I'm new to growing fruit trees and as much as I've searched, I can't find an easy to understand description of the life/season cycle of my pluots and cherries.
I just want to know when to expect the leaves to fall, preventative care, fertilization and whatever else is important.
I'm zone 9 and these are first year bare roots (both multi-variety) that have doubled/tripled in size
If you look up plums, peaches and other stone fruit you may have better luck than pluots which are rarer. Most, if not all, of the information will be transferable. In summary, if you want good fruit you need to defeat 101 things that want it too.
Your cycle starts in winter when the trees are dormant. There are some disagreements about pruning time (apparently there are some situations where winter pruning is not recommended) but I have always pruned then and it works for me. Young trees need more attention as you will be shaping them for the future.
Late winter to early spring, just before bud swell, you will want to spray with a copper-based fungicide to prevent peach leaf curl. Depending on your conditions (microclimate, progress of the season, what month you call spring and the cultivars you have) the buds will swell and burst in early spring, usually flowers first them leaves. If it is dry you would start watering then. Once you have leaves feed the trees. I use horse and chook manure. Don't over feed especially with strong fertiliser like chook manure and synthetics. If you are unsure how much to apply several small applications is safer than one big one. About this time the grass and weeds will get going so clear around the trees and mulch to avoid root competition and conserve moisture. Keep the mulch off the tree trunk.
Depending on your situation the fruit will be mature anywhere from mid spring to mid summer. Ripen them on the tree for maximum lusciousness. As they swell you need to start testing for fruit fly if these are in your area. If the crop is too heavy for the branches thin before the fruit get too large. Keep your eyes open for fungal diseases on the fruit or leaves especially if the weather is damp for any length of time. You will have to act quickly as some fungi can ruin your crop in a few days if not caught. Around this time you may need to protect against fruit predators. Birds, bats, possums and other frugivorous beasties will flock to your orchard if they are in the area. Continue supplementary watering as required, uneven moisture can cause problems with fruit. Feed again in mid summer. When the leaves fall in autumn stop watering unless it is excessively dry. There may be other pests to look out for that I don't get here so talk to growers in the area.
David
thanks, I was beginning to think maybe plum was better than pluot.
and I guess finding someone knowledgeable at the local nursery couldn't hurt
I hope that you are able to obtain the information you need, Good luck.
I wish you success!
Sue
I wish you success!
How do I grow Pluot trees from seeds? I have four pluot seeds. How do I make pluot trees? Do I dry them out?
I have no idea if they are fertile or true breeding. If they grow you might not get pluots.
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