Plum

Plums and mirabelles (Prunus domestica and Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca) are an extremely diverse family of fruit trees. They are popular for their fruits and their different variations in flavour, size or colour. They offer a wide variety of uses and also form an important part of traditional gastronomy. Plums have dark blue to purple fruits and mirabelles are smaller round fruits, usually yellow or orange in colour. Both species are rich in vitamins A, C, E, potassium, magnesium and fibre, which aids digestion. The fruits ripen in late summer and are ideal for direct consumption, pickling or drying. They are known for their high pectin content, which makes it possible to prepare characteristic jams and jellies. Plums are also a popular crop for making fruit spirits. Some trees can be partially self-pollinating, but it is recommended to have an additional pollinator for production. 

The trees require a sunny position with normal garden soil, ideally a loamy-sandy permeable soil that is rich in nutrients. Both plums and mirabelles prefer a neutral alkaline soil pH of 6,0 to 7,0. The trees are moderately drought tolerant but need regular irrigation during the growing season, especially during fruit set and dry weeks. Pruning should be carried out in spring to ensure an airy crown and to encourage the growth of new shoots. Fertilisation is recommended in spring, using fertilisers rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Pruning should be done after harvest. 

Depending on the variety, the most common health problems of plum and mirabelle trees can be scab or moniliosis, which can be dealt with by preventive protection or by selecting resistant varieties. Examples of varieties resistant to frost or common diseases are Bluefree, Najdena, Amers, Vanier, Imperial. or the late variety President. The disease-resistant variety PRUNTOP® also impresses with its resistance to diseases.