On this page you will learn how to grow plum trees. Plum trees are a fruiting tree in the genus Prunus. Plum trees are typically easy to grow and require little care. Depending on the variety that you choose, planting a plum tree can result in bountiful yields of tart, fleshy fruit every summer.

Before you get started growing your plum tree, you should have some basic knowledge about horticulture. You should have some basic garden tools such as a shovel, a rake, a method of watering your plum tree, and some garden gloves for weeding. You should know some information about the quality of garden soil that you will be planting your plum tree in. Remember that not all garden soils are created equal and you may need to supplement your garden with soil amendments. You may also want to start an organic compost to provide your plum tree with year-round nutrients and save money by avoiding buying commercial fertilizers.

Before buying your plum tree, you should ask for assistance at your local nursery. They can give you information on what plum tree varieties will grow best in your USDA growing zone. If you would like to learn how to grow a plum tree please follow the steps listed below.

Your first step in growing plum trees is finding a plum tree variety that will complement your landscape and your growing zone. The following are popular plum tree varieties that you can find online or through your local nursery:

• Blue Tit: A blue plum that self fertilizes. This variety bears heavy loads of fruit in August.

• Czar: A variety first cultivated in the 1800s, this variety has yellow-green flesh as is very juicy. The czar is hardier than many other plum varieties, and grows vigorously even in somewhat harsh climates.

• Dennistons Superb: This variety is often said to be one of the tastiest plums available. Dennistons Superb has green skin and red flesh. This variety creates a heavy crop in late summer.

• Early Laxton: This plum was first grown in the early 20th century and is best used for cooking purposes.

• Jefferson: The Jefferson is known to be a tasty, reliable variety that never fails to create a moderate crop.

• Marjorie's Seedling: This self-fertile variety creates a large number of blue-black plums that do well when refrigerated.http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_march_2a_plum.asp

When choosing your variety of plum tree, you should consider what you will eventually plan to use your plums for. If you plan to cook with your plums, you may want to further research a variety such as Early Laxton. If you plan on storing your plums up to a month in the refrigerator, you should look into a variety such as Marjorie's Seedling. Your local nursery will have insight into what plum varieties grow best in your specific climate. Most plums do well in temperate zones and can withstand frost or winter weather.

For best results, you should plant your plum tree in the fall. The tree will be able to put extra energy into building a thriving root system as it will not be growing fruit. To plant your plum tree, dig a hole that is slightly deeper and wider than the roots of your tree. Macerate the soil on the bottom of this hole to encourage root spread. You will want to plant your plum tree far enough from structures and other trees so that it will have enough room for it's eventual height and width.

Plum trees prefer to be planted in full sun. Don't add commercial fertilizer, though it would be helpful to add some homemade organic produce. Commercial fertilizer can burn through the root system and kill your plum tree.http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_march_2b_plum.asp

Fill the hole with organic soil. If your seedling does not stay upright, you may need to support the tree with a series of ropes and stakes. Water your plum tree immediately. This helps introduce the soil nutrients to the root system after planting.

For best results, water your new plum tree every few days until the root system takes hold and the tree begins to thrive on rainwater.

The following garden insects may harm your Plum Trees:

• Aphids: Aphids appear as tiny green or black insects that feeds on the sap, or phloem of a tree. An infestation of aphids can weaken your plum tree against other infections. To control aphids, you can spray the leaves with a 25% dish soap: 75% water solution. You can also spray down the tree every other day with a high pressure water sprayer. A good organic way of treating your aphid infestation is buying ladybugs from your local garden supply store. Ladybugs eat aphids and are a friendly garden bug. Remember not to use ladybugs in addition to commercially available pesticides, as these chemicals will also kill the ladybugs.http://www.gardenguides.com/90587-plum-tree-diseases-pests.html

• Red Spider Mites: Red spider mites are small red insects that regularly infect trees and ornamental plants. Mites will damage the older, larger leaves first. Red spider mites are easily dislodged by a blast of water, once a week throughout their peak season in the hot summer months. Garden stores often sell insecticidal soap for mites, and you can also buy "predator mites" that will bring your red spider mite population under control.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PATgrhIt4FY

In addition to controlling pest populations, you should weed around your plum tree on a regular basis to guarantee the optimum amount of nutrient and water flow to the roots of your plum tree. If you live in a dry climate, you may also want to water your plum tree if you see signs of dehydration such as drooping leaves and lackluster fruit.