A plum is a fruit of the subgenus Prunus of the genus Prunus. The subgenus is distinguished from other subgenera in the shoots having terminal bud and solitary side buds (not clustered), the flowers in groups of one to five together on short stems.
Mature plum fruit may have a dusty-white waxy coating that gives them a glaucous appearance. This is an epicuticular wax coating and is known as "wax bloom". Dried plum fruits are called "dried plums" or prunes, although, in many countries (Li hing mui for instance), prunes are a distinct type of dried plum having a wrinkled appearance. Plums may have been one of the first fruits domesticated by humans. Three of the most abundant cultivars are not found in the wild, only around human settlements: Prunus domestica has been traced to East European and Caucasian mountains, while Prunus salicina and Prunus simonii originated in Asia. Plum remains have been found in Neolithic age archaeological sites along with olives, grapes and figs.
Be sure to water the young trees heavily every week during the first growing season to help promote growth. Then, water regularly. It’s best to water the plant deeply at the soil line, then let the soil dry out (though not completely) and water again. Water your tree well into mid-October to give it plenty of moisture through the winter months.
Plant plum trees in loamy, well-drained soil. Plums do not do well when planted in clay-heavy soils or in locations where their roots will be constantly wet.
Apply 1 pound of organic fertilizer or well-aged manure in March of the first and second year, in addition to one cup of calcium nitrate in May of the first and second year. After this time, you can add 2/3 cup of calcium nitrate in March and August.
The plum tree is relatively susceptible to damage by cold temperatures. Temperatures of -13°F or lower will generally destroy flower buds and temperatures lower than about -17°F will cause damage to limbs, trunks, and leaf buds. Certain varieties, especially Japanese types tend to be more tender than European and American type varieties. Trees can also be damaged by rapid temperature drops following a period of mild weather in early fall or early spring.
