A detailed guide to crisp red plum cultivation techniques, mastering everything from planting to management

When cultivating crisp red plums, planting density must be considered; a spacing structure of 3 m×2 m, 5 m×3 m, or 4 m×3 m can be used. The self-pollination fruit-setting rate is relatively high, so different cultivars can be configured, or a single cultivar can also be grown alone. Training is mainly based on flower-bouquet fruit branches for fruiting, and the fruit bloom should be retained as much as possible during harvest.

Crisp Red Plum Cultivation Techniques

1. Planting Techniques

For the soil, choose sandy soil that is not prone to waterlogging and has a slightly deeper soil layer. Choose a site with relatively high terrain, effective exposure to the sun, and relatively good soil fertility as much as possible.

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 it with 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 tree below a trunk height of 30 cm. When new shoots have sprouted to about 2 cm, select 4 to 5 relatively wide-angled, relatively vigorous new shoots as the main branches to facilitate their vigorous development.

4. Fertilizer and Water Management

Before planting, be sure to deep-plow and improve the soil to ensure sufficient base fertilizer, and expand the planting holes the following year. This also helps 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. This can resolve the conflict of competition, also conserve water and fertilizer, and provide them with appropriate nutrients.