How to Identify and Care for an Acme Japanese Plum

The Acme Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) is a high-maintenance fruit tree that tolerates heat and humidity. It thrives in zones 5 to 9 and no American Horticultural Society Heat Zone has been defined for this plant. It needs at least six continuous hours of sun per day and blooms from early spring to late spring. It should be planted in an area with a sandy loam to clay loam mixture with a pH of 6 to 7. The cultivar is Acme and the family is Rosaceae.

Instructions

1. Identify the Acme Japanese Plum by its large spread and medium leaves. The spread is wider than its height of up to 20 feet. The fruit varies in shape from round to heart-shaped and ranges in color from green to yellow and bright red to deep purple--almost black. The blossoms are fragrant and white.

2. Plant the Acme Japanese Plum in just about any type of soil, but be sure it is fertile and well-draining. Dig an area that is three to four times the diameter of the rootball and about the same depth as the rootball. Scarify the sides of the hole with a shovel or pitchfork. If the tree is in a container, lay it on its side to remove the container, then loosen the roots. If the tree is balled and covered with burlap, remove the ties or nails from the burlap, then put the whole thing, burlap and all, into the hole. Be sure the burlap is organic, so that is will decompose. Fill the hole with soil. Mulch with at least 3 inches of mulch.

3. Create a water ring around the edge of the hole. This helps to direct water to the outer roots and also conserves water. Keep the water ring until the tree is established. Once established, you can flatten out the ring. Water the tree enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. You will have to water more often in the summer months.

4. Fertilize the Acme Japanese Plum once every two to three years. When first planted, you may use a fertilizer with phosphorus, but after that, use an all-around tree fertilizer, unless a soil test shows missing nutrients. Trees do not need to be fertilized as often as flowers and shrubs.

5. Control pests and disease by pruning the tree. If you pinch (remove stem tips), you will encourage branching. Always remove old, dead or decaying wood from the tree, as this will allow better airflow to the lower branches and helps to control pests. Removing the infected leaves when the plant is dry can control disease such as leaf spot. Water from the bottom of the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Never amend the soil with less than half of the original soil. If the soil is loose, it is better to not add any amendments.

Resources

• Backyard Gardener