Methley Plum Tree Grafted 10L

Name: Methley Plum Tree Grafted 10L
SKU: PLU002-MTH
Price: 240.00 ZAR
Availability: OutOfStock

R240.00

Prunus domestica ‘Methley’

Hot climates are not suitable for growing plum trees, however, they do require cold winter locations

A cultivar of the Japanese plum, the Methley plum tree is a small, upright, spreading tree. Japanese plum trees have a rougher bark and more persistent spurs than European plums. They also are more vigorous and disease-resistant, and they produce more flowers.

The Methley plum tree is self-fertile and serves as a good pollinator for early-bearing Japanese varieties. Japanese and European plums cannot cross-pollinate each other. They grow about 40 to 50 centimetres a year.

This tree produces medium to large, round to conical clingstone fruit with a beautiful purple-red skin. The juicy red flesh has a sweet, mild flavour that is perfect for enjoying fresh or cooked into a jelly.

They tolerate heat and need only a short period of winter dormancy. The early bloom time makes them susceptible to late spring frosts. The foliage is bright green, and the white flowers are in umbel-like clusters of 2 or 3 on short spurs.

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Out of stock

SKU: PLU002-MTH Categories: Fruit Trees, Plum Trees

Description
Additional information

Position

This tree tolerates heat well and does best in full sun. Although it is self-fertile, it’s best to plant it in multiples to ensure a better crop.

Size

At maturity, the Methley plum tree has a height and canopy spread of up to 6 metres.

Soil Type

The Methley plum grows in various soil types and has some tolerance for heavy and waterlogged soils. It prefers a well-drained, loamy, mildly acidic soil.

Watering

During their growing seasons (spring to autumn), the soil around the root zone must be kept moist. During the winter, when they go dormant, they require less watering.

Mulching

Apply organic mulch to your plum tree all year round.

Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.

Fertilising

Alternatively, use our slow-release nitrogen-rich all plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.

Pruning

Plums require minimal pruning, which should be done after flowering when the tree still has no leaves. In the formative years, remove the interior branches, water sprouts, growing scaffold branches, and dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Once mature, remove any vigorous upright shoots because fruiting occurs on spurs on older wood. Japanese plums do best when trained in an open centre, so they need thinning for proper fruit development.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control ) will assist in either prevention or after the fact. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.

Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).

Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.

Harvesting

Fruiting begins when the tree is 2 to 4 years old. These trees produce heavy crops of juicy, fruit every year. You’ll need to pick them several times every season. They can be picked before they’re completely ripe, as they’ll ripen off the tree.

Weight	1 kg
Weight	10
Length	20
Width	20
Height	100
Packaging Type	xlarge_parcel
Maximum	2
Packaging Type 1	large_parcel
Maximum 1	0
Packaging Type 2	medium_parcel
Maximum 2	0
Packaging Type 3	flyer_size
Maximum 3	0