“Almost three years ago we purchased and planted a Santa Rosa Plum tree. It has never borne fruit. It did not even bear any blooms this year. We were told we only needed one plant. What can we do to get this tree to blooming and bearing fruit?â€
Does the tree get full sun? If not, that could account for few-to-no blossoms. Is it growing strong? …On the opposite end, a tree ‘fed’ and watered too well might put all it’s energy into vegetative growth, as opposed to fruiting. Also, have you pruned it? Such plums can get wild; pruning causes them some stress … enough so they think they’d better set some fruit, or ‘offspring.’
I agree with the suggestion of a graft, of Shiro, or a Satsuma plum would be a complementary addition, too. Most of us graft, and it’s not that difficult, especially a Bud Graft on a young branch…
You might look into that; all you’d need is an August stick of new growth from another variety (either suggested) to ‘slice off’ a bud from the base of a ‘leaf’ and slide it into a small ‘T’ cut on a smooth section of limb and wrap… As I suggested, do some research.
“If you're in LA the tree may need more chilling units than you're getting. Not a problem for us here in the NW, but certainly a consideration for you down there.
John Sâ€
I’d considered that too, John… But since Luther Burbank did his Asian plum crosses and breeding in Santa Rosa, California, I figured they’d work in LA … though Santa Rosa’s apparently N. of San Francisco…
I also remember “Joe Real†doing some amazing plum grafting work in… or near San Diego..? Seems he was having to strip the leaves to induce, or mimic the seasons… Maybe LA is too far south?
Jackie – does anyone in your neighborhood grow ‘Asian’ (or Japanese) plums..? If your tree’s not getting enough ‘chilling hours’ it’s as if its not getting ‘enough sleep,’ and could explain the lack of blossoms. But you had “some blooms†last year..? Maybe you’re in a ‘borderline’ location where, depending on the ‘length of each winter,’ whether or not it decides to bloom?
Joe Real – Help!
I spoke to the nursery here and they are getting some more fruit trees in sometime in Sept. Told her I would check with her then. She indicated we really didn't need another tree but that it might help. I am going to fertilize the tree and just hope for the best next year. We did have a good bit of rain back in the spring this year so that may have played a part since my peach tree bloomed tons and had lots of fruit but then the fruit fell off. Have an empty lot with no trees, just house and wanted some fruit trees in the back. Had quite a few thornless blackberries this year from two bushes we had planted and tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers a plenty. Since moving into our new home have tried our hands at a mini garden. Thanks for the suggestions and help. Jackie
Okay... the former San Diegan is piping in about Santa Rosa Plum.
#1 - this variety does well with few chill hours. The climate zone differences between Los Angeles and San Diego are minimal. This variety did very well for me.
#2 - CRFG membership nearby may be able to help and there appear to be 2 chapters locally. We wanna keep interested and interesting people in our orbit - but down south there - the CRFG people can share a lot that we can't. If they go to the scionwood exchanges down there, then lots of fig cuttings etc. available to fill up that lot!
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&#.....os+angeles
#3 - I agree that issues are likely to be cultural / lack of sun or something cuz this plum really wants to make fruit. Luther Burbank knew what he was doing! If fruit lovers could have cult following love for someone like Michael Jackson music fans - then this would be the guy!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L.....er_Burbank
It's amazing what can be found with google.
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&#.....q=santa+ro ... hill+hours
Even our discussion is coming up high on results list.
Below is off subj of botany and fruit growing, and I hope you don't mind too much. If you do - it's time to close this thread and go to the next. 
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On the subject of google - i suggest clicking on link below for an invite to google voice. THIS will be the bomb! It will eliminate the need to have a phone at all for many. It will enable us to cut down on cellphone use and choose what phone to answer with. Use of microphone and speakers on computer would eliminate phone totally, or use 'magicjack'. Free everything including transcription of your messages. And I do believe it will be on the iphone, ipod touch second gen and other phones for free use within wifi without a contract. This is already partly possible with skype btw. That means NO charge for phone except electric if you have unsecured or accessible wifi.
https://services.google.com/fb.....iceinvite/
This link shows basic overviews of what google voice is about
http://www.google.com/googlevo.....bout.html#
Then there is the Google Chrome operating system on the way. Again this is great and will enable soon the $100 laptop in a bubble pack from China. Happening very soon. Fewer blue screens of death from Microsoft...
[quote="plumfun":filarb29][quote="Rickitikkitavi":filarb29]It's amazing what can be found with google.[/quote:filarb29]
I wonder if you could help Jackie Saxon, starter of this thread, find somebody from a google search to graft her plum tree? Now that would be a good trick![/quote:filarb29]
Your wish is my command 
http://mysite.verizon.net/res1vdt9/id9.html
and then
http://mysite.verizon.net/res1vdt9/id2.html
First link advises of a past scionwood exchange and grafting and second is for joining and contacting West LA.
I have to say, Rikki, those are aweful useful links. If Jackie Saxon ends up calling some of those phone numbers or emailing some of those people, I cannot help but think that somebody will come to her aid. Surely one of those members has some Shiro wood still in their fridge. Barring that, she and they can always plan on next year.
I thank you! Excellent info.
Coolio there Julio!
I love CRFG and the superneato people there in California. I also hope for the best with this economic mess and remember that CA is a very special place in these wonderful United States.
If Californians come north to escape what is happening there... let us be more welcoming. I know some of this is borderline politics but we all need to try to stick together.
We need to all remember we are citizens of the greatest nation in the history of Earth... and we are very special. We people of the dirt and Earth need to help our fellow citizens grow their own food and take pride in it and do it well. Michelle Obama is a good example and it is up to you to find out how well she is doing with this with Russia.
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