Standard Plum Opal

How to take care of Standard Plum Opal

Plant your tree in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered location. Water in thoroughly after planting! Keep the area around the base of the tree free from weeds, as they will compete for nutrients. Stake trees grown in open exposed areas. Once established, thin fruit if the crop is very heavy and Opal will become a biennial fruit producer. Remove any very small or misshapen fruit. Check regularly for signs of disease. Remove any of the infected shoots, leaves and branches to allow light and air into the tree. Remove any fallen leaves and fruit from around the base of the tree regularly to prevent disease. Once established, each April apply a thick layer of well-rotted manure or compost around the base of the tree. Pruning is best carried out in summer to reduce the risk of solver leaf disease. Plum trees often take 4-5 years to produce fruit for the first time.

If you decide to plant it in a container, make sure that its protected against frost. You can do this by ensuring the pot is in a sheltered place and off the ground a little. Also, you can wrap the pot in bubble wrap or straw . You could also place it in an unheated room or greenhouse. Please note, that, although the plant does not need much water in winter, make sure it does not dry out.