Plum as a cultivated plant is already known verylong. It is successfully used in cooking, in homemade preparations and desserts. Thanks to the selection today there are many varieties of plums, which delight gardeners with their fruits. In total, there are 1,500 species, of which 300 are cultural. The Chinese plum occupies a special place in this list. These trees are usually about 3-6 meters high. Their fruits have a bright yellow or red color and a slightly astringent, sour taste.
The benefits of plums
The fruits of this plant are very high in calories and inferioron this parameter only cherries and grapes. The amount of nutrients may vary depending on the variety. But in any plum there are sugars, various groups of vitamins, carotene, organic acids, pectins, fiber, tannins, coloring and mineral substances. Drinking plum helps to improve protein metabolism and strengthen the nervous system. This fruit lowers blood pressure and strengthens blood vessels. All the beneficial properties of plums are preserved even after processing.
Chinese plum
Chinese plum is a Ivoobraznoe plant,whose homeland is China. For over a hundred years it has been successfully cultivated in Japan, the USA, South America and Australia. Many varieties have taken root in our continent. Because of the harsh weather conditions in Russia, Chinese plum appeared relatively recently. It took time to develop varieties that would be adapted to our climatic conditions. But even now this culture is rarely found in garden plots. Although it should be noted that the fruits of such a tree are very tasty and juicy. Distinctive features of "our" varieties are high frost resistance (despite the fact that it was originally a southern tree), good and early fruiting.
Chinese plum features
Many varieties are especially popular in the FarEast and Siberia. They can withstand severe frosts up to 50 degrees. Approximately one in eight varieties was bred on the basis of Chinese plums. For the garden is just the perfect plant. This is a low tree with a very sprawling crown, which has the shape of a ball. The leaves and branches of plums are smooth. A distinctive feature of this species is abundant flowering. Chinese plum - skoroplodnaya. It produces flower stalks earlier than leaves. Each bud can have up to three flowers. There is nothing more beautiful than flowering Chinese plum. So that the pollination process in such an early period, when the bees have not yet intensified, is successful, it is necessary to plant a plum next to it. As a result, the tree gives a lot of fruit. Harvest may already be in the second year after planting. Plum skoroplodnaya and tasty. Its fruits are spherical, yellow or red.
Where to plant
Like most plants, Chinese plum lovessun and fertile soil. It should be planted in well-lit areas. Usually seedlings are planted in the fall. When planting, you can make a little fertilizer, especially if the soil is poor. In the future, it is necessary to loosen the soil in the area of the root system. This should be done carefully. Also requires moderate watering and weed removal. Fertilizer is recommended as needed. It all depends on the quality of the soil. But the main condition for the successful growth and development of the tree is good planting material. Chinese plum saplings must be chosen with the utmost care. The roots of the plant should not be damaged or have signs of illness.
East souvenir
This variety is obtained from the crossing of two hybrids:Dawn and the Giant. Chinese plum variety East Souvenir has a height of about 2-2.5 meters. Crown tree spreading. The leaves and shoots are smooth. The growth rate of this plum is average. The fruit of the tree is very large and can reach a weight of 40 grams. They have a rounded shape, and upon reaching maturity they acquire a maroon color. The flesh of the fruit is very fragrant, with a slight sourness. It is dense and juicy at the same time, it has a yellow-orange color. To taste and appearance, this plum variety can be compared with peach. Bone fruit is small and well behind the pulp. Plum contains about 13 percent of sugars and about percent of organic acids. Mostly fruits are used for fresh consumption. For the preparation of compotes and jam, this variety is of little use. Ripening occurs in mid-August. The tree has a high winter hardiness. If all the conditions for good growth are met, then the plum will delight with abundant flowering and great harvest.
Santa Rosa
The article presents Chinese plums, reviews aboutwhich only the most positive. But when buying seedlings should take into account the climatic features of the region and choose more suitable varieties. Santa Rosa is a dessert Chinese plum, despite the fact that it was bred in the United States and is one of the most popular trees among gardeners. This variety was created to produce high-quality, good harvest. The tree is distinguished by high growth rates. It can reach about 6 meters in height. His crown grows up to 3-4 meters in diameter. On the 3-4th year after planting, the plum begins to yield.
Red ball
Plum Chinese Red Ball is one of the mostpopular varieties. Srednerosloy tree can reach a height of 2.5 meters. His crown is round and slightly hanging. The Red Ball has large red round-shaped fruits with a light bluish bloom. Their weight can reach 35-40 grams. Plum pulp is juicy, fragrant and has excellent taste. The bone is small and easily separated from the pulp. This variety has a good transportability. Plum has early ripening. Also a distinctive feature of the variety is good winter hardiness and a high percentage of conservation of fruit buds. Harvest tree begins to give in the 2-3rd year after planting. The red ball is not very susceptible to phytosteriasis. It is distinguished by high yield.
Terry Chinese plum
In another way, this variety is called the Three-Bladed.almond Its height reaches 3 meters. The tree has shiny dark shoots with oval leaves, at the top of which are plates with three lobes. Flowering Terry plum occurs in May. The flowers are like roses and have a terry surface. For the formation of a beautiful crown can be carried out regular pruning. For planting, choose a protected, well-lit area. The soil should be fresh, nutritious and not too dense. In winter, the crown can be tied to avoid damage. At the roots, the ground can be covered with peat, woody leaf or any other similar material.
Chinese chokeberry plum
This variety has a high winter hardiness.With good care, it gives good yields. The name itself speaks of the rapid and early ripening of fruits. The tree is resistant to various diseases. Plum has medium size fruits. Their shape is round and the color is bright red. This variety is well adapted to our climatic conditions and is popular with gardeners. Choose the best representatives, buy healthy Chinese plum saplings, and you will get a decent harvest from year to year.
