ‘Santa Rosa’ is also a strong pollinator, often blooming over a long period and producing ample viable pollen.
Other suitable Japanese plum varieties include ‘Redheart’, ‘Ozark Premier’, ‘Early Golden’ (though some studies suggest it may not pollinate Shiro), ‘Starking Delicious’, ‘Toka’, and ‘Burbank’. When selecting a pollinator, ensure its bloom period coincides with that of your Shiro plum for optimal fruit set.
Ensuring Successful Fruit Production
To maximize fruit production from your Shiro plum, strategic planting and care are essential. For effective cross-pollination, plant the pollinator tree within 50 to 100 feet of the Shiro plum. Proximity is important because bee activity, crucial for pollen transfer, decreases with increased distance.
Aligning bloom times between the Shiro plum and its chosen pollinator is paramount. Local nurseries or agricultural extension services can provide specific bloom schedules for your region, helping you select compatible varieties.
Encourage pollinator activity by avoiding pesticides during bloom periods, as these can harm bees. Planting pollinator-friendly flowers nearby can also attract more bees.
Maintaining overall tree health contributes to robust flowering and fruit set. Proper watering, especially during dry spells, and balanced nutrition support vigorous growth and abundant blossoms. Healthy trees are more resilient and produce better yields, ensuring your Shiro plum delivers a consistent harvest of its delicious golden fruit.