PLUM Satsuma
Prunus spp
Blood red plum with juicy sweet red flesh. Medium size, mid season. Ideal eating, bottling, jams, jellies etc. Japanese variety. Partially self-fertile.
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Planting | ||||||||||||
Harvesting |
Pollination
Satsuma is partially self fertile, though pollinators include - Santa Rosa.
Golden Queen – Used for small amount of plum varieties. Vigorous rootstock growing to 6 meters.
Myrobalan - Vigorous rootstock growing to 6 meters. Tolerates clay and heavy soil.
Mariana – Is a semi dwarf rootstock that tolerates poorly drained soil.
SOIL |
Accepting of a wide variety of soils, but best with deep, well drained fertile soil. |
PLANTING SITE |
A sunny and sheltered position is best, protected from Spring frosts. Plant 4-5m apart from other trees. |
CLIMATE |
European plums are suitable in most areas of the country, including the coldest regions. Japanese plums need less Winter chill and need protection from late Spring frosts so can also be grown in warmer, Northern regions. |
WATERING |
Water frequently while young then during long dry periods and when the fruit is developing. |
GENERAL CARE |
Never prune Plums from March through to July, due to disease risks. Prune during dry periods from Spring to Summer to control vigour and to shape. |
PESTS & DISEASES |
Diseases like Silver leaf and Bacterial blast can affect Plums, but with careful cultural practices they normally need minimal care. |
FRUIT |
Varieties range in ripening time from mid Summer to early Autumn. |
POLLINATION |
See pollination chart. Plant at least one pollinating variety to ensure good fruit production. |
TREE SIZE |
Height up to 5-6m. |
RECOMMENDED PRUNING SYSTEM |
Central leader or Vase shape.
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