Content
Plum Blue Sweet is a variety of columnar fruit tree that appeared in the history of breeding not so long ago. The successful direction chosen by summer residents and selectors has borne fruit. In general, the Blue Sweet plum is undemanding and easy to care for, and its fruits win the hearts of many people. However, even here, in order to get a rich harvest, farmers have their own secrets.
History of variety selection
Interestingly, the first columnar plums were born randomly. This is not the result of the selectors' activities. In the middle of the last century, an American breeder saw strange branches on a McIntosh apple tree, but which contained unknown fruits. The crown was thicker, growing upward, and not falling down like the other branches of the apple tree.
The scientist decided to work on these fruits by multiplying them - over the course of 2 years he developed a new variety of a fruit unknown to him. After some time, the columnar apple tree Leader appeared.Since then, they began to create the same pears and plums. They are not considered to be the result of genetic engineering or genetic modified selection. The tree column is considered a natural mutation that has multiplied and multiplied thanks to humans. This is an artificial variety, which is what the Blue Sweet plum is.
It grows in cold and warm countries. Columnar plum Blue Sweet has become particularly widespread in Siberia, since there are few fruit trees that generally grow there all year round. The preferred place for growing a columnar variety is considered to be the northern and western parts of Russia.
Description of the plum variety
The peculiarity of the columnar plum Blue Sweet is that it has almost no side branches. The crown is directed upward, not spreading, does not create a shadow. Therefore, gardeners do not trim it, do not form a crown - it is convenient, since the density and thickness of the crop sometimes depends on this process. In addition to the central twig, there are spears - small shoots up to 15 cm in length. The smallest of them are 2-3 cm in size. They have a sharp ring-shaped shape. Every year rings and buds appear here - the place of the future harvest.
Seedlings of the columnar plum variety Blue Sweet are more expensive than usual, but quickly pay for themselves - in just 2-3 years the yield allows you to plant an entire garden (from a financial point of view). Columnar-type flowering begins immediately after planting. In the first year, the tree grows stronger and grows, and in the second year it bears its first fruits. The maximum age of the columnar plum Blue Sweet is 18-20 years. During this time, one tree produces a maximum yield, and then declines. You can replace it or leave it as decoration in the garden.
The fruits of the columnar plum variety Blue Sweet are distinguished by their size.The weight of one fruit is 80-100 g, which is impressive even for experienced growers. They are purple, smooth, and sometimes you can find blackish shades. Oval plums have no analogues - their pulp is juicy, hidden under a thick skin, the coating is dense, almost indelible. Inside, the columnar plum variety has a soft pink hue, uncharacteristic of other midland plum varieties. Juicy in taste, especially near the skin, sweet and sour, can be stored for a long time at natural room temperature.
Characteristics of the variety
It is especially worth paying attention to the top of the tree. It can freeze slightly, resulting in low yield. To restore fruiting, you need to cut off the blossoms in the first years of the tree’s life. If the Blue Sweet plum blossoms in the first year of its life, you must also remove the flowers so that the tree produces a large harvest.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
Columnar variety Blue Sweet is resistant to frost and drought. However, during periods of frost, you need to carefully monitor the top of the plum. In the summer heat, it is necessary to water the plum tree more often. Then she will be tall - up to 2.2 m in height. It will also be interesting to watch a video about care:
Pollinators of columnar plum Blue Sweet
This plum variety cannot pollinate on its own. Therefore, we need pollen from varieties of non-columnar plums or similar ones - Stanley, Blue Free. And pollinating bees are needed as carriers, so it’s worth taking care of the apiary if insects are not found nearby.
Productivity and fruiting
The Blue Sweet plum variety blooms in the first year, but it is better to wait until the second year for a better harvest. The first fruits can be seen in August. One young plum initially produces 15-16 kg of harvest, which is not much at all. An adult pyramidal tree of a columnar variety produces three times more yield. It takes up little space, so it is convenient to plant several plums next to each other.
