Description and characteristics of the columnar plum of the Mirabelle variety, planting and care
Among the plums, there are people from foreign countries who take root well in our latitudes and give a high yield. One of the notable varieties is Mirabelle, which combines the features of plum and cherry plum. It has a number of varieties allowing you to choose the right crop for any region.
General description and characteristics of the Mirabelle plum
Medium compact tree up to 2 m high, forming a wide, spreading crown. The bark of the trunk and branches has a light gray tint. Leaves in the form of an oval are colored dark green, wrinkled.
The fruits are small, round, with a dense yellow skin and a lot of orange dots on the surface. The weight of one fruit is 35 g. The pulp is distinguished by its firmness, low juiciness, tenderness and sweet taste. The pulp contains a flat, oval, easily detachable bone.
A number of varieties of this columnar plum have been developed. More popular among gardeners are Mirabelle of Nancy, Mirabelle of September. The culture enters fruiting in the 4-5th year. Gives harvest in August or September.
Main advantages and disadvantages
The secrets of why the Mirabelle plum variety conquers gardeners lies in the following qualities:
- yield, each tree gives up to 15 kg;
- frost resistance, can withstand temperatures below 30 degrees;
- variety resistance to various diseases;
- universality of appointment;
- transportability.
The disadvantages of the Mirabelle plum variety include:
- self-infertility;
- short tree life.
How to grow a plum correctly
Plum planting is an important procedure that determines the quality and quantity of the crop. It needs to be treated with special care, having studied all the advice of experienced gardeners.
Seat selection
When choosing a place, give preference to the southern or southwestern sides of the site. The sun's rays should hit the fruit tree throughout the day. The plant should be protected from strong winds. It is required to avoid low-lying and damp areas with a close occurrence of groundwater. It is also important to maintain a distance of 3-4 m from nearby growing trees.
Soil selection and preparation
The main features of the soil are nutritional value, looseness and the absence of an acidic environment. Before planting, you need to prepare the selected area by digging it up. If the soil is acidic, use dolomite ash, 600 g per 1 m2.
Planting process
According to the description of the variety, seedlings of the columnar Mirabelle plum can be planted both in spring and autumn.
Landing Algorithm:
- Dig a hole measuring 70 x 70 x 60 cm.
- Equip the hole with a soil mixture containing peat, humus with the addition of minerals such as superphosphate, potassium.
- Lower the seedling into the planting hole so that the root collar remains above ground level, non-observance of this rule will lead to podoprevanie bark and disruption of sap flow.
- Cover with soil without fertilization, shaking the plant to avoid the formation of voids.
- Sprinkle with water at the rate of 2 buckets per seedling and mulch the tree trunk circle with peat.
When planting in the fall, it is necessary to obliquely dig the seedling with earth so that in winter the snow cover completely covers it, protecting it from the cold.
Further care of the culture
The cultivation of the columnar Mirabelle plum requires care and attention. From the very beginning, the culture needs high-quality watering, top dressing, correct pruning and other important agricultural techniques.
Watering
An important measure for the care of the crop is regular watering once a month throughout the growing season. During the dry season, the amount of irrigation should be increased.
Top dressing
Plum Mirabella is responsive to feeding. From spring to autumn, fertilize the plant with urea, applying 50 g of the substance per 10 liters of water. Each tree should get 2 liters of mortar.
To stimulate the growth and development of the root system, it is necessary to feed it with a Heteroauxin solution in the second year of the culture's life. Also, in the struggle for the harvest, water the tree using slurry or saltpeter in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. 10 liters of water.
Loosening and mulching
It is recommended to loosen and mulch the trunk circle as needed. The procedure will provide air to the root system of the plant, and make the earth light and with a porous structure. A layer of mulch will protect the soil from water erosion during irrigation, retain moisture and prevent weeds from developing.
Pruning
The columnar plum Mirabel does not need pruning and crown formation, since it has no side shoots. Sanitary pruning should be done by removing diseased, dry and damaged branches. You should also prune the top of the tree in case of severe frostbite.
Preparing for winter
Young plum trees of the Mirabelle variety are very sensitive to frost, since they do not have time to harden after planting. If the winter is snowy, you can install a slate sheet near the plant and throw snow from time to time. This design will protect you from both low temperatures and rodents. Expecting a snowless winter, cover the young tree with spruce branches or a layer of sawdust.
Diseases and insect pests
The plum variety Mirabelle demonstrates disease resistance. But if the plant lacks nutrients, moisture, or has suffered from frost, then pests can attack it: aphids, plum sawfly, moth. Therefore, so that the tree does not become the center of the accumulation of pests, it is necessary to carry out protective measures using special means and organizing proper care.
Harvest
The harvest of the Mirabelle plum is in August. Harvest in dry weather. Tear off plums intended for transportation and storage together with the stalks. You need to start collecting from the lower, and then the upper branches. In the process, try not to crush the fruit and not damage the wax coating and the stalk.
Storage rules
To prevent the harvest from spoiling during storage, you need to maintain a temperature of 0-2 degrees and a humidity of at least 85 percent. Store fruit in wooden boxes or low-rise trays lined with paper.
Plums that will not be stored are best eaten fresh immediately or processed for home winter preparations.
The Mirabelle plum variety is perfect for growing in all climates.Its main advantages are winter hardiness, abundant fruiting and ease of care, which provide this culture with considerable demand in many countries.
