My Garden
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Culinary Usage | Edible plant | |
| Medicinal Usage | Medicinal Usage | |
| Duration to maturity | 3 years to harvest | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 60 years lifespan | |
| Toxicity | Toxic to: Dogs, Horses, Livestock | |
| Sun Requirements | 4-6 hours direct sunlight (Partial Sun) | |
| Pollination | Method: animal Notes: Primarily pollinated by bees and other insects. While some varieties are self-fertile, planting multiple varieties of Prunus mume or ensuring presence of pollinators can significantly improve fruit set and yield. | |
| Watering Requirements | Method: Deep watering Frequency: When soil is dry to the touch, especially during dry periods and for young trees. Notes: Prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil. Established trees can tolerate some drought but perform best with regular deep watering, particularly during flowering and fruiting periods. Avoid waterlogging. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: moderate | |
| Care Instructions | Prune Prunus mume after flowering in late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and encourage new growth. Thinning cuts can improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Protect young trees from severe winter winds and frost if in a marginal zone. | |
| Temperature Range | Min: -23°C Max: 35°C | |
| Alternative Names | Armeniaca mume, Armeniaca mume mume, Prunus mume tonsa, Chinese plum, Mume, Japanese apricot |
Cultivars
Bungo
Both Prunus mume and Japanese Maples require similar growing conditions (well-drained soil, sun to partial shade), leading to direct competition for soil moisture, nutrients, and light if planted too closely. Their root systems can also compete significantly.
Apples, like Prunus mume, are fruit-bearing trees that require full sun and rich, well-draining soil for optimal health and fruit production. Planting them in close proximity can lead to severe competition for essential resources and may increase the shared risk of certain pests and diseases due to similar vulnerabilities.
Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth, leaves, and flower buds. Infestations lead to distorted, curled leaves, stunted growth, and can cause a sticky residue (honeydew) which may lead to sooty mold.
Tiny, immobile insects that appear as small bumps on stems, branches, and sometimes leaves. They feed on plant sap, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, branch dieback, and produce honeydew, which can attract ants and lead to sooty mold.
Larvae tunnel into the bark and wood of the tree, typically near the soil line or in branch crotches. Symptoms include sawdust-like frass (excrement) mixed with gummy sap oozing from holes, wilting branches, and general decline of the tree, potentially leading to branch or tree death.
Metallic green and copper-colored beetles that feed on leaves, skeletonizing them by eating the tissue between the veins. Severe infestations can defoliate trees and reduce overall vigor.
A fungal disease that causes blossoms to blight and turn brown, and can lead to fruit rotting on the tree. Affected blossoms and fruit may become covered in grayish-brown spore masses. Fruit can shrivel and become mummified, persisting on the tree.
Steps:
- Select healthy, disease-free semi-hardwood cuttings from the current season's growth, typically 6-8 inches long, in summer after the leaves have matured but are still pliable.
- Remove leaves from the bottom half of each cutting, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top.
- Dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone (liquid or powder).
- Insert the treated end of the cutting into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of perlite and peat moss, or sand and peat, ensuring at least one node is buried.
- Provide high humidity around the cuttings by covering them with a plastic dome or bag, and maintain consistent moisture in the rooting medium, but avoid waterlogging.
- Place in a warm location with indirect light.
- Roots typically form in 4-8 weeks. Once a good root system has developed, acclimate the new plant to lower humidity before transplanting into individual pots or the garden.
Neem Oil
Natural pesticide and fungicide effective against aphids, scale insects, and some fungal issues like powdery mildew (though less direct for brown rot). It acts as an antifeedant and growth disruptor.
Insecticidal Soap
Effective for contact control of soft-bodied pests like aphids and young scale insects by disrupting their cell membranes. It is a safer, low-impact option.
Horticultural Oil
Used to smother overwintering pests like scale insects and aphid eggs, and can also be effective against active infestations. Applied during dormant season or as a lighter summer application.
Copper Fungicide
A traditional option for managing fungal diseases like brown rot, especially when applied as a dormant spray or at bud break to protect against early infections. Helps reduce spore germination.
Beneficial Nematodes
Microscopic worms that can be applied to the soil to target and control the larval stage of certain borers (like peach tree borer) before they enter the tree.
Bone Meal
A natural source of phosphorus and calcium, promoting strong root development and overall plant vigor, which can help a tree better resist pests and diseases.