Overview
Prunus domestica L. var. insititia (L.) Fiori & Paoletti, commonly known as the Damson plum, is a small, deciduous tree that produces flavorful fruit. The tree is native to Europe and West Asia.
Appearance
The Damson plum tree is a small, compact tree that typically grows to a height of 6-10 feet. Its bark is dark gray and rough, and its leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green in color. The tree produces small, fragrant white or pink flowers in the spring, followed by the fruit in late summer or early fall.
Common Names
The Damson plum is known by several common names, including Damson, Damascene, Damson prune, and Bullace.
Uses
The fruit of the Damson plum tree is tart and flavorful, making it a popular choice for making jams, jellies, and desserts. It is also used to make a type of brandy known as "damson gin." The tree is sometimes grown for its ornamental value, as it produces lovely flowers in the spring and bright foliage in the fall.
Light Requirements
Prunus domestica L. var. insititia requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It is also somewhat shade tolerant and can grow in partial shade, but this will reduce fruit yield and quality.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Prunus domestica L. var. insititia growth is between 20-27°C (68-81°F). The plant can tolerate colder temperatures in winter, down to -15°C (5°F), but it is not well adapted to extremely hot temperatures above 35°C (95°F).
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5-7.0. It can tolerate moderately acidic or alkaline soils. Soil texture can range from sandy loam to clay loam, with good water holding capacity. Regular fertilization with nutrient-rich compost or fertilizers will help to promote growth and improve fruit yield.
Cultivation
Prunus domestica L. var. insititia (L.) Fiori & Paoletti, commonly known as the Damson Plum, is a small deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and requires full sun exposure for optimal growth.
It can be propagated through grafting or from seeds. The seeds should be stratified for 90-120 days before sowing to increase germination rates. Plant the trees in the early spring or late fall when the soil is workable.
Watering Needs
Young damson trees require regular watering to establish roots. They need at least 1 inch of water per week. However, mature trees are drought tolerant and can survive long periods without water. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Damson plum trees require balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply ½ to 1 pound of nitrogen per year of tree age, up to a maximum of 5 pounds. Divide the fertilizer into two or three applications between early spring and early summer. Do not fertilize after July as it may delay the hardening of wood before the winter season.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to control the size and shape of the tree, promote fruiting, and remove diseased or dead wood. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Cut back the previous year's growth by one-third to one-half. Thin out branches to allow sunlight and air to reach the center of the tree.
When pruning, sanitize your tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Also, remove suckers or shoots that grow from the base of the tree to encourage a strong central trunk.
Propagation of Prunus domestica L. var. insititia (L.) Fiori & Paoletti
Prunus domestica L. var. insititia (L.) Fiori & Paoletti, also known as the damson plum, can be propagated through a variety of methods, including:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagation for Prunus domestica L. var. insititia is through seed propagation. The seeds are collected from ripe fruits and cleaned before they are sown in a propagation tray or pot filled with nutrient-rich soil. The seedlings are then grown in a greenhouse or under grow lights until they are large enough to be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for the damson plum is through cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a parent plant during the dormant season. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a propagation tray filled with a rooting medium. The tray is then covered with plastic wrap to maintain humidity and retain warmth, which encourages the cutting to form roots. The cutting can then be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground once it has established a sufficient root system.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another effective method of propagating Prunus domestica L. var. insititia. This method involves taking a scion, which is a small branch or bud from a desired parent plant, and attaching it to a rootstock from a related plant. The scion and rootstock are then bound together and grown until they have fused together to form a single plant. Grafting allows for the propagation of new plants with desirable qualities, such as disease resistance or larger fruit size.
Overall, Prunus domestica L. var. insititia can be propagated through a variety of methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By considering the needs of the plant and the resources available, growers can choose the propagation method that is best suited to their situation.
Disease Management
Prunus domestica L. var. insititia (L.) Fiori & Paoletti, commonly known as the damson plum, is susceptible to various diseases that can cause significant damage to the tree and fruit. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Crown Rot
Crown rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots and crown of the tree. Symptoms of crown rot include wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing leaves. To manage this disease, it's essential to improve soil drainage by planting the tree in well-drained soil, avoiding overhead irrigation, and removing infected trees to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Black Knot
Black knot is a fungal disease that affects the branches and trunks of the tree, causing abnormal growths or "knots" that are black and hard. To manage black knot, it's essential to prune the infected branches and deadwood to reduce the spread of the fungus. Fungicide treatments can also help control the disease if applied in the early spring before new growth appears.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced fruit production. To manage leaf spot, it's essential to remove infected leaves and debris from around the tree and apply fungicide spray to prevent future infections.
Pest Management
Damson plum trees are also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the tree and fruit. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Plum Curculio
Plum curculio is a beetle that attacks the fruit, causing it to shrivel and drop prematurely. To manage this pest, it's essential to maintain good tree health by fertilizing and watering regularly. You can also apply insecticide treatments during the blossoming stage when the beetles are active.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the tree, causing wilting and reduced fruit production. To manage aphids, it's essential to monitor the tree regularly and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control infestations. Natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also help control aphid populations.
Mites
Mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the leaves of the tree, causing a stippled appearance and reduced fruit production. To manage mites, it's essential to improve tree health by reducing stress and applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control infestations.
