Description
Santa Rosa plums have a deep, rich flavour and are sweet and tender. There is a tart quality to them too, making them even more moreish. Santa Rosa plums have red skin and amber-coloured flesh, with a purple flower, and the plums are a little bigger than other common varieties.
Santa Rosa plums are delicious, fresh, as a jam, or cooked into a decadent tart or cobbler. They have retained that distinct plum flavour, making them the superior choice for foodies that long for authenticity.
They are self pollinating trees and therefore do not require another plum tree for pollination.
Harvesting
Your tree should begin to produce fruit when it is about 3 to 5 years old. The plums are ready to be picked when their skin is a beautiful red colour and they pull away easily from the tree.
Position
Plum trees require relatively cold winters. The chill hours are calculated under 7°C in winter. If your plum tree does not receive enough chill hours, its flowers may not open, or they may have only a few flowers that open
The Santa Rosa plum tree needs full sun at least 6 hours of unfiltered sunlight daily.
Choose a site that is sheltered from strong winds.
Size
At maturity, this tree will be between 5.5 and 6 metres tall with a spread of 3.5 to 4.5 metres. So, ensure that your tree is in a spot where it has room to grow and extend its roots and canopy out.
Soil Type
Loamy, well-draining soil creates the ideal environment for the roots to get enough water without being waterlogged. The ground should be slightly acidic (ideally between 5.5 and 6.5).
Newly planted plum trees need consistent moisture for root establishment. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but still require regular watering, about 2-3cm per week. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses are effective for providing consistent moisture. Water at the base of the tree to avoid wet foliage and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Mulch
Apply organic mulch to your pear tree all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot..
Fertilising
Apply our slow-release Berry-All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Alternatively, apply a balanced fertiliser (such as 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins. Thereafter fertilise annually in early spring.
Pruning
The best time to prune plum trees is during winter dormancy to minimize disease risk. Light summer pruning can manage growth and improve light penetration, but heavy pruning should be avoided. Cut away dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Plum trees benefit from an open-center (vase-shaped) structure. Remove inner branches to allow light and air to penetrate the tree’s center. Remove crossing or rubbing branches.
For young trees, establish a strong framework; for mature trees, maintain the desired shape. When making cuts, cut back to a healthy bud and at a slight angle to promote healing. If the tree is getting too tall or wide, prune it to maintain a manageable size.
Remove no more than 20-30% of the tree’s canopy at one time. Over-pruning can stress the tree and reduce fruit production.
Pests
Keep an eye out for pests like the Curculio beetle, aphids, plum mites, and scale insects that can infest plum trees. Watch for signs of infestation and remove fallen fruit and debris to maintain good garden hygiene. Use traps and horticultural oil sprays to control pests.
We recommend Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) and organic Neem Oil to prevent and control the spread of these pests and diseases.
EM Control puts you firmly on the green path when using it in your garden. EM is certified organic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Because EM boosts the soil, your garden will flourish without the use of any chemicals. The soil’s vitality equals the vitality of the plants and fruits they produce. EM is a biocontrol measure, controlling pests by releasing microorganisms into the soil. With EM, pests and pathogens are controlled or suppressed by means of natural processes.
Agricultural Neem Oil is a powerful oil that is kind to your garden, fighting against even the most challenging infestations. Our Neem oil is an agricultural grade and is highly effective in controlling roughly 600 different types of insects! Targeted at insects that suck and chew leaves, it doesn’t extend its damage to the rest of the plant or its surrounds. It is Biodegradable, cold pressed and 100% organic.
