Candy plum: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation, pollinators

History of Candy plum breeding

Due to the climatic conditions in Russia, breeders have always been faced with a problem - they need to develop a variety that produces a tasty and rich harvest, but is also not susceptible to low temperatures. Through the work of Professor Kursakov, the now popular plum variety called Konfetnaya was developed at the Timiryazev Academy.

The main feature of the variety is its increased frost resistance. Young trees do not need to be additionally protected from low temperatures using various technical structures. Gardeners are not afraid that seedlings will die in the first year.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The advantages of the variety are:
early fruiting;
excellent taste of plums;
good transportable properties;
disease resistance;
frost resistance.

Did you know? Frost-resistant plum varieties intended for northern latitudes can withstand frosts up to

–
40°С.
But Zarechnaya early is intended for central regions, so its frost resistance threshold does not exceed –
15°C.
The disadvantage is the average yield, which is ineffective for industrial cultivation. But for a private garden, this becomes an advantage, since you get enough plums from one tree to meet your daily nutritional needs, and there is no need to worry about processing large volumes of produce.

Pros and cons of a fruit tree

The Candy plum variety has a number of advantages, thanks to which this plant has become a favorite among gardeners in the country. The advantages include:

quick harvest of plums - with proper care, the crop begins to bear fruit already in its fourth year of life;
excellent taste of the fruit - it is rich, very sweet, with a slight sourness;
beautiful appearance of the tree - you can boast of an orchard; trees fit into any design of the site;
resistance to many diseases - this makes it possible to spend less money and time on treatment against parasites;
immunity to low temperatures - can be planted even in regions with the harshest climates.

But the Candy plum variety also has some disadvantages. The largest of them is that the fruits begin to crumble when they reach their maximum weight. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out harvesting regularly. Otherwise, he will simply end up under your feet.

Plum fruits are unlikely to be suitable for use for technical purposes, since they do not last long and do not have high rates of transportability.

Also, in order for the fruits to begin to form, pollination will be required. The variety is not self-pollinating, so there should not be one on the drainage area. Particular attention is paid to what trees grow nearby, while carefully taking into account the onset of flowering time.

Planting and care

Plants can be planted in autumn or spring. The main thing is not to miss deadlines. Spring planting will require more careful care of the tree. For planting, try to choose the warmest and sunny area. The soil should be loose and have neutral acidity. The distance to neighboring trees is at least 3 meters. Caring for the variety is not difficult. Watering is carried out as needed, increasing the frequency of wetting during the dry period. Pruning to free the crown from excessive thickening is carried out in the spring, and sanitary pruning is done as necessary. Fertilizing is carried out according to the generally accepted scheme - nitrogen-containing compounds are applied in the spring, superphosphate compounds are applied in the fall. Potassium fertilizers can be replaced by adding wood ash. Don't forget about preventive treatments that increase disease resistance. In cool regions in winter, the root zone is insulated with a layer of mulch of 15 - 20 cm.

Candy is valued among gardeners for its early yield and excellent taste. It is easy to grow; its compact size fits perfectly into any garden, even a small one. The disadvantages are poor transportability of the fruits and their insufficient keeping quality. In addition, the harvest will have to be harvested in a timely manner so as not to lose it.

Description and characteristics

Pay attention to the characteristics of the variety.

Tree dimensions

The Candy Plum is a medium-sized tree. Its height hardly exceeds 3 meters, usually reaching 2.5 meters.

The crown is spreading and very dense, thanks to which you can create artificial shade in your summer cottage. If desired, the plum branches are trimmed and leveled to give the tree a standard or bush-like shape.

Fruiting variety

Before purchasing a seedling, you should pay attention to the description of the characteristics of fruiting.

Flowering and pollinators of plum

Candy plum is a type of self-fertile plant. Therefore, she needs additional pollinators. Flowering occurs at the time when Zarechnaya early and Renklod collective farm bloom. Therefore, it is these varieties that are most often planted next to the crop in a summer cottage.

Ripening time and yield

The variety is distinguished by early ripening. At good temperatures, the first plums from the tree are harvested at the end of July. But it is also necessary to take into account the specific climatic conditions of the growing region.

Plums ripen unevenly, so summer residents have to harvest several times.

It is worth remembering that due to the large mass, the fruits begin to fall from the branches. There is no point in delaying harvesting, as all the plums will end up on the ground. An adult tree (5 years and older) produces from 20 to 35 kilograms of plums per year. Of course, the Konfetnaya plum variety occupies one of the first places in terms of the volume of the harvested crop.