Area of application of berries
Growing the Blue Sweet columnar plum is possible at home for personal consumption, as well as in industry - for processing and subsequent preservation for export.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The columnar plum variety Blue Sweet practically does not get sick. Rodents and fungal infections are not scary for him. This is a big advantage, because it does not require maintenance.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
This variety of columnar plum always bears a lot of fruit, the harvest is rich and good. The quality properties do not change during the entire fruiting period.
From the first year it can bear fruit, blooms quickly, and takes root well in new places. During transportation, it does not change its presentation and does not deteriorate as quickly as other varieties of columnar fruits.
Landing Features
The first year seedling should be planted in the spring, when the ground is not frozen, but not warmed up to maximum temperatures. Subsequent planting and care of the Blue Sweet plum is simple - follow the rules of agricultural technology and monitor its condition.
Recommended timing
The best time to plant the columnar plum variety Blue Sweet is spring. After the snow melts, you need to wait until the ground thaws. Trees only need to be planted within 1-2 weeks, there is no need to delay it.
If, after all, the planting took place in the fall, the plum tree must be tilted so that the snow completely covers its crown and trunk.
Choosing a suitable location
In order for a plum to take root in a new place, it must be prepared in a clay solution. The soil in the garden must be fertile - this is a prerequisite, since organic matter and mineral fertilizers are dangerous for young seedlings. If other trees need it, then the columnar plum variety Blue Sweet depends entirely on the soil and its quality.
Plum root system weak, since the variety was bred by man, and not as a result of crossing species. Small plums are planted 5 m apart.
Seedlings need to be fed 3 times a year, preferably with urea. Watering is arranged as follows:
- 10 liters for a large plum (large).
- 30 liters per small plum.
- Mature plums, not seedlings, are watered twice a year.
After the buds open, the Blue Sweet plum variety is fed for the first time, then after 2-3 weeks. The last feeding is carried out 3 weeks after the second.
What crops can and cannot be planted nearby?
Pollinators are planted nearby, as well as Imperial. This is a variation of the Blue Sweet plum variety that just looks good. It helps to grow, although it is not a pollinator. The root system between trees can mingle, producing juicier, sweeter fruit.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Before planting a columnar plum, you need to select a seedling. It must be one year old in order to better take root in the new land. Between rows you need to set a limit of one and a half or two meters. The hole should be double in size relative to the roots.
Landing algorithm
For a columnar seedling, you need to dig a hole measuring 40 x 50 or so. It all depends on the size of the root system.
Columnar plum Blue Sweet variety loves fertilizer, but you shouldn’t be too zealous. From mineral fertilizers you can take 100 g of supersulfate. Potassium for soil is sufficient in the amount of 80-90 g.
Humus will also be needed - only 3 kg for each columnar plum. On the day of preparing columnar plums, you need to “fill” the hole. After installation, they are watered in three passes so that there is enough moisture for a week. The soil is not covered with humus on top and the ditch is left empty.
Aftercare for plums
Further, this variety of columnar plum does not require care. Only in summer and autumn does it need feeding. This way the plants will receive the necessary nutrients.
The columnar plum should receive maximum heat in the first two years of its life, so before winter you need to take good care of this point. The trunk is wrapped in fresh snow, and also wrapped in straw, hay or other warm materials. This will help protect the plum from pests, which are especially active in winter.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
This columnar plum is resistant to diseases and pests if cared for properly. But it is better to treat it with drugs against fungal infections during the winter so that the harvest is of high quality and edible. And by spraying in the spring you can increase the yield.
Conclusion
Blue Sweet plum is considered a difficult crop, but does not require significant care. In the first years of its life, it loves warmth, after which it can grow even in Siberian frosts. In summer it is necessary to water to maintain fruiting properties.
I bought it today and planted it on May 17th. Height 120-150cm. The variety is not self-fertile. Which variety should I plant next?