Maintenance Landscaping Design

Prune fruit is a plant that produces a fruit that is often used in pies and other desserts. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, and has been cultivated since ancient times. The fruit is high in sugar and fiber, and has a sweet, tart flavor. Prunes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and can be eaten fresh or dried.

Also known as

• Dried plum
  
• prunus domestica
  
• prunes
  
• prunus mume
  

Things to Know

• Prunes are a type of dried plum.
  
• Prunes are typically oval or oblong in shape.
  
• Prunes vary in color, including shades of yellow, brown, and red.
  
• Prunes are often used in baking, as they add moisture and sweetness to recipes.
  
• Prunes are a good source of dietary fiber.
  
• Prunes also contain vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamin K.
  
• Prunes have a laxative effect and may be used as a natural remedy for constipation.
  
• Prunes may also help lower cholesterol levels and improve bone health.
  
• Prunes should be stored in a cool, dry place.
  
• Prunes can be enjoyed on their own or added to a variety of recipes.

How to Grow

1. For prune fruit, first step is to identify the plant you want to prune.
   
2. Next, using a sharp knife or pruning shears, cut off any dead or diseased branches.
   
3. Cut back any overgrown branches to the desired size.
   
4. Finally, thin out the plant by removing any crowded or weak branches.

Related plant:
Tree Pruner

The Soil

About soil condition, prune fruit need well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH in order to thrive. If your soil is too heavy, amend it with organic matter prior to planting. Once your tree is established, a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

About light

So, like the other fruit, prunes need sunlight to grow. The tree that prunes come from is called a plum tree, and these trees need about six hours of sunlight each day to produce fruit. Without enough sunlight, the tree will not produce as many prunes.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for prune fruit is that it should be stored at cool temperatures, such as in a refrigerator. This will keep the fruit fresh for longer. Prune fruit can also be frozen, which will extend its shelf life.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. The plant grows best in moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant thoroughly, but do not allow it to sit in water.Provide good air circulation around the plant.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant also needs special attention when it comes to the roots. The roots are very sensitive to changes in the pH of the soil, so it's important to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for prune fruit.

About light

Pruning is a vital part of plant maintenance. By pruning off dead or dying leaves and branches, you allow the plant to direct its energy to healthier growth. Pruning also helps to encourage the production of fruit. When pruning fruit trees, cut back about one-third of the tree's growth. This will encourage the tree to produce more fruit.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a parent plant. Prunus species are commonly propagated using vegetative methods, which includes taking cuttings from the parent plant. These cuttings are then rooted in a growing medium and allowed to develop into new plants. Prune fruit can also be propagated by grafting or budding.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is greatly accelerated when the plant is receiving plenty of water. For this reason, gardeners often supplement the rainfall with extra watering during the drier months. However, too much water can actually be harmful to the plant.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are stem end browning, internal browning, and bruising. Stem end browning is when the stem end of the fruit turns brown. This is usually caused by the fruit being stored in too much humidity. Internal browning is when the flesh of the fruit turns brown. This is usually caused by the fruit being stored in too much moisture. Bruising is when the fruit is damaged and the flesh is broken. This is usually caused by the fruit being handled too roughly.

Growing Tips

• Do not forget to prune your fruit plant regularly. This will ensure that the plant will produce more fruits.
  
• When pruning, always cut off the diseased or dead parts of the plant first.
  
• Cut the branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
  
• Cut the branches that are growing towards the center of the plant.
  
• Cut the branches that are longer than the others.
  
• When cutting the branches, make sure that you do not damage the main trunk of the plant.
  
• After pruning, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  
• Water the plant regularly and fertilize it once a month.
  
• Make sure that the plant gets enough sunlight.
  
• Harvest the fruits when they are ripe.

Similar Plants

• Fruit
  
• Prune
  
• Plums
  
• Apricots
  
• Nectarines
  
• Figs
  
• Honeydew
  
• Cantaloupe
  
• Watermelon
  
• Tangerines

Source:
Pruning for Fruit Production - University of Arizona
Pruning Fruit Trees - University of Illinois Extension
Why Prune Fruit Trees? | University of Maryland Extension - UMD