Taste qualities and uses of the crop

The taste and aroma properties of the variety are excellent. The weight of one plum reaches 40 grams, they are quite large. Fruit characteristics:

shape - oval, rounded;
color - plum, rich, closer to dark;
the skin is thin and cannot be felt;
plaque - present, small waxy;
the color of the pulp is bright yellow with a greenish tint;
the taste of the pulp is sweet, aromatic, candy-like, without aftertaste;
the bone is easily separated.

A distinctive feature of these fruits is that they contain a lot of sugars and little acid in comparison with other fruits.

As a result, summer residents choose the Candy plum for preparing various homemade preparations: jellies, mousses, preserves, marshmallows, marmalade, marmalade, compote, jam and other delicacies.

Also, plums with a high sugar content make excellent homemade alcoholic liqueurs and liqueurs.

Immunity to diseases and parasites

The Candy variety is resistant to diseases; insects rarely attack the plant. But cases do occur. Plum is sick:

moniliosis, which is treated with Nitrafen;
Clusterosporiasis, which a solution of Bordeaux mixture will help prevent.

It is affected by aphids (treat plums with Karbofos twice a year), and by codling moths (Chlorofos helps).

Drought and frost resistance

The variety demonstrates excellent resistance to frost and drought. Therefore, it is equally comfortable to plant it in northern latitudes and in southern countries.

Features of growing plum Honey yellow

When cultivating the described plum, gardeners do not have any special problems due to its high degree of tolerance to adverse environmental factors. There are very few varietal features of agricultural technology.

Landing

In the middle zone, it is better to plant a plum in the spring, since a seedling planted in the fall may not have time to take root and freeze out. The growing conditions and planting process are standard for this crop and have no special features.

The only thing you need to pay special attention to when planting tall Honey yellow is compliance with the recommended tree placement pattern (4x5–6 m)

Tall Honey Yellow plum trees should be placed in accordance with the recommended planting scheme

How to trim the crown

The simplest and most logical solution would be a sparsely tiered crown formation, which is standard for tall plum trees. In this case, the height of the trunk is left at 40 cm and over the course of 4–5 years, 2–3 tiers are formed, consisting of 6–8 skeletal branches, then the central conductor is removed. This forming is not difficult to perform, but it will not significantly limit the height of the tree.

For tall plum trees, a sparsely tiered crown formation is often used.

When cupped, the height of the tree can be maintained within 3–3.5 m, and maximum illumination and crown ventilation will be achieved. After forming one tier of 3-4 branches directed in different directions, the conductor is immediately cut out. Forming a crown in the form of a bowl will also not be difficult - the main thing is to subsequently prevent it from thickening.

By using a cup-shaped form, it will be possible to limit the height of the Honey Yellow plum tree

You also need to regularly carry out the following standard types of pruning:

sanitary;
regulating (thinning);
supporting (shortening shoots to increase fruiting).

Video: how to reduce the crown of a plum tree

Watering, fertilizing, protection from damage

Honey yellow is drought tolerant, but this does not mean that it does not need watering at all. Plum is a moisture-loving crop; the advantage of drought-resistant varieties is that they can be watered less often. Two to four waterings per season will be sufficient, depending on the amount of precipitation.

Fertilizing is carried out according to the usual scheme for plums. It should be taken into account that Honey Yellow, like all large-fruited varieties, needs a sufficient amount of potassium during the period of fruit filling and ripening. In addition to root feeding, it is advisable to spray with potassium humate 2-3 times.

For large-fruited plum varieties, additional foliar feeding with potassium humate is required during the period of fruit filling and ripening.

The variety has good disease resistance, so timely prevention will prevent possible damage. Resistance to pests is not mentioned in the sources, but it is common knowledge that preventive measures to protect plants from them have always been the most effective. When harmful insects have already appeared and done their job, fighting them is ineffective.

Rules for planting crops

Before planting, it is recommended to study the advice of experienced gardeners.

Site selection and preparation

Plum is a type of heat-loving plant, so you need to select a place that is as illuminated as possible. For fruits to ripen, they must receive direct sunlight. The site is preferable on the south side. Please also note that:

the plant cannot be planted where groundwater lies;
do not choose low-lying places where water accumulates.

The optimal soil is clay or loamy. If acidity is present, add lime or ash.

The seedling is planted in early spring. The hole is 70 centimeters wide and 50 centimeters deep. Humus and superphosphate are placed in the hole. The seedling must be installed on a support. After planting, water with at least 4 buckets of water.

What to plant next

In addition to placing natural pollinators nearby, you can place:

berry bushes, such as raspberries or currants;
shade-loving herbs and flowers.

The distance from other fruit trees should be at least 4 meters. Do not plant plum trees near hazel, poplar, birch and hazel.

