Imperial columned plum: varietal characteristics and cultivation

Kolonovidnye fruit trees - apples, pears, plums - appeared recently.Apple "Leader" - is the first variety of the columnar fruit tree, the result of a natural mutation, noticed and successfully propagated by an American breeder in the 60s of last century. Many appreciated the advantages of compact and fruitful trees, so in a similar way later colonized pears and plums were bred.

The columnar plum is characterized by its small size, narrow pyramid-like underdeveloped crown, on which very few branches grow. The krone has fruitful spears and felts bringing large and rich harvests. Despite the seeming fragility of the tree, its solid wood can withstand yields of up to 12 kg. Colony-shaped plums are classified as skoroporodnyh varieties: planted tree after 2 years brings the first harvest. During 6-7 years, the yield increases, then the tree still brings stably rich yields for about 10 years. The fruiting age of the columnar plum is 13-17 years old, after which for a long time it may simply be a decoration of the garden plot. Compact trees take up very little space.

"Imperial" - one of the most popular varieties of columnar plum. He won the appreciation of gardeners for the tenderness and refinement of taste, frost resistance, unpretentiousness in care and a rich harvest. The height of the fruit tree does not exceed 1.5-2 meters, while the tree looks like a narrow pyramid. Medium-sized shiny green leaves with their oval shape resemble a boat. The fruits are delicious, fragrant and large: each weighs about 55 grams. The shape of the plum is rounded, with a slightly expanded base and dense skin. As a rule, they are pink-purple in color, but may be red-brown. The fruits have golden yellow juicy and tender flesh.

Tasters taste plums "Imperial" tasters appreciate the highest rating. As positive qualities, they note the exquisite honey taste of fruits, light sour taste and optimal ratio of sugar and acids. Plums can be consumed fresh or used to make compotes and jams. The presence of a dense skin helps to preserve the presentation of the fruit during long transport.

In terms of ripening, this variety is ranked as middle-ripening. As a rule, plums ripen by mid-August.

Planting of seedlings in moderate climates of the middle zone is recommended in spring, and in mild, warm climates, in autumn. As planting material is better to use annual trees. When buying, pay special attention to the bark and root system. They must look healthy and free from damage. Land for planting should be well lit and protected from the winds. A moderately wet soil will be preferable. Low watering areas are not suitable for planting, and it is not recommended to stay near groundwater.

Saplings are planted in a staggered manner: 1.2 m between rows should remain, the interval between saplings is 0.5 m. Attention should be paid to the size of the holes twice the size of the root system.

When watering, it is desirable to use an activator (stimulator) of growth.

Cut and remove only damaged and broken branches. Cut branches to form the crown is not required. The center conductor is shortened if it is weakened and has insufficient growth, and the top with three buds should be cut off. Trees require constant support, as they can bend and break under the weight of fruits. On the eve of the arrival of winter seedlings should be covered. If the tree blooms in the first year after planting, the inflorescences should be cut off, since such a hasty harvest will weaken the tree.

The Imperial plum has abundant early flowering, which begins in early May.Flowers are only for women; therefore, a variety that acts as a pollinator is obligatory in the garden plot. The recommended varieties include "Renklod Altan", "Stanley", "Bluffy"

According to reviews of gardeners, the Imperial variety meets their expectations: it does not require special care, it has a rich harvest and excellent taste. Many are pleased with the appearance of a small tree, covered with large fruits. The variety "Imperial" is best suited for cultivation in the Kuban and in the gardens of the Pre-Caucasus. It is grown both on personal plots and in industrial gardens.

For how to plant a columnar plum, see the video below.