Valor Plum Tree: Fruit Ripening Time and Care Methods for the New Plum Variety
The Valor plum tree produces attractive purple-blue fruit, occasionally with a hint of red. The sweet, juicy plums are versatile and can be eaten fresh or used for preserving, canning or drying. If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, you can
The Valor plum tree produces attractive purple-blue fruit, occasionally with a hint of red. The sweet, juicy plums are versatile and can be eaten fresh or used for preserving, canning or drying. If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, you can easily grow your own tree. The good news is that Valor plum care is relatively trouble-free. Continue reading to learn about growing Valor plums.
The Valor plum tree originated in 1968 at the Vineland Research Institute in Ontario, Canada. These trees are prized for their abundant harvests and the excellent flavor of their firm amber flesh. Valor plum trees tend to be resistant to bacterial leaf spot. Valor plums ripen in late September or early October.
How to Care for Valor Plum
Valor plums require at least one other plum tree nearby for pollination. Good candidates include Opal, Stanley, Italian, Bluefire and other European plum varieties.
Valor plum trees need at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day for healthy bud development.
Valor plum trees adapt to almost any well-drained, fertile soil. They should not be planted in heavy clay or extremely thick sandy soil. Add plenty of compost, manure or other organic matter at planting time to improve poor soil.
If your soil is rich in nutrients, no fertilizer is needed until the tree begins to fruit, usually in two to four years. At that point, apply a balanced all-purpose fertilizer after bud break, but never after July 1.
Prune Valor plum trees in early spring or midsummer to maintain the desired size. Remove branches that rub against or cross through other branches. Thin out the center of the tree to improve air circulation. Remove water sprouts throughout the season.
Thin the plums in June or early July to improve fruit flavor and prevent limbs from breaking under the weight of the plums. Leave 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) between each plum.
Water newly planted plum trees weekly during the first growing season. Once established, Valor plum trees need very little supplemental water. During extended dry periods, soak the tree deeply every 7 to 10 days. Slightly dry soil is always better than moist, waterlogged conditions. Watch out for overwatering, which can lead to rot or other moisture-related diseases.
