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Waimea Nurseries grows a range of fruit trees with two or three varieties on the one tree. Some fruit types are grown with both varieties grafted at the bottom of the tree trunk, while others are grown as tiers of branching. The method of propagation is based on the natural habit of the fruit types, to ensure a good shaped tree will result. The tree should be labelled with a small mark of paint to identify which part of the tree each variety is located. This also helps to avoid the potential of accidently pruning off one of the varieties!
Santa Rosa: The Queen of all plums! Developed by Luther Burbank, it is among the highest flavoured plums in the world. Medium to large purple skinned fruit with yellow tinged pink, juicy, tangy flesh. Japanese variety that can be used to make blush wine. Early to mid season.
Black Doris: Excellent all purpose plum. Fruit is of medium size, with purple black skin and dark red sweet, juicy flesh. Vigorous, up right tree habit. A Cross variety. Mid season.
SORRY THIS COMBINATION IS NOT AVAILABLE IN 2016 OR 2017.
Double Grafted Self Fertile
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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Planting | ||||||||||||
Harvesting |
These two varieties have been specifically selected to be grown together so as to allow cross pollination within the same tree.
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. |