Description and characteristics of the columnar plum variety Mirabelle, planting and care

Among the plums there are natives from foreign countries that take root well in our latitudes and produce high yields. One of the notable varieties is Mirabelle, which combines the characteristics of plum and cherry plum. It has a number of varieties, allowing you to choose the appropriate crop for any region.

General description and characteristics of Mirabelle plum

A medium-sized compact tree up to 2 m high, forming a wide, spreading crown.The bark of the trunk and branches has a light gray tint. The oval-shaped leaves are dark green and wrinkled.

The fruits are small, round, with a dense yellow skin and a large number of orange dots on the surface. The weight of one fruit is 35 g. The pulp is dense, slightly juicy, tender and sweet in 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 Mirabell of Nancy and Mirabell of September. The crop begins to bear fruit in the 4th-5th year. The harvest is given in August or September.

Main advantages and disadvantages

The secrets why the Mirabelle plum variety conquers gardeners lie in the following qualities:

• yield, each tree produces up to 15 kg;
• frost resistance, can withstand temperatures below 30 degrees;
• variety resistance to various diseases;
• versatility of purpose;
• transportability.

The disadvantages of the Mirabelle plum variety include:

• self-sterility;
• short life span of the tree.

How to grow plums correctly

Planting plums is an important procedure on which the quality and quantity of the harvest depends. You need to treat it with special care, having studied all the advice of experienced gardeners.

Selecting a location

When choosing a location, give preference to the southern or southwestern sides of the site. The sun's rays should fall on the fruit tree throughout the day. The plant should be protected from strong winds. It is necessary to avoid low-lying and damp areas with close groundwater. It is also important to maintain a distance of 3-4 m from nearby 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 in both spring and autumn.

Landing algorithm:

1. Dig a hole measuring 70 x 70 x 60 cm.
2. Equip the hole with a soil mixture containing peat, humus with the addition of minerals such as superphosphate and potassium.
3. Lower the seedling into the planting hole so that the root collar remains above ground level; failure to comply with this rule will lead to heating of the bark and disruption of sap flow.
4. Cover with soil without fertilizer, shaking the plant to avoid the formation of voids.
5. Pour 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 bury the seedling at an angle so that in winter the snow cover completely covers it, protecting it from the cold.

Further care of the crop

Growing the columnar Mirabelle plum requires care and maintenance. From the very beginning, the crop needs high-quality watering, fertilizing, proper pruning and other important agricultural practices.

Watering

An important step in caring for the crop is regular watering once a month throughout the growing season. During the dry season, the amount of irrigation must be increased.

Top dressing

Mirabella plum is responsive to feeding. From spring to autumn, fertilize the plant with urea, using 50 g of the substance per 10 liters of water. Each tree should receive 2 liters of solution.

To stimulate the growth and development of the root system, it is necessary to feed it with a solution of “Heteroauxin” in the second year of the crop’s life.Also, in the fight for the harvest, water the tree by applying slurry or saltpeter in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. for 10 liters of water.

Loosening and mulching

It is recommended to loosen and mulch the tree trunk circle as needed. The procedure will ensure the flow of air to the root system of the plant, and will make the soil light and porous. A layer of mulch will protect the soil from being washed away by water when watering, retain moisture and prevent weeds from developing.

Trimming

The columnar Mirabelle plum does not need pruning and crown formation, since it has no side shoots. Sanitary pruning should be done, removing diseased, dry and damaged branches. You should also trim 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, as they do not have time to harden after planting. If the winter is snowy, you can install a sheet of slate near the plant and sprinkle snow from time to time. This design will protect both from low temperatures and from rodents. Expecting a snowless winter, cover the young tree with spruce branches or a layer of sawdust.

Diseases and pests

The Mirabelle plum variety demonstrates disease resistance. But if the plant lacks nutrients, moisture, or has suffered from frost, then it can be attacked by pests: aphids, plum sawfly, and codling moth. Therefore, to prevent the tree from becoming the center of a cluster of pests, it is necessary to carry out protective measures using special means and organizing proper care.

Harvest

The fruits of the Mirabelle plum variety are harvested in August. Harvest in dry weather. Plums intended for transportation and storage should be picked along with the stems.You need to start collecting from the lower and then the upper branches. In the process, try not to crush the fruits and not damage the waxy coating and stalk.

Storage rules

To prevent the crop from spoiling during storage, you need to maintain a temperature of 0-2 degrees and a humidity of at least 85 percent. Store fruits in wooden boxes or low trays covered with paper.

It is better to immediately eat fresh plums that will not be stored or process them into homemade winter preparations.

The Mirabelle plum variety is perfect for growing in any climatic conditions. Its main advantages are winter hardiness, abundant fruiting and ease of care, which ensure considerable demand for this crop in many countries.