We explain how to plant, care for and prune a plum tree and why varieties like Nancy are so popular.
Enjoy self-harvested mirabelle plums (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca) from your own garden? If you want to fulfill this wish, the project starts with the right planting of a Mirabelle plum tree.
But which varieties are suitable and what is there to consider? Let's explain that in a little more detail here. Because only a properly planted Mirabelle tree will also bear lots of delicious fruit.
Choose the right variety
Almost all common plum varieties are self-fertile plants (self-pollination) that do not need a second tree as a pollinator. The best known and most popular Mirabelle is Nancy, which is characterized by rather small fruits, a high yield and good resistance to the common stone fruit disease Sharka. If you value delicious fruit, the Miragrande variety is a good choice. If you would like to harvest large plums as early as possible and for a long time in summer, the variety Bellamira is ideal.
Mirabelle tree Nancy
| Nancy Mirabelle Tree (Prunus Mirabelle von Nancy) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 30 - 50 cm a year |
| Growth: | 300 - 500 cm |
| Growth: | 200 - 400 cm |
| Root system: | Herzwurzler |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | moist, nutritious, permeable |
| Harvest time: | Mid to late August |
Mirabelle Miragrande
| Migrande plum tree (Prunus syriaca Miragrande) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 30 - 40 cm a year |
| Growth: | 400 - 600 cm |
| Growth: | 300 - 400 cm |
| Root system: | Herzwurzler |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | normal, humorous, permeable |
| Harvest time: | August to September |
Mirabella treeBellamira
| Mirabelle Bellamira (Prunus domestica Bellamira) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 30 - 50 cm a year |
| Growth: | 300 - 500 cm |
| Growth: | 200 - 400 cm |
| Root system: | Herzwurzler |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | humic, loamy to dry, sandy |
| Harvest time: | mid-August to mid-September |
This is what the location should look like
A sunny location is best for mirabelle plums. Light penumbra is acceptable, but the loveliest, sweetest fruit comes from trees that have received a lot of sun. Mirabelles also prefer sheltered locations. The proximity of a house wall, wall or high hedge is therefore an advantage.
Consider,
that Mirabelle plums develop spreading crowns and often reach a growth width of four metres. Therefore reserve an area of 18 to 20 square meters with the mirabelle plum in the centre, so that the tree can spread unhindered in all directions.
Plant plum trees - this is how it works
❶ You can plant your plum tree in spring or autumn. To do this, dig a hole two to two and a half times the depth and width of the root ball. Then enrich the excavated soil with compost. If the ground is heavily compacted, you can also mix in some sand to improve water permeability.
❷ Now return enough of the improved soil to the planting hole so that the grafting point of the tree sits about four inches above the surrounding soil level. Now heap the remaining soil around and on top of the root ball. Make sure the tree isn't crooked at the end.
❸ In order to achieve upright, straight growth, we recommend attaching the mirabelle plum to a post that you use at a distance of about 50 centimeters from the trunk. Fix the tree as high as possible with a sturdy cord. There should be no strong tension pulling towards the post.
❹ Next, water your plum tree generously and the planting is complete.
Planting Mirabelle - video tutorial
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Purple plum care
- To protect your plum tree from drying out, apply a layer of mulch.
- You should prune the plum tree in spring to ensure that your Prunus bears plenty of fruit.
- Keep a close eye on the tree to prevent disease and pests.