House plum, which we plant in gardens and orchards, has many varieties that differ in shape, color, size and taste of the fruit, and - especially in the case of ornamental trees - the color of leaves and flowers.
Among all European varieties, four general groups can be distinguished: mirabelles, green leaves, semi-Hungarian and typical Hungarian.Small, spherical fruit with a skin of different color - from yellow, through red, to purple - is a characteristic feature of mirabelle plums.They are perfect for preserves and compotes. The most appreciated is the old French version of 'Mirabelka z Nancy'.
Much larger, exceptionally aromatic and usually eaten raw fruits have green leaves. The most valuable varieties are not very sensitive to the sharka of 'Renkloda Althana' with pink and golden juicy plums, as well as 'Renkloda Ulena' and the abundantly fruiting 'Peach' plum.
Dessert fruits of half-breasts are universally applicable: they taste great when dried and raw, as well as processed into jam.Particular attention should be paid to the early 'Herman' variety, resistant to frost and not very susceptible to diseases.
The last group is typical Hungarian. Their fruit has a dark purple-blue skin with a white coating. Polish, abundantly fruitful 'Węgierka Dąbrowicka' and 'Hungarian Valjevka' are worth recommending, which produces plums with an extremely tasty flesh.
The position under the plum trees should be sunny and secluded. The cultivars are most often grafted on rootstocks from the Ałycz or Hungarian 'Wangenheim' rootstock. It is worth paying attention to this, because the former are more resistant to worse soil conditions (drier soil) and to frost. On the other hand, the plums enriched in Hungarian form a quite demanding root system, so they should be planted in better, water-rich soils.Remember also that plum trees, like most fruit trees, do not grow on acidic soil, so it will be necessary to lime the soil first.
Proven varieties recommended for amateur cultivation
Most plum varieties can be grown all over the country. The trees rarely freeze and bear fruit every year.
1. 'Čacanska Lepotica' creates a compact, shapely crown. The fruit has a juicy, tasty flesh.Self-pollinating variety.
2. 'Elena' - its fruits ripen at the end of September. They are very sweet, perfect for preserves. Self-pollinating.
3. 'Valor' is a variety susceptible to sharka, but not very sensitive to other diseases . The fruit has a very juicy and sweet flesh.
4. 'Ulena' has dessert fruit, best to eat straight from the tree, with a unique green-golden color of the skin. It is self-pollinating.
For a good mood and metabolism
In addition to their delicious taste, plums also have a lot of nutritional value. They are a source of many B vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.Thanks to the high content of fiber, the fruit regulates digestion.They also have anti-cancer, antiatherosclerotic and antioxidant properties. Plums (especially dried plums) reduce the level of bad cholesterol.
5. 'Bluefree' - its expansive crown requires a strong cut.The fruit has a yellow soft flesh.Very frost-resistant.
6. 'Węgierka Dąbrowicka' creates a shaped, conical crown. Plums have a honey-yellow, tasty flesh, perfect for preserves.
7. 'Sultan' is a fertile dessert variety resistant to sharka. It has large fruits.
8. The President creates a spreading crown.The fruits ripen late - at the turn of September and October.
