How to Feed Plum Trees
If a plum tree goes without proper feeding, it can lead to stunted growth and limited productivity. Feed your plum tree with fertilizer to increase its nutrient content, recommends the Ohio State University Extension. Fertilize regularly when caring for plum trees, unless the trees are able to absorb nutrients from fertilizer you use on your lawn.
Fertilize your plum tree in early spring before buds begin to break out and when hard frosts are no longer expected.
Use your rake to pull back any mulch around the bottom of the tree.
Spread the 10-10-10 fertilizer evenly, beginning 2 feet out from the trunk and spreading away from the tree, until you are slightly out from under the tree's branches. Use 1 cup of fertilizer for each year the tree has been planted. If you planted the tree two years ago, use 2 cups of fertilizer. The maximum amount of fertilizer is 1 pound on trees older than 10 years.
- If a plum tree goes without proper feeding, it can lead to stunted growth and limited productivity.
- Spread the 10-10-10 fertilizer evenly, beginning 2 feet out from the trunk and spreading away from the tree, until you are slightly out from under the tree's branches.
Replace the mulch around the bottom of the tree.
Miniature Plum Trees
The two primary plum species are European plums (Prunus domestica) and Japanese plums (Prunus salicina) Both varieties can be grafted onto dwarf rootstock. Japanese plums are self-sterile, meaning that they require cross pollination to produce fruit. Plums generally require winters that stay above -20 degrees Fahrenheit, or United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 and above. The local climate will affect what time plums ripen. Since dwarf plums have smaller roots than regular plum varieties, they need fertile soils with plenty of moisture and nutrients in a relatively small area. Young plum trees will need some summer fertilization and irrigation.
- Replace the mulch around the bottom of the tree.
- Young plum trees will need some summer fertilization and irrigation.
Tip
The best mulches for plum trees are sawdust, straw or wood chips.
Warning
Do not fertilize your plum trees in summer.
References
- Ohio State University Extension: Plums: A Guide To Selection And Use
- Iowa State University Extension: Horticulture and Home Pest News / Fertililzing Tree and Small Fruits
- University of California Davis: Plum and Prune (Japanese: Prunus Salicina; European: Prunus Domestica)
- University of California Davis: Growing Temperate Tree Fruit and Nut Crops in the Home Garden and Landscape
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Plums: Calendar of Operations for Home Gardeners
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Fruit Trees for Yolo County
- Cornell University Cooperative Extension: Growing and Caring for Dwarf Fruit Trees
- Texas Tech University: Purple Leaf Plum
Resources
Tips
- The best mulches for plum trees are sawdust, straw or wood chips.
Warnings
- Do not fertilize your plum trees in summer.
Writer Bio
A certified nutritionist who majored in health, fitness and nutrition, Traci Vandermark has been writing articles in her specialty fields since 1998. Her articles have appeared both online and in print for publications such as Simple Abundance, "Catskill Country Magazine," "Birds and Blooms," "Cappers" and "Country Discoveries."
