Plum

General Information About Plum

Plum (Prunus spp.) belongs to the Rosaceae family with a rich variety of species. Three main groups: Asian-European, Japanese-Chinese, and North American.

In Turkey, plum can be grown successfully in almost every region except high plateaus of East Anatolia and extremely hot/dry areas of SE Anatolia. Widely adapted.

Harvest time spreads throughout the year. Early "Can" plums in spring, Japanese plums in mid-summer, European plums from August to October.

Common Turkish varieties: Can, Papaz, Damson (Mürdüm). Origin considered Anatolia, Caucasus, Caspian.

Plum Rootstocks

Myrobolan 29 C

Semi-dwarf, adapts to many soils including heavy/calcareous. Resistant to nematodes. Induces early fruiting. Also used for apricots.

Marianna 2624

Weaker vigor than Myrobolan. High resistance to heavy/clay soils and nematodes. Sensitive to bacterial canker.

Pixy

Dwarf (40-50%). Needs good, well-drained soil. Suitable for high density. Requires good irrigation/care.

Marianna GF 8/1

Shallower roots. Suitable for soils with high water holding capacity.

Climate and Soil Requirements for Plum

Climate Requirements

Can be grown in temperate to cool-temperate climates. Early blooming varieties are sensitive to spring frosts.

Irrigation improves fruit size and quality even in regions with decent rainfall.

Soil Requirements

Moderately selective. Japanese plums prefer humus-rich, warm soils; European plums do better in heavy/clay soils. Perform better in poor drainage than other stone fruits. pH 6.5–7 is optimal.