Hello
I was wondering if someone can help me out. I started a plum tree from seed about a year ago and it is now March and it has come out of hibernation and is starting to sprout.
There are 5 or 6 very small branches at the bottom and then the stem shoots straight up.
I have included a picture.
It is very slim.
My question is:- should it be this slim and should I be pruning this plant for the future or do I just let it grow.
If it does need pruning can you tell me what I should or shouldnt be cutting off.
Also is it too late now to prune it.
Hope you can help
Jewster
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I have plum trees in my garden for several years now and each year it grew more suckers similar to what you have. We dug it out and distributed to whatever wants 2 suckers for cross pollination. It is time to plant it. Do not try to prune it as the plant will do her own thing as she gets bigger. It takes about 3-4 years before it will produce fruit. I don't know which variety you have. We have lots of fruits in fall.
Just a couple of points jewster,
I would leave those small shoots at the bottom of the tree for a while until the whole plant has built up some more strength. In the end though they will have to go as they are far too low.
As regards cutting the leader. Once it has reached around knee height then it would pay to cut the tip as this will encourage it produce side shoots ( feathers) at that point. These would be at the ideal height once the three was mature.
Any tree planted from seed is going to be a chance as you do not know the other parent. It may turn into a lovely plum....or just a wild sport that is poor quality....you take that gamble when you plant from the stone.Good luck.
I would leave those small shoots at the bottom of the tree for a while until the whole plant has built up some more strength. In the end though they will have to go as they are far too low.
As regards cutting the leader. Once it has reached around knee height then it would pay to cut the tip as this will encourage it produce side shoots ( feathers) at that point. These would be at the ideal height once the three was mature.
Any tree planted from seed is going to be a chance as you do not know the other parent. It may turn into a lovely plum....or just a wild sport that is poor quality....you take that gamble when you plant from the stone.Good luck.
- sweetiepie
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