How to plant and grow a plum tree in a pot

The plum tree is a very resistant deciduous tree that is very appreciated for its fruits and the impact caused in the decoration of a garden. Learn how to plant and grow a plum tree in a pot and learn all the steps to do it correctly.

The plum tree, also known as Prunus Domestica, is one of the few fruit trees that can be planted in a garden pot where it can grow to a height of approximately 2 meters, which in a way facilitates its cultivation and maintenance.

What materials and tools are needed

To properly plant and grow a plum tree in a pot, it is necessary to gather the following tools :

• Pan
• Plastic Containers
• Potting soil
• Gravel
• piles

How to plant and grow a plum tree in a pot

Keep in mind that planting and growing a plum tree in a pot is an easy task, however, to be successful it is necessary to comply with the following steps:

Purchase the most appropriate variety of plum trees

The naked root plum variety is the most suitable to be planted in a gardening pot. This is available in most garden nurseries or in a specialized garden house. Once you have purchased it, you should cover the plum root bulbs with a damp cloth, keeping it that way for a few days until planting begins.

Select the ideal vase

In DIY stores, or in specialized garden houses, there are several types of vases, such as those made of wood, plastic or clay. To choose the best pot for planting and growing a plum tree, you must be aware that it must be very resistant and durable. On the other hand, that same container must have several drainage holes and twice as wide as the thickest part of the plum tree.

Prepare the pot correctly

When preparing the pot where you will plant and grow a plum tree, you should start by placing a thin layer of gravel on the base of the container. This is a fundamental step that should never be overlooked, as it ensures effective drainage for the plant and, at the same time, builds a solid foundation for it to grow. You can use the soil in your garden as potting soil , however, be aware that you should not use soil with a lot of fertilizer or that has been recently fertilized. With the aid of a shovel, you should fill ¾ of the pot with potting soil.

Plant the plums

Early spring is the best time for planting plum trees. In this sense, you must remove the damp cloth that was surrounding the bulbs of the plum root and place the plant inside the potted soil. Untangle the younger roots and push them deep into the soil. Then cover the roots with more potting soil and add a little water to make the plant more comfortable.

Use cuttings to help the plum tree to grow

Most plum trees need cuttings to grow correctly and their use is extremely important in the first two years. This process helps to form an erect trunk of the plant and this will make its growth much healthier. Use 6-inch stakes and tie them to the main trunk of the plant with the help of a rope or plastic.

Place the pots on the ground

The youngest plum trees are very sensitive to the action of the strongest winds and that is why their pots should be placed in areas that have adjacent walls. On the other hand, it is noteworthy that the plum trees do better in shaded areas and, as such, you should avoid their arrangement in an area with strong lighting and sun exposure.

Water the plum trees

The plum tree must be watered regularly so that it can grow strong and healthy. If you live in a place where it rains moderately, the plum tree will feel in its natural habitat and, therefore, does not require additional watering. Otherwise, you will need to water it at least once a week. In the hottest weather, make sure the roots stay moist. Keep in mind that excess water can hinder the development of plums and, as such, you should check that the excess water is properly drained from the pot.

What are the main precautions you should take with a plum tree

When growing a plum tree in a pot, there are several precautions you should take into account. Of the most important, the following stand out:

The good state of conservation of the leaves and fruits: if the leaves are old and the plums are rotten, this means that various types of pests and diseases may appear . So that this does not happen, it is essential to carry out a seasonal pruning so that the plum tree grows in a healthy way. On the other hand, in order for plum trees to develop correctly, it is advisable to use an insecticidal spray made from herbs and liquid soaps to repel the most common pests, such as aphids.

The pruning of a plum tree: the older branches must be pruned to ensure that the youngest branches grow at angles of 45 degrees. Keep in mind that the pruning of the plum tree should not be carried out in winter because, at this time, the plant has no strength or conditions for recovery.

Replanting the plum tree

For the plum tree to keep the beauty of its leaves intact and to continue to bear fruit, it needs to be replanted every two years. By doing this with this frequency, you will be stimulating the root development of the plant and this will allow you to maintain all its excellence and vigor. Keep in mind that you should always use fresh potting soil to obtain the best results in replanting the plum tree.