Content
The Bluebird plum was the result of the work of domestic breeders. The variety has become widespread in the south and central Russia. It is distinguished by high yield, good presentation and taste of fruits, and winter hardiness.
History of variety selection
The Blue Bird plum was obtained from VNIISPK, the oldest horticultural organization in Russia. The Institute is engaged in research of berry and fruit crops, as well as the development of new varieties adapted to the middle zone.
The variety was the result of cross-pollination of Kabardinskaya early and Hungarian Caucasian plums. The work was carried out at an experimental selection station in Crimea.
The authors of the variety are S. N. Zabrodina and G. V. Eremin. After variety testing in 1997, the plum was included in the state register for the North Caucasus region.
Description of the plum variety Blue Bird
The Bluebird plum is a medium-sized tree. The crown is spreading, of moderate density. The branches are brown-brown in color, weakly geniculate.The foliage is rich green in color, the leaf blade is large, wrinkled, with a matte surface.
Description of fruits:
- wide oval shape;
- weight about 30 g;
- same sizes;
- Blue colour;
- pronounced waxy coating;
- the pulp is dryish, green-yellow in color;
- The bone is easily separated from the pulp.
The pulp of the fruit has a sweet and sour taste. Tasting properties are rated at 4.6 points. The fruits contain dry matter (15.6%), sugar (10.8%), acids (0.7%) and vitamin C (5%).
The variety exhibits its properties best when planted in the North Caucasus and the Lower Volga region. However, it is successfully grown in other areas of the middle zone.
Characteristics of the variety
When choosing a variety for planting, the plum's resistance to drought and frost, fruiting and the need for pollinators are taken into account.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
The Bluebird variety has average resistance to drought. To obtain a high yield, the tree is watered according to the standard scheme.
The winter hardiness of plums is high. With additional cover from the drain, the Bird can withstand even harsh winters.
Plum pollinators
The Blue Bird variety is partially self-fertile. The formation of ovaries occurs even in the absence of a pollinator. To increase productivity, it is recommended to plant nearby varieties of plums that bloom at the same time: Smolinka, Yakhontovaya, Orlovskaya Mechta.
Plum blossoms begin at the end of April. The fruits ripen from the second ten days of August.
Productivity and fruiting
Plum ripening occurs 5–6 years after planting. The variety produces a stable annual harvest. About 35 kg of plums are harvested from one tree. Due to the dense pulp, the fruits are stored for a long time and are highly transportable.
Area of application of berries
Variety of universal use.The fruits are used fresh and for making sauces, compotes, jams, marshmallows, and dried fruits.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The plum is resistant to moniliosis, polystigmosis, and clasterosporiasis. Preventive treatments help reduce the risk of developing diseases and pests.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Advantages of the Blue Bird variety:
- excellent taste;
- widespread use of fruits;
- disease resistance;
- high winter hardiness.
The main disadvantage of plums is their spreading crown. This tree grows quickly and requires regular pruning.
Landing Features
The further growth of the plum and its yield depend on the implementation of planting rules. It is necessary to choose the right place to grow the crop and prepare the soil.
Recommended timing
The timing of planting the Blue Bird variety depends on the climate of the region. In the south, work is carried out in the fall, after leaf fall. The seedling manages to take root before the weather gets colder.
In cool climates, planting is done in early spring, when the soil warms up. The work must be completed before the leaves appear on the trees.
Choosing a suitable location
Plum prefers well-lit areas located on the south or west side. The crop reacts poorly to stagnant moisture in the soil, so it is not planted in lowlands. Groundwater should be located at a depth of 1.5 m or more.
Plum grows in all soils, except acidic ones. If the soil is acidified, add dolomite flour or wood ash (600 g per 1 sq. m) before planting.
What crops can and cannot be planted nearby?
Plums are removed at a distance of 5 m or more from the following crops:
- hazel;
- birch, poplar;
- fir;
- pear, cherry.
Plum loves the proximity of apple and elder trees. It is best to plant different varieties of plum or cherry plum nearby.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Bluebird plum seedlings are purchased from nurseries or other centers. High-quality planting material has no damage, traces of pests or other defects.
Before starting work, the plum root system is assessed. If the roots are dry, then keep them in clean water for 3 hours.
Landing algorithm
The planting hole for the plum is prepared 2 or 3 weeks in advance. During this time, the soil will shrink. If planting is planned for spring, then it is better to dig a hole in the fall.
The procedure for planting the Blue Bird plum:
- In the selected area, dig a hole with a diameter of 70 cm to a depth of 60 cm.
- Fertile soil, compost and peat are mixed in equal proportions.
- Part of the prepared earth is placed in a hole.
- After shrinking, the remaining soil is poured in and a seedling is placed on top.
- The roots of the plant are straightened and covered with soil.
- The plum is moistened abundantly. The tree trunk circle is fertilized with peat.
Aftercare for plums
The fruiting of the Bluebird plum largely depends on further care.
- During drought, the tree is watered with settled water. Watering is important during flowering and fruit ripening. On average, the soil under the plum tree is moistened 3–5 times a season. Up to 6 liters of water are poured under a young tree, and up to 10 liters under an adult plum.
- During the season, plums are fed 3 times: before flowering, when the first fruits ripen and after harvesting. To feed plums, 30 g of urea, potassium salt and superphosphate are required. The components are dissolved in water, after which the tree is watered at the root. For the second and third feeding of plums, a similar fertilizer is prepared, but urea is excluded.
Advice! It is convenient to combine watering of the Blue Bird variety with fertilizing. - By pruning, you can shape the crown of the tree. Plum trees are pruned in the spring, before sap flows, or in the fall, after leaf fall. Remove dried, broken and frozen shoots. The plum crown is formed in several tiers, the skeletal branches are shortened to 60 cm.
- The Blue Bird variety has good frost resistance. Only young plums need shelter. They are covered with agrofibre or burlap, and spruce branches are placed on top. For additional protection in winter, add a snowdrift.
- In order for an adult tree to better withstand the winter, its trunk is hilled up and a layer of humus 10 cm thick is poured into the circle around the trunk.
- To protect against rodents, roofing felt or mesh is attached to the plum trunk.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The table shows possible plum diseases and ways to combat them.
Disease | Symptoms | Struggle | Prevention |
Gum treatment | Wounds appear on the bark from which resin flows. Affected shoots dry out and die. | Cleaning and disinfecting damaged drains with copper oxychloride. | 1. Avoid mechanical damage to the trunk and shoots. 2. Cleaning the plum trunk of dead bark, mold and lichen. 3. Elimination of fallen leaves. 4. Regular plum care. |
Rust | Convex red spots appear on the leaves, which increase over time. | Removing affected foliage. Spraying plums with Bordeaux mixture. |
The main crop pests and control measures are listed in the table.
Pests | Signs | Struggle | Prevention |
codling moth | The caterpillars eat up the fruits, leaving tunnels behind them. | Elimination of affected fruits. Processing plums with Karbofos. | 1. Loosening in the tree trunk circle. 2. Loosening the soil under the plum tree. 3. Cleaning up fallen fruits and leaves. 4.Preventive treatment of trees with Nitrofen. |
Plum aphid | Aphid colonies live on the undersides of leaves. As a result, the leaves curl and dry out. | Treatment of plums with “Benzophosphate”. |
Conclusion
Bluebird plum is a worthy variety for growing in Russia. It is valued for its winter hardiness, self-fertility and stable fruiting. The fruits have universal uses and a sweet taste. Plum is suitable for growing in garden plots and on an industrial scale.
