How to grow plum blossoms

Planting method

Planting

It can be planted in the ground in the south, and cold-resistant varieties can also be planted in the ground in the Yellow River Basin, but in the cold northern regions, it should be potted and overwintered indoors. It can be planted after leaf fall and before budding in spring. To increase the survival rate, avoid damaging the root system and transplant with the soil ball. Ground planting should be done in a location sheltered from the wind and facing the sun. For potted plants, choose a culture soil that is evenly mixed with 3 parts of leaf mold, 3 parts of garden soil, 2 parts of river sand, and 2 parts of decomposed manure. Water thoroughly once after planting. Place it in a shaded place for maintenance, and move it to the sun for normal management after it resumes growth.

Light and temperature

Likes warmth and plenty of light. Except for apricot and plum varieties which can withstand low temperatures of -25℃, most of them can withstand low temperatures of -10℃. It is resistant to high temperatures and can grow at 40℃. It grows best in areas with an average annual temperature of 16 to 23 degrees Celsius. It is very sensitive to temperature and blooms when the average temperature in early spring reaches -5 to 7 degrees Celsius.

Watering and fertilizing

Pay attention to watering during the growing period, and always keep the soil in the pot moist. It should not be waterlogged, nor should it be too wet or too dry. Watering should follow the principle of watering when the soil is dry and wet. Generally, water less when it is cloudy and the temperature is low, otherwise water more. You can water it twice a day in summer, once a day in spring and autumn, and water it thoroughly in winter when the soil is dry. Fertilization is also reasonable. Apply base fertilizer before planting and add a small amount of potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate again before flowering and apply decomposed cake fertilizer once after flowering to supplement nutrition. You can also apply compound fertilizer once in June to promote flower bud differentiation. After the leaves fall in autumn, apply organic fertilizer once, such as decomposed manure.

Flowering Management

Shaping and pruning

Shaping and pruning of ground-planted plum blossoms can be done within 20 days after flowering.

Mainly focus on the natural tree shape, cut off the crossing branches, upright branches, dry branches, overly dense branches, etc., and shorten the side branches to promote lush flowers and leaves.

Potted plum blossoms need to be heavily pruned after being potted to lay the foundation for bonsai making. Plum trees are usually used as landscape, with plum blossoms of various postures grafted on.

If the temperature is maintained at a certain level, plum blossoms can be seen blooming during the Spring Festival. If you want it to bloom on May Day, you need to maintain a temperature of 0-5℃ and a humid environment. Move it outdoors in early April and place it in a place with sufficient sunlight and good ventilation. You can see the flowers around May Day.

Flowering Management

Potted plum blossoms with controlled flowering period are generally grown for family viewing. After the leaves fall in winter, place them indoors and keep the temperature between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. After New Year's Day, gradually increase the temperature to 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Provide sufficient sunlight during the day and spray water on the branches frequently. The water level should be close to the room temperature.