How Long After Planting Do Plum Seedlings Bear Fruit? A Detailed Explanation of Fruiting Times

Plum seedlings bear fruit 3 years after planting, with the full fruiting period lasting from 6-25 years, and gradual decline after 30 years. At present, plum trees are cultivated in most parts of China, mainly distributed in the southern regions of China, while wild species are found in the western regions.

Planting and management of plum seedlings:

1. Planting method

The planting hole is generally about 1 m in diameter and 0.8-1 m deep. When digging the planting hole, the topsoil and subsoil must be piled separately on either side of the hole for later use. When planting, place the plum seedling vertically in the center of the hole, spread all the roots out completely, then fill in soil while lifting the trunk up and down so that there are no gaps between the roots and the soil and they are tightly combined. When backfilling, first add 20 cm of topsoil, then mix the subsoil with fertilizer and fill it into the hole to 40-60 cm, tamping it down while filling; the topmost 40 cm should be entirely backfilled with topsoil. After backfilling is complete, the soil surface around the planting hole should be about 20 cm higher, and the seedling should be watered thoroughly immediately after planting.

2. Fertilization management

Apply in July-August after fruit harvest, accounting for 60% of the annual fertilization amount. Use mainly green manure, farmyard manure, and decomposed human and livestock manure. The purpose is to restore tree vigor, promote flower bud differentiation, and prevent early defoliation; apply when buds sprout in spring, accounting for 10% of the annual fertilization amount. Use mainly quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer; apply during the pit-hardening stage when the fruit forms its stone, accounting for 30% of the annual fertilization amount. Use mainly decomposed compost.

3. Pruning

Plum trees have relatively strong vigor and a relatively large tree form. Under natural growth conditions, the number of main branches is relatively large, so the natural open-center form is generally adopted for training. The tree height is 2-3 m, with 3-4 main branches.

4. Pest and disease control

Common pests and diseases of plum trees include fruit borers, red spot disease, aphids, and bacterial shot hole disease, all of which harm plum growth and affect fruit yield and quality. Therefore, growers are required to take preventive measures in advance and promptly treat affected plants.

At present, there are many plum seedling varieties on the market, and prices vary. When purchasing, growers must shop around and buy from merchants with complete qualifications.