PLUM VICTORIA

Key Features of Plum Victoria

• Height: 3 – 5 meters (10 – 16 feet)
• Spread: 3 – 4 meters (10 – 13 feet)
• Fruit Color: Yellowish-red
• Fruit Taste: Sweet and juicy
• Bloom Time: March to April
• Harvest Time: Late summer to early autumn
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 – 8

Ideal Growing Conditions for Plum Victoria

1. Sunlight Requirements

Plum Victoria thrives in full sun, needing 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A sunny location promotes healthy growth and maximizes fruit production. While the tree can tolerate some light shade, it will produce the best fruit in sunny areas.

2. Soil and Planting

• Soil Type: A well-drained, loamy soil is ideal for Plum Victoria. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy root development and fruit production.
• Soil pH: Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Conduct a soil test to ensure your soil meets these conditions, and amend as needed with lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
• Planting Depth: When planting, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree so that the graft union (the swollen area where the variety is grafted onto rootstock) is level with the soil surface.

Maintenance Tips for Plum Victoria

Watering

• Watering Frequency: Water deeply during dry spells, especially during the first few years as the tree establishes its roots. Aim to water once a week, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, extending it out to the drip line. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilizing

• Spring Fertilization: Begin fertilizing Plum Victoria in early spring, just as new growth begins. Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for fruit trees or a slow-release organic option.
• Feeding Schedule: Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit development.

Pruning and Training

• Annual Pruning: Prune Plum Victoria in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Focus on removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to enhance airflow and sunlight penetration.
• Shaping the Tree: Aim for an open center structure to allow light to reach all parts of the tree, promoting fruit development and reducing disease risk.

Thinning Fruit

• Fruit Thinning: When the fruits are about the size of a marble, thin them out by removing excess fruit. Leave about 6 to 8 inches between remaining fruits to ensure they grow larger and develop better flavor.

Pests and Diseases

Common Pests

• Aphids and Plum Curculio: These pests can affect the tree, particularly during the growing season. Control them using insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays as needed.
• Spider Mites: In hot, dry weather, spider mites may become a problem. Maintain adequate moisture and humidity around the tree to deter these pests.

Disease Prevention

• Brown Rot and Powdery Mildew: Plum Victoria can be susceptible to diseases like brown rot and powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation by spacing trees properly and avoid overhead watering to minimize humidity around the foliage.
• Hygiene Practices: Regularly clean up fallen leaves and debris around the tree to reduce the risk of disease and pest infestation.

Harvesting Your Plums

Harvesting Techniques

• Timing: Plums are typically ready for harvest from late summer to early autumn, depending on your climate. Look for a slight give when you gently squeeze the fruit, indicating ripeness.
• Picking Method: Use clean, sharp shears to cut the fruit from the tree, taking care not to damage the branches. Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising.

Storage

• Storage Conditions: Store harvested plums in a cool, dry place. They can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life. Enjoy your plums fresh or use them in various recipes, from jams to desserts.

Conclusion

Caring for Plum Victoria is a rewarding endeavor, offering delicious fruits and beautiful blooms. By following the guidelines in this care guide, you can ensure that your tree remains healthy and productive throughout its life. With proper care, your Plum Victoria will provide you with a bountiful harvest, enriching your garden and delighting your taste buds for years to come.

Quick Care Summary for Plum Victoria

• Height: 3 – 5 meters (10 – 16 feet)
• Spread: 3 – 4 meters (10 – 13 feet)
• Sunlight: Full sun (6 to 8 hours)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0
• Watering: Deep watering once a week, adjusting for rainfall
• Fertilizing: Balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season
• Pruning: Prune annually in late winter or early spring
• Fruit Thinning: Thin fruits to 6 to 8 inches apart for better size and flavor

Embrace the beauty and bounty of Plum Victoria in your garden, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your labor!

• Size
  10 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.