American Red Plum Tree

American red plum tree

The plums are eaten fresh and used in jellies and preserves, and are also consumed by many kinds of birds. Numerous cultivated varieties with improved fruit have been developed. A handsome ornamental with large flowers and relatively big fruit, American Plum is also grown for erosion control, spreading by root sprouts.

Can you eat plums from an American plum tree?

American plum fruit is edible directly off of the plant, though you have to time it so that they are just ripe, otherwise they tend to be fairly bitter or astringent. This is due, mainly, to the skin of the plum, which is tough and bitter (due to high tannic acid content).

How fast do American plum trees grow?

Typically they grow somewhere between 2 and 5 feet the first year. Once they begin flowering and fruiting, growth slows way down and lots of small branches and root suckers develop. The root suckers can be very prolific.

How big do American plum trees get?

The American Plum is a native U.S. plant and occurs in the eastern 2/3 of the country. It could be considered a large shrub or small tree and can reach over 20 ft tall.

Do you need two American plum trees to produce fruit?

Plum trees never self-fruit, and trees require a cross-pollination process to produce fruit, so in order to set fruit, you will need to plant two or more compatible varieties. Four to six years after the tree is planted, it usually begins bearing fruit.

Is American plum self pollinating?

Darrell told me that typically plum trees require a co-pollinator. Plums typically do not set fruit without having received pollen by another of the same species. This pollen transfer, of course, is done by the bees, moths and other pollinators so there must have been other plum trees in the area many years ago.

Where is the best place to plant a plum tree?

Selecting a Planting Site

• Plant plum trees in loamy, well-drained soil.
• Choose a planting location that receives full sun—6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight at the very least.
• Avoid planting in low areas where frost may settle, as the frost can damage your trees.

How far should you plant a plum tree from a house?

For fruit trees grafted on dwarf rootstocks that means 3m or so, and for fruit trees on vigorous rootstocks allow 6m or more.

How long does it take for American plums to bear fruit?

A plum tree will generally begin to bear fruit about four to six years after it has been planted. It is also important for plums to have a chilly winter, be pruned into shape, and grow in the right climate to bear a good crop.

Are plum trees high maintenance?

Requiring less care than other fruit trees, plum trees are an excellent choice for a low-maintenance orchard. They adapt to a wide variety of conditions and are more compact than other fruit trees that require little to no work. Plums are a stone fruit that are both delicious and beautiful.

Do plum trees have invasive roots?

A plum tree does not have a notorious root system, one that heaves up sidewalks, for instance. The vast majority of roots of any tree species are found in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil.

What time of year do you plant plum trees?

The ideal time to plant a plum tree is in the early spring, while the tree is still dormant. Transplant shock frequently happens during the planting process. However, fruit trees experience less shock if you plant them during dormancy.

Which plum tree is best?

Santa Rosa Plum Tree: The most popular Plum tree for commercial use and home growing, the Santa Rosa produces tons of sweet, dark purple fruit. Methley Plum Tree: Considered one of the most productive and attractive Plum Trees, the Methley Plum has beautiful spring blossoms and juicy, deep-red fruit.

Will deer eat American Plum?

Many herbivores, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, porcupines, and cottontails, will browse American plum.

How can I tell if my plum tree is male or female?

Lots of trees are hermaphroditic — that is, their flowers contain both male and female reproductive parts. Other species have male trees and female trees, which you can tell apart by looking at their flowers: The male reproductive parts are the pollen-laden stamen; the female parts their egg-holding pistils.

How many years does it take for a plum tree to flower?

Plum trees usually fruit four to six years after planting and will spend the next 15-20 years fruiting. Allow plums to fully ripen on the tree before harvest.

How long do American plums live?

American Plum trees are typically favored due to their plump red fruit and beautiful white clusters of flowers. These smaller flowering trees have an average lifespan of 10 - 15 years and are adaptable to a range of soil types.

Why do you need 2 plum trees?

Many plum varieties are self-fertile, so a single tree can be planted, but some are not (so are self-infertile) – check with the supplier before buying. Trees that are not self-fertile will need a compatible 'pollination partner' nearby – another plum tree that flowers at a similar time – to ensure a good crop.

Are plum trees difficult to grow?

Growing plum trees is not too difficult as long as you give them what they need. Plums require full sun and well-drained, sandy soil in order to thrive. They prefer a soil with a pH that ranges from 5.5 to 6.5.

Can you grow a plum tree from a grocery store plum?

If this is you, you're good to go. When you are planting fresh plum seeds or pits, first remove the pit and wash in lukewarm water with a soft scrub brush to remove any pulp. The seed needs a chilling off period at temperatures of between 33-41 F (1-5 C) before it will germinate, about 10-12 weeks.

11 American red plum tree Images