Timing and technology of planting work

Planting occurs in early spring according to the following algorithm:

dig a hole 50 cm deep and 70 cm wide;
add superphosphate and humus by a third;
install a long stick support;
place the seedling in the hole;
straighten the roots;
sprinkle with soil;
compact;
pour 4 buckets of water.

To preserve moisture longer, you need to mulch the soil.

Diseases and pests

The tree is resistant to various diseases, but if planting or care rules are not followed, its health may weaken.

Among the most common diseases of plums is gum disease. It can appear due to carelessness of the owners: when mechanical damage appears on the trunk from garden tools or excessive pruning. The disease can also occur if there are cracks in the tree bark that occur naturally due to sudden temperature changes.

If you do not treat the tree in a timely manner, it can die very quickly, so a preventive inspection of the tree bark should be carried out annually. If growths of hard resin are detected, they must be carefully removed with a sharp tool along with the affected wood. Then the area is treated with a 1% solution of copper sulfate and healed with garden varnish.

Pests also pose a significant danger. Plum aphids can cover the entire leaf surface, feeding on plant juices. Spraying with Intavir solution (at the rate of 1 tablet/1 liter of water) will help overcome the parasite.

Prevention measures

Along with annual tree spraying, preventive measures include regular cleaning of the tree from old bark in the autumn, since pests readily overwinter in it. Another important measure: whitewashing trunks and skeletal branches, destroying overgrowth.

Candy plum is an unpretentious variety of plum, although when planting it, it is important to take into account the presence of pollinators nearby, so that later there are no problems with the harvest. The tree is small in size, so it is ideal for those who do not have large areas for planting.

As with all plants, care and care are also needed here so that the plant grows healthy and pleases its owner with tasty and sweet fruits every year.

Organization of competent care

Equally important is compliance with the requirements for caring for fruit crops.

Regularity of watering

Frequent watering is not required - it is enough to moisten the plant 5 times throughout the entire season. But during the drought period they increase the intensity. Excessive moisture can cause rotting of the root system.

How often and what to feed

Required:

from the third year of life, add 5 buckets of humus, 300 grams of superphosphate and 200 grams of potassium salt;
fertilize with phosphorus before flower formation;
During the growing season, feed with nitrogen preparations.

The first two years do not apply fertilizer.

Tree trunk care

Overgrowth must be removed to prevent exposure to pests. Remove damaged branches from the tree trunk circle.

Seasonal treatments

During the growing season, nitrogen preparations are added, and before flowering, potassium and phosphorus are added.

Pruning and crown formation

The tree grows strongly, its size reaches 4-5 meters in width. If you carry out regular pruning in autumn and spring, you can even out the shape.

Preparing the tree for winter

Although the plum tree is a frost-resistant plant, it is necessary to protect the trunk for the winter. Dry branches are also removed and pruned.

History of the variety and its features

The plum was bred in the last century in the garden named after I.V. Michurin on the basis of the Timiryazev Academy by Professor G.A. Kursakov. with the aim of creating a frost-resistant fruit-bearing tree for the harsh Russian climate. The goal was achieved: in winter the tree can withstand frosts down to -20 °C.

Description of the tree

The tree is very valuable for small areas because its size is compact. It reaches a height of about 2.5 m. The crown is easily corrected using shaping pruning, but it itself has a rounded outline. Its shape can be changed from standard to bush. Thanks to this, landscape designers love to use the plant in their landscaping projects.

Features of the fetus

The fruits of the Candy plum are medium in size, reaching 30-35 g. They are elongated in shape. The color is burgundy-red, the skin is quite thin, covered with a bluish waxy coating. Inside there is a delicate pulp of a jelly-like consistency, golden-yellow in color with a slight green tint. The bone is small and easily separated.

Plum fruits of the Candy variety taste like marmalade candies.

Among its advantages are:

stable and abundant fruiting: according to the description - up to 25 kg per tree, starting from the 4th year of the plant’s life;
the fruits ripen early, already at the end of July;
decorative and neat in appearance - wood easily fits into almost any landscape design;
very tasty fruits that even gourmets will appreciate;
unpretentiousness to climatic conditions;
resistance to the most widespread diseases of plums.

In contrast, wood also has disadvantages:

shedding of fruits when gaining a large mass due to the structural features of the tree; fruits spoil quickly and therefore cannot be transported far or left to lie in boxes for a long time; For the Candy Plum, having another plum tree in the garden or nearby is very important as the plant needs additional pollinators.

Considering that the climate in Russia is quite harsh and many varieties of fruit crops simply cannot survive in such conditions, domestic breeders are working on developing the most resistant varieties.

One of the best results of the work carried out is considered to be the Candy plum, which was bred by Professor G.A. Kursakov. on the basis of the Timiryazin Academy in Michurinsky Garden.

