Regular pruning of the noble plant is extremely important for a rich harvest. But pruning is not the same as pruning here. There are a few things to consider.
Pruning measures are of primary importance for the noble plum (Prunus domestica subsp. italica), after all the tree should appear attractive and develop a crown that is as stable as possible. In order for this to be possible, the tree pruning should not be neglected from the start. Annual pruning contributes to plant he alth and growth. Different types of cuts are used, which will now be presented in detail.
Plums can be purchased in different growth forms:
- Espalier - up to half a meter high
- Bush tree - about 60 cm tall, has several leading shoots
- Down trunk - up to one meter high
- Half trunk - about 1.5 meters high
- Standard - over 1.6 meters high
These differences in height are not decisive for the cut, which follows the same pattern for all stem forms.
A closer look at the structure of the noble plum
The structure, which is unique to each plant and should be emphasized or worked out through targeted pruning measures, is basically the same.
The noble plums are grown on different grafts. The result is the growth forms already described and the different lengths of the trunks. The root of the grafting pad is followed by the grafting point. This can be located at different heights on the trunk.
Each tribe has several main branches. The extension of the trunk should grow straight up in the middle. Each trunk should have about four to five leading branches. The fruit branches branch off from the extensions of the leading branches. The hobby gardener should keep this basic shape in mind during the cut.
When should the noble plum be cut?
After the first year you can start with the training cut. Regular pruning is better for the noble plum than a radical pruning.
What to consider before cutting?
The plant should preferably be pruned in the spring, before it sprout.In any case, it should be a frost-free day. The tool used should be particularly sharp so that smooth cuts are achieved and the edges of the plums are not vulnerable to pests and fungi. It is also important to ensure that the cutting tools are sterile. This can be ensured by disinfecting the tool with alcohol before cutting. Care must be taken during the cut. The branches and shoots must not be bruised. A wound sealant should be applied after the cut.
The first step - pruning
Pruning of the noble plum begins with the pruning of the plant. Pruning is done in the spring after planting. It is not relevant when the noble plum was originally planted. When pruning the plants, the primary aim is to carve out the main shoot and the main branches already mentioned. For this it is necessary to remove several side shoots. The later tree shape is particularly endangered by shoots that grow vertically upwards and thus congruent with the main shoot. Suitable leading branches are located at different heights around the trunk and have an angle of about 45 degrees to the main shoot.
» Tip: The removal of side shoots that grow steeply upwards is particularly important for crown development.
Another task during plant pruning is to shorten the leading shoots. These are reduced by about a third. One eye should be left on the branch.
Use regularly - the educational cut
The training cut is due annually and should be done on a frost-free day between November and February. The stated goal is to achieve the desired crown formation. The crown is thinned out. Six to eight side branches should form per main branch. The remaining shoots are removed to a length of ten centimeters. All weak and inwardly growing shoots are also removed.
» Tip: It takes between five and ten years until the crown formation is complete and the training cut can be omitted and replaced by the maintenance cut.
Beauty treatment for the noble plum - the annual maintenance cut
Maintenance pruning is done after harvest. Here, too, the crown is the first to be considered. All shoots that grow vertically upwards and are directed inward are removed. The maintenance cut also serves as a general control of the plant. All branches and shoots showing the growth habitimpeding and impeding the airy crown shape are removed. Likewise, diseased or dead wood is cut out.
Why pruning the noble plum is a priority?
The tree can be kept he althy by the measures just described. The tree grows all the stronger if it develops young wood after cutting. If the tree pruning is neglected or not done at all, the fruit shoots will age. The rich plum harvest lasts only a few years, because the plant is becoming more and more weak and no longer has enough strength to develop the fruit?