Burbank plums, or Prunis salicina, is a heirloom variety of a Japanese plum tree with a wide canopy covered in leaves. It was developed by Luther Burbank, who was an American plant breeder. In 1885, plum seedlings were sent to him from Japan, and he later sent them to the American Pomological Society to be added to their catalog. To grow, it requires cross-pollination between different Japanese plum cultivars.
The Burbank plum tree is truly spectacular to look at. It has bright green leaves, and the plums grow in bunches on the tree. The fruit has soft red-purple skin with yellow blushing, and the flesh is amber-colored. In the blooming season, which is during early spring, delicate white flowers will begin to appear on the trees. Fruit begins to grow after 2 to 3 growing seasons.
When it reaches its full maturity, the Burbank plum tree can reach heights of up to 35 feet tall and spread 20 feet wide. The dwarf variety can grow up to 8 to 10 feet tall and wide.
The Burbank plum tree is best suited for USDA regions 5 through 9 as it loves temperate environments with some moisture in the air.
The tree I received was full of holes on the leaves. It had some kind of disease and was not healthy. I wanted to return it but I broke the shipping box and did not wanted to go through the hassle. You should not ship a plant like that to a customer.
Burbank plum trees need a lot of care for them to thrive. On average, the tree should receive full and direct sunlight for about 6 hours per day. When planting the saplings, give them at least 50 feet of space in between to leave room for growth.
Pruning for the Burbank plum tree should be done after flowering but while the tree is still leafless. When the plant is mature, pruning should be done to let light and air into the tree’s center to so its evenly distributed across the branches, fruits, and leaves. If the crop is heavy, thin the fruits by hand to be at least 5 inches apart. Remove one-fifth of the new growth to rejuvenate the tree and control its spread.
Take a hardwood cutting during late autumn or winter to propagate the Burbank plum tree. It is best to take from two-year-old growth. The cutting should be about 10 inches long and the thickness of a pencil. Remove the leaves, dip them in a rooting hormone, and place the cutting in fertile soil.
Burbank Plum Fruit and Harvesting
You can consume burbank plums in an infinite number of ways. They can be sauteed, baked, boiled, canned, juiced, and much more. In addition, they make amazing plum cobblers, crumbles, jams, cakes, muffins, and sauces. When it has fully ripened, the Burbank plum can produce about one-fourth of a cup of juice.
The Burbank plum does not need to ripen on the tree and can do so on its own once it has been picked. To do this, place them in a paper bag and close it loosely. Then, leave the bag on the kitchen counter at room temperature and check on it every 24 hours. Adding another fruit, such as apples or bananas, can speed the ripening process by adding more ethylene gas.
The Burbank plums are ready to harvest when they have slightly softened but still hold onto their firmness. The skin will be red or purplish with areas of yellow, and the fruit will be juicy and sweet. To harvest the plums, twist the fruit at an angle off of the branch instead of pulling it to avoid damaging the branch. Alternatively, you can use scissors or another sharp object to cut the fruit off of the tree.
Burbank Plum Advice
The Burbank plum tree grows best in soil that is loamy and well-drained. Too much moisture in the plant, either because of overwatering or compact soil, can cause root rot and ultimately damage or kill the plant. You should limit watering to once every 10 days once it is fully matured. It may need to be watered more often in its early stages and during the summer. The soil should be mostly dried out before the tree is watered again. In harsh winters, the plant should be covered to protect it from early frost when it is young.
The Burbank plum tree does well without fertilizer, but calcium nitrate or ammonium nitrate can be used in early summer to promote its growth. Additionally, a fruit fertilizer can be used once a year during the growing season as well.
Like many other fruit trees, Burbank plum trees are prone to becoming damaged by pests. For example, the bacterial canker can damage the trunk and branches of the tree and leave an amber-colored sap. To prevent this, check the plant often for signs of infestation. If bacterial cankers are present, there are many natural ways to avoid them without causing harm.
FAQs
Are Burbank plums self-fertile?
Burbank plum trees are partially self-fertile, but pollinators such as Duff’s Early Jewel, Omega, and Sultan help them to grow and thrive. For the plant to grow, it must be cross-pollinated with another variety.
What is the lifespan of the Burbank plum tree?
The Burbank plum tree can live an average of 20 to 40 years; of course, this depends on the environment and how well taken care of the tree is.
Are Burbank plums good for canning?
Burbank plums are great canning plums; this is because of the large size of the fruit. When canned, it does not become soft and mushy. Because of their firmness and high quality, Burbank plums are excellent for making canning and long-term storage.
Are Burbank plums high maintenance?
Generally, Burbank plums are high maintenance since they require a specific environment, regular watering, and extra care during the winter and cold months. However, all of the work is worth it in the end once beautiful, juicy plums begin to grow!
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
The tree I received was full of holes on the leaves. It had some kind of disease and was not healthy. I wanted to return it but I broke the shipping box and did not wanted to go through the hassle. You should not ship a plant like that to a customer.
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