With this attrocious spring my multigrafted European plum behaved strangely. Several varieties bloomed close to the normal time, but the tree has several varieties in bloom right now. I'm assuming that nothing will set after what its been through, but I find it very peculiar.
There are a handful of plums on the tree that are larger than an olive.
Almost all of the early foliage succumbed to aphids followed by rot, but the tree is finally growing as I would have expected over a month ago.
Yes I love the ladybugs but they were very slow this year.
I assume its because they get going at a warmer temperature than the aphids. In a normal spring it probably progresses from aphid temperature to ladybug temperature over a matter of days. That would give the aphids time to build up enough of a population to feed the ladybugs and perpetuate the cycle of life.
This year I think we got stuck for weeks in the aphid zone.
I'm making this up as I go along, but it works for me.
jafarj,
This spring I had tried an experiment trying to hand pollinate European plums with Hunza apricot pollen. That was in Aurora Oregon at Lon's grape vineyard so the weather was very tough on the blooms and so they all failed. I still have a vial of Hunza pollen so if you still have blooms I would very much like to know from you if we can accomplish this so late in the year.
It is not so surprising that crosses like this work in hot temperatures. For example this image was taken at summer temperatures in Alaska and the hand pollinations were done by myself a month ago. Now the owner of the tree said that my hand pollinations with the Hunza apricot pollen worked. (in this case the origins of the plum is a hybrid of salicina and nigra)
Link: http://home.comcast.net/~hollaus/Victor ... d_plum.htm
By Rupert,
Vancouver WA.
I'm open to the idea but I'm afraid my tree isn't suitable. If you are in Vancouver, you're welcome to come check out the stuff I have going on, maybe the same day John comes over.
The tree in question is very small and not very vigorous. It bloomed once in the spring and what is blooming now is pretty scraggly and I think all of the blooms have been open for at least several days. I don't think there are many if any buds that haven't opened yet. I also question whether any of the flowers are still viable.
If none of that daunts you, you're welcome to come have a go. I could be pursuaded to take and post some pictures of the puny tree if there is interest.
Rooney, I didn't get your email address, nor did Jafar. I have your phone number but my tree is no longer blooming. Great offer though.
Thanks
John S
PDX OR
skyjs@yahoo.com
Idyllwild
simplepress
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
1 Guest(s)