Santa Rosa plums, or Prunus salicina, is a fast-growing fruit tree that produces delicious and juicy fruit during the middle of summer. They were developed by Luther Burbank in 1906 in Santa Rosa, California. He began to import Japanese plums in the early 20th century, and he eventually created the Santa Rosa plum tree. It is a cross between Asian and European varieties of plums.
The Santa Rosa plum tree has green leaves, and the small fruits grow in bunches on the tree. The fruit has deep red chalky skin with yellow and orange flesh. Occasionally, the skin has a purplish color, and the flesh is red. In the blooming season, which is during July, small white and pink blossoms will begin to grow on the trees. Fruit can begin to bear during the first year of its growth. When the tree is fully mature, the Santa Rosa plum tree can grow up to 25 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide.
The Santa Rosa plum tree is best suited for USDA regions 5 through 9, and it thrives in regions that are warm and dry. In addition, it is drought tolerant once it has been established.
Santa Rosa plum trees are mid-range for maintenance, so some experience with planting fruit trees may be necessary. The trees need to receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight a day. When planting the saplings, they need to be given at least 20 feet of space in between to leave room for them to grow.
Pruning for the Santa Rosa plum tree should be done in early spring and winter before the buds break to avoid infection. When the plant is in its first two years of growth, prune the tree to allow air and sunlight to reach the center branches. Remove water spouts, damaged or diseased branches, and surrounding areas to avoid infection.
Propagation of the Santa Rosa is straightforward to do. First, take a hardwood cutting during late autumn or winter. It is best to take from two-year-old growth, and it should be at least three-eighths-inch thick. Use shear to cut through the branch without damaging the tree. You must plant this cutting in full sun and fertile soil.
Santa Rosa Plum Fruit and Harvesting
You can consume santa Rosa plums in nearly every way imaginable. They can be sauteed, baked, boiled, canned, juiced, and more. When it has fully ripened, the Santa Rosa plum can produce about one-fourth of a cup of juice.
The Santa Rosa plum does not need to ripen on the tree and can do so on its own once it has been harvested. 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, can speed the ripening process by adding more ethylene gas.
The Santa Rosa plums are ready to harvest when they have slightly softened, and are usually ready to be picked in June and July. The skin will be chalky and bright red with a tart flavor, 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 limb. Alternatively, you can use scissors or another sharp object to cut the fruit off of the tree.
Santa Rosa Plum Advice
The Santa Rosa plum tree grows best in loamy, dry, and well-drained soil. Too much moisture in the plant, either because of overwatering or compact soil, can cause root rot and ultimately damage or kill the tree by drowning the roots. 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, you should cover the plant to protect it from early frost when it is young.
When choosing a fertilizer for the Santa Rosa plum tree, make sure that it is balanced and gentle. Organic grass clippings are gentle enough to be used for young trees. A 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch is great for retaining moisture and preventing weed growth.
Like many other fruit trees, Santa Rosa plum trees are prone to becoming damaged by pests. To prevent this, check the plant often for signs of infestation from aphids, pink maggots, and scales. If pests are present, you can use natural pesticides to get rid of them without causing harm to your plant.
FAQs
Do Santa Rosa plums fruit on new wood?
Santa Rosa plums do fruit on new wood, so keeping the top branches pruned is important. You should do this about once a year.
Are Santa Rosa plum trees high maintenance?
Santa Rosa plum trees are not too high maintenance, but they can be picky. This is mostly because they require fertile soil and full sun. In fact, placing the tree in the shade can potentially stunt its growth or kill it. On the other hand, it can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much do Santa Rosa plum trees cost?
On average, Santa Rosa plum trees cost about $90.00 for a tree that is 3 to 4 feet, $100.00 for a tree that is 4 to 5 feet, and $120.00 for a tree that is between 5 and 6 feet.
Are Santa Rosa plums good for canning?
Since Santa Rosa plums are firm and not overly sweet, they are great for canning. However, adding a bit of sugar for sweetness and to enhance the flavor may be necessary. This can also help with the tartness when making jam.
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