Reproduction methods

There are several methods of breeding Candy plum.

Vaccination

Cuttings of the grafted variety are used as a scion, and the rootstock is a garden planting onto which the cutting will be grafted. The procedure is carried out in the last days of May. The meaning of the manipulation is to tightly press two slices of equal size. The grafting site is wrapped in polyethylene and removed only after 4 weeks.

Root suckers

For this method of reproduction, a powerful shoot is used, which is located at the maximum distance from the mother. The cut material (length 15 centimeters) is planted in another area.

Root cuttings

In the fall, it is necessary to remove the roots growing a meter from the trunk and select the strongest ones. You can store the workpieces in a trench or in a cold room in the sand. In the spring (April) they are placed under film and kept for 30 days. When shoots form, choose a powerful one, and remove the rest.

Candy plum has mostly positive reviews among experienced gardeners. Even beginners can grow it, the main thing is to adhere to the correct agricultural technology and plant it within the specified time frame.

Rules for watering and fertilizing

Direct sunlight must fall on the site, because plums are heat-loving plants and maximum lighting is very important for them. Given the small growth of the tree, it is best to plant it on the south side from other plants.
You cannot plant plum trees in places with high groundwater levels.
Gardeners do not recommend using low-lying areas where rain and melt water accumulates.
For this variety, loamy soil or clay will be preferable. The tree does not tolerate excessive soil acidity. To correct this situation, add lime, ash or dolomite flour to the planting pit.

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The root system of Candy is located almost at the same level with the surface of the earth, so when planting such a tree, you need to take this factor into account.

It is recommended to move the candy tree into open ground in early spring so that the tree has time to get stronger before the onset of cold weather.

But you can also plant a tree in the autumn. But it will definitely need to be covered with spruce branches or roofing material.

Plum is a heat-loving plant; it is best to plant it on the south side of other plants.

Most often, plums are planted at a distance of 3-4 meters from each other.
A planting hole for trees measuring 50 centimeters deep and 70 centimeters wide is prepared in advance so that it has time to settle before carrying out work.
The top fertile layer of soil is mixed with humus, superphosphate and urea. This mixture should fill one third of the hole.
It is also necessary to immediately install a support, which can serve as a long stick.
The seedling must be carefully placed in the hole and the roots straightened.
The root collar should be 3-5 centimeters above ground level.
At the next stage, the tree will need to be sprinkled with fertile soil and lightly compacted.
After planting, the plum is watered abundantly, using 20-30 liters of water and mulched to retain moisture as long as possible.

Planting plums is accompanied by abundant watering. The initiation of flower buds and the formation of fruits also require quite a large amount of water. Typically, fruit trees are watered 3-5 times per season, but during dry periods the soil is moistened more often.

But the plant is very reserved about fertilizers. For the first 2-3 years, the plum is content with the supply of food, which is placed in the planting hole. Starting from the 3-4th year, high-quality organic matter (3-5 buckets of humus), 300 g of superphosphate and 200 g of potassium salt are added to the trunk circles for digging.

The tree is fed with nitrogen fertilizers in the spring during the first tillage of the soil in the garden, and with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers before flowering.

An important aspect of care is cleaning the tree trunk circle from weeds and loosening the soil to increase aeration. Mulching will help retain moisture in the soil and will significantly reduce the gardener’s labor costs: you will have to water and weed less often.

Periodic removal of emerging root shoots and sanitary and formative pruning of the tree crown will help maintain productive fruiting of the Candy plum.

These are the features of caring for a fruit tree with a children's name: Candy plum. Reviews from gardeners who grow this plum are unanimous: an excellent variety with sweet, thin-skinned fruits, unpretentious and decorative, is a good option in terms of early harvesting and the aesthetics of the garden composition.

Abundant watering should be done during:

planting plants;
appearance of the first buds;
at the first fruits.

You won’t have to bother with fertilizers for the first two years, since this variety throughout this period feeds on the reserves that are put into the soil before planting. Already from the third year you can start feeding the soil around it. Typically, nitrogen fertilizers are used for this in the spring, and phosphorus and potassium species are added before flowering. Nitrogen fertilizing should be used only in the first part of growth to inhibit the development of shoots that should mature before the cold weather. Professional gardeners recommend using wood ash extract to obtain potassium supplements - it will ensure optimal growth of flowers and fruits.

Starting from the last week of August, superphosphate is scattered around the circumference of the crown, and then the soil is dug up. When growths appear, they should be carefully eliminated. It is important to properly care for a growing tree: remove weeds, and also loosen the soil in time to improve oxygen circulation. To spend less time watering and weeding the soil, it should be mulched. Thus, moisture will remain inside longer.