Contents
Plum Blue Sweet is a variety of columnar fruit tree that appeared in the history of breeding not so long ago. The successful direction chosen by summer residents and selectors has borne fruit. In general, the Blue Sweet plum is undemanding and unpretentious in care, and its fruits win the hearts of many people. However, even here, in order to get a rich harvest, there are some secrets of farmers.
History of variety breeding
Interestingly, the first columnar plums were born randomly. This is not the result of selectors. In the middle of the last century, an American breeder saw strange branches on the Macintosh apple tree, but which had unknown fruits. The crown was thicker, growing up, and not falling down like the rest of the branches of the apple tree.
The scientist decided to deal with these fruits, propagating them – for 2 years he developed a new variety of an unknown fruit. After a while, the columnar apple tree Leader appeared. Since then, they began to create the same pears and plums. They are not considered the result of genetic engineering or genetically modified selection. The column-tree is considered a natural mutation that has bred and multiplied thanks to man. This is an artificial variety, which is what the Blue Sweet plum is.
It grows in cold and warm countries. Plum columnar Blue Sweet in Siberia has become especially widespread, since there are few fruit trees that generally grow there all year round. The preferred place for growing a columnar variety is considered to be the northern and western parts of Our Country.
Description of the plum variety
The peculiarity of the Blue Sweet columnar plum is that it has almost no side branches. The crown is directed upwards, not sprawling, does not create a shadow. Therefore, gardeners do not cut it, do not form a crown – it is convenient, since the density and density of the crop sometimes depends on this process. In addition to the central twig, there is a spear – small processes up to 15 cm in length. The smallest of them are 2-3 cm in size. They have a sharp annular shape. Every year, rings and buds appear here – the place of the future harvest.
Saplings of the columnar plum variety Blue Sweet are more expensive than usual, but quickly pay off – in just 2-3 years, the yield allows you to plant a whole garden (from a material point of view). Flowering of the columnar type begins immediately after planting. In the first year, the tree grows stronger, grows, and in the second – gives the first fruits. The maximum age of the Blue Sweet columnar plum is 18-20 years. During this time, one tree gives a maximum yield, and then declines. You can replace it or leave it as a decor in the garden.
The fruits of the Blue Sweet columnar plum are distinguished by their size. The mass of one fruit is 80-100 g, which impresses even experienced growers. They are purple, smooth, sometimes you can find blackish shades. Oval plums have no analogues – their pulp is juicy, hidden under a thick skin, the coating is dense, almost indelible. Inside, the columnar plum variety has a pale pink tint, uncharacteristic of other plum varieties of the middle lane. Juicy in taste, especially near the peel, sweet and sour, can be stored for a long time at natural room temperature.
Characteristics of a variety
Pay special attention to the top of the tree. It can freeze, resulting in poor yields. To restore fruiting, you need to cut off flowering in the first years of the tree’s life. If the Blue Sweet plum blossomed in the first year of its life, the flowers must also be removed so that the tree produces a large crop.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
The columnar variety Blue Sweet is resistant to frost and drought. However, during the period of frost, you need to carefully monitor the top of the plum. In the summer heat, it is necessary to water the plum more often. Then it will be tall – up to 2,2 m in height. It will also be interesting to watch a video about care:
Columnar plum pollinators Blue Sweet
Plums of this variety cannot self-pollinate. Therefore, we need pollen from varieties of non-columnar plums or similar to it – Stanley, Blue Free. And pollinator bees are needed as carriers, so you should take care of the apiary if insects are not found nearby.
Yield and fruiting
Blue Sweet plum blossoms in the first year, but it is better to wait for the second so that the harvest is better. The first fruits can be seen in August. One young plum at first gives 15-16 kg of yield, which is not much at all. An adult pyramidal tree of a columnar variety gives three times more yield. It takes up little space, so it is convenient to plant several plums next to each other.
Scope of berries
The cultivation of the Blue Sweet columnar plum is possible at home for personal consumption, as well as in industry – for processing and subsequent conservation for export.
Disease and pest resistance
The columnar plum variety Blue Sweet practically does not get sick. Rodents and fungal infections are not terrible for him. This is a great advantage, because it is not demanding to care for.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
This variety of columnar plum always bears many fruits, the harvest is rich and good. Qualitative properties do not change during the entire period of fruiting.
From the first year it can bear fruit, blooms quickly, takes root well in new places. During transportation, it does not change its presentation, does not deteriorate as quickly as other varieties of columnar fruits.
Features of landing
The seedling of the first year should be planted in the spring, when the ground is not frozen, but not warmed up to maximum temperatures. The subsequent planting and care of the Blue Sweet plum is simple – follow the rules of agricultural technology and monitor the condition.
Recommended dates
The best time for planting a variety of columnar plum Blue Sweet is spring. After the snow melts, you need to wait until the ground thaws. Only within 1-2 weeks you need to plant trees, you should not delay.
If, nevertheless, the landing took place in the fall, the plum must be set in a slope so that the snow completely covers its crown and trunk.
Choosing the right place
In order for the plum to take root in a new place, it must be prepared in a clay solution. The soil in the garden must be fertile – this is a prerequisite, since organic matter and mineral dressing are dangerous for a young seedling. If other trees need it, then the Blue Sweet columnar plum variety is completely dependent on the land and its quality.
The plum root system is weak, since the variety was bred by man, and not as a result of crossing species. Small plums are planted 5 m apart.
Кормить саженцы нужно 3 раза в год, желательно мочевиной. Поливы устраивают так:
- 10 liters per large plum (large).
- По 30 л на мелкую сливу.
- Adult plums, not seedlings, are watered twice a year.
After bud break, the Blue Sweet plum variety is fed for the first time, then after 2-3 weeks. The last top dressing is carried out 3 weeks after the second.
What crops can and cannot be planted nearby
Pollinators are planted nearby, as well as Imperial. This is a variety of Blue Sweet plum that just looks good. It helps to grow, although it is not a pollinator. The root system between the trees can mix, resulting in juicier and sweeter fruits.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Before planting a columnar plum, you need to choose a seedling. It must be annual in order to better take root in the new land. Between the rows you need to set a limit – one and a half or two meters. The hole should be doubled in size relative to the roots.
Landing algorithm
For a columnar seedling, you need to dig a hole measuring 40 x 50 or so. It all depends on the size of the root system.
The columnar plum of the Blue Sweet variety loves fertilizer, but you should not be particularly zealous. From mineral fertilizers, you can take 100 g of supersulfate. Potassium for the soil is sufficient in the amount of 80-90 g.
Humus will also be needed – only 3 kg for each columnar plum. On the day of the preparation of columnar plums, you need to “refuel” the pit. After installation, they are watered in three passes so that there is enough moisture for a week. From above, the soil is not covered with humus, the moat is left empty.
Plum Aftercare
Further, this variety of columnar plum does not need care. Feeding is needed only in summer and autumn. So the plants will get the necessary nutrients.
The columnar plum should receive maximum heat in the first two years of life, so before winter you need to take good care of this moment. They wrap the trunk with fresh snow, and also wrap it with straw, hay or other warm materials. This will help protect the plum from pests that are especially active in winter.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
This columnar plum is resistant to diseases and pests if properly cared for. But it is better to treat it with preparations for fungal infections during the winter so that the crop is of high quality and edible. And with the help of spraying in the spring, you can increase the yield.
Conclusion
Слива Блю Свит считается непростой культурой, однако не требующей значительного ухода. В первые годы жизни она любит тепло, после чего может расти даже в сибирские морозы. Летом нужно поливать для сохранения свойств плодоношения.