- Authors: America
- Appeared when crossing: Seedling Ponda x Hungarian Azhanskaya
- Growth type: vigorous
- Crown: thick, pyramidal
- Tree height, m: up to 4
- Fruit size: large
- Fruit weight, g: 45-60
- Fruit shape: obovate
- Fruit color: dark red, with a bluish tinge
- Skin : rough, thick
The name of this variety is promising. However, meeting all expectations is not easy. The most accurate and adequate information about the crop being grown is urgently needed.
Breeding history
Plum Gigantic is a proven American variety. Such varieties as Hungarian Azhanskaya and Seedling Ponda were taken as a basis. The plant is very old - it has been known since the end of the 19th century. But during this time, on the other hand, they definitely managed to study it properly, and such a culture will not bring surprises.
Description of the variety
Such a tree has a universal purpose. Its trunk can grow up to 4 m. The dense crown is close to a pyramid in shape. Growth strength is moderately high. The leaves are dark green in color and the white flowers are exceptionally fragrant.
Fruit characteristics
Plums of this variety are characterized by a large size. Their usual mass is 45-67 g. In shape, they look like an inverted egg. Due to the bluish tinge, the dark red surface only looks more attractive. Separating the bone from the pulp is quite difficult.
Taste qualities
The orange pulp of the Giant Plum demonstrates a pleasant sweet and sour combination. Its taste belongs to the dessert category. The skin is rough and thick. It therefore quite strongly influences the taste perception.
Ripening and fruiting
With proper planting in open ground, you can expect to harvest as early as the 3rd year. The crop is classified as a medium-ripening tree. The plum will bloom in April and in the last third of spring. The time to collect drupes usually comes in the last two decades of summer. Fruiting occurs regularly, if only the weather permits.
Yield
The collection can exceed 40 kg of drupes per 1 trunk. All that is required from the gardeners themselves is only to strictly observe the requirements of agricultural technology. Under this condition, as well as with minimally favorable weather, a full harvest will not be long in coming. Important: according to evidence from third-party sources, the collection can reach 45 kg per 1 tree.
Self-fertility and the need for pollinators
This variety is self-fertile. There is almost no need to use other plants for pollination. Therefore, the Giant plum turns out to be more productive than many other varieties.
Growing and care
The most attractive planting of such a plant in the spring. It is recommended to perform the procedure in April, at the time of kidney dissolution. Good lighting of the selected area is very important. In shaded places, the Giant gives only a meager harvest. Landing on the northern side of the plots is also allowed, subject to full protection from the wind.
Planting such a plant in a hole is not very wise. It is preferable to use hills and other areas protected from stagnant water. The permissible depth of soil water is at least 1.5 m. Soil types are carefully selected.But they are not as critical as for cherries.
Be sure to use columns that become supports. When planting, the roots should not be too hard against the walls of the pit - this is the general requirement for this variety. Watering due to the same weakness of the roots should be done in moderation. The planting hole is covered with earth above the edge. Mulch is poured near the trunk - straw or old foliage.
Once the tree has been placed in its final location, all branches must be shortened by a third. When growth stops, a cut to older wood is needed. It is best to prune the Giant in early spring, at most until the end of April. Autumn pruning is not recommended. It is imperative to get rid of heavily overloaded lower branches, as well as all poorly developing and damaged shoots.
Each time, no more than 25% of the shoots are eliminated. As soon as the plum grows up to 2 m, its growth is limited. This allows for the best possible yield. From fertilizers in the spring months, urea and potassium sulfate are used. Like other plants, the Giant Plum should not be fed with nitrogen during the autumn months. Other recommendations:
protect trees with nets from rodents;
watering adult plums actively using 20 liters of water;
shelter plantings for the winter.
Disease and pest resistance
The culture is characterized by an average resistance to major pathologies. Probably moniliosis. It should be borne in mind that, subject to competent processing, the danger of an unfavorable development of events is minimized. The pests are the same as those of other plum trees. There are also no differences in prevention measures.
Despite the fact that plum is considered more hardy than many fruit trees, it is not immune from diseases. It is attacked by viral, fungal and bacterial infections, and parasitic insects harm it. It is necessary to notice and recognize the signs of plum disease in time. They are easier to deal with and defeat early on. Well, in order to protect the garden tree from such a misfortune in the future, preventive procedures can be carried out.
Resistance to soil and climatic conditions
In rather harsh winters, the Giant Plum won't let you down. Droughts are also not overly disturbing to such a culture. True, the warmer the winter months, the sweeter the next year's harvest will be. The smallest tolerable temperature (with normal snow cover and without correction for wind, air humidity) is –34 degrees. It is imperative to protect plants if frosts can approach the critical point.
Review overview
Large and beautiful outwardly fruits attract both beginners and experienced gardeners. No one is usually disappointed as long as they show the slightest effort. Trees are rather unpretentious and “forgive” very serious mistakes. The harvested fruits are distinguished by excellent culinary qualities. The variety is suitable both for plantation planting and for expanding small personal gardens.