Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques and Management Methods for Growing Red Crisp Plums
Red Crisp plum generally refers to Banzihong (Half Red); the sun-facing side of the fruit is purplish red, the back is green, the flesh is pale yellow, the skin is thin, waxy and aromatic, with a refreshing taste. So, what are the cultivation techniques for Red Crisp plum?
1. Planting techniques
The soil should be chosen from sandy soil that does not easily accumulate water and has a slightly deeper soil layer. Try to choose places with relatively high terrain, effective exposure to the sun, and relatively good soil fertility.
2. Planting time
The best planting time is from October each year to January of the following year. First break up the topsoil, then mix in thoroughly decomposed base fertilizer. Put the soil back, cover the base fertilizer with a thin layer of soil, then place the seedling in the center and hold it upright, backfill 3/4 of the soil, and then gently lift the seedling upward.
3. Pruning techniques
When the trunk grows to 50 to 60 cm, the trunk can be headed; remove the buds on the trunk below 30 cm. When new shoots sprout to about 2 cm, select 4 to 5 relatively vigorous new shoots with relatively wide angles as the main branches, to facilitate their vigorous cultivation.
4. Fertilizer and water management
Before planting, be sure to deeply plow and improve the soil to ensure sufficient base fertilizer, and expand the planting holes the following year; this is also beneficial to the growth of new roots. Appropriate intercropping is also possible, but avoid planting tall-stalked crops. A method combining growing grass with clean cultivation can be used to let it grow naturally and prevent water loss. During the key periods when it needs water and fertilizer, remove the surrounding weeds, which can resolve their competition.
Red Crisp plum has strong adaptability to climate, has relatively high requirements for air and soil moisture, and is extremely intolerant of water accumulation. Poor drainage in the orchard often causes root rot, poor growth, or susceptibility to various diseases. Therefore, choosing the soil is very important when planting.