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Plum · Satsuma

Rosaceae · Prunus salicina

Characteristics

Perennial

A true blood plum with dark-red mid-sized rounded fruits, borne on vigorous upright branches that develop a willowy habit. The fruit is sweet with a hint of tart making it both a fresh eater as well as the perfect plum for jams and preserves. Partially self-pollinating but will improve in the company of 'Santa Rosa', 'Narabeen' or 'Mariposa'.


Height: 400 cm Width: 300 cm
Foliage: Flowers: Produce:

The basics

Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Regularly
Position

Care

They have the wonderful characteristic of having a good crop most years whether they’re thinned or not. However, they can sometimes fall back into the ‘biennial bearing’ pattern common to most fruit trees and start having a year off. Unless they’re thinned hard, they do tend to be one of the smaller plums.

Most plum trees need to be thinned most years. Otherwise, they can become biennial bearing. Also, branches may break from excessive weight if you don’t remove some of the fruit.

Pruning

When to prune: Winter

Best trained to an open vase shape for maximum fruiting.
Trees need pruning every year. However, once your trees are established in a good shape, you may be able to get away with pruning them every second year if they are calm and fruitful.

Harvest

When to harvest: February to March

Journal

29 Sep 2025 · Fruit forming

13 Sep 2024 · Fruit forming (28)

13 Sep 2024 · Fruit forming (18)

25 Sep 2023 · Ant barrier working

25 Sep 2023 · Fruit forming (7)

17 Sep 2023 · Ant barrier

13 Sep 2023 · Aphid infestation



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