How to Grow Plums in Siberia: Planting Rules and Features

To grow plums in Siberia, it's essential to understand all the specifics of planting and caring for young plants to ensure they thrive in their new location. It's equally important to select a variety that can withstand the region's harsh climate and survive the first harsh winter.

Main climatic differences

The region's conditions differ greatly from those of the central part of the country. Before choosing a variety, it's important to understand all the specifics of growing and caring for it. This will help you understand the characteristics a tree needs to successfully adapt to Siberian conditions. The most important aspects are:

1. The region is vast. Climate conditions vary across the region. In the Kemerovo, Novosibirsk, and Tomsk regions, winters are cold and there's a lot of snow. However, in the Altai Krai and Omsk Region, the climate is milder, and plants thrive and thrive better.
2. In spring, temperatures often remain below freezing for extended periods, or warm during the day and freezing at night. Therefore, it's important to select varieties with a long dormancy period to prevent buds from opening due to intermittent warm spells and freezing.
3. Due to heavy snowfall in spring, the lower part of the trunk rots. This problem is difficult to solve, as removing the cover will freeze the roots, and leaving it will damage the tree. There are several protective methods that are essential for protecting plum trees.
4. Annual shoots must be frost-resistant. If you plant standard varieties for temperate climates, they will freeze every winter, severely damaging the harvest. It's best to choose varieties with increased cold tolerance and low sensitivity to summer temperature fluctuations.
5. Since summer is short, it's best to choose early- and mid-season varieties. Late varieties are unsuitable, as they may not ripen before the first frost.
6. In many parts of Siberia, cold winds often blow in the spring and winter, severely damaging young shoots and drying out the tree. In such cases, it's advisable to locate the plum tree behind a building or in a location protected from the wind; placing it in a windy area is highly undesirable.

To grow this crop in Siberia, planting and care must be done at the right time, otherwise the risk of dying young plants increases significantly. It's important to consider not only the weather outside but also the forecast for the near future. If a drop in temperature is predicted, it's best to wait a little longer.

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Review of suitable varieties

To select a variety, you need to understand the characteristics of each species, taking into account all important factors: fruit size, harvest time, and tree size. For simplicity, all varieties are divided into several groups. First, you need to determine which one is suitable, then find a specific variety to purchase from a nursery or gardening store.

Self-fertile species

These plum varieties are best suited for Siberia; for normal fruiting, no additional trees need to be planted nearby. Plus, they pollinate well even in less favorable weather conditions, when bees are scarce and fruit set on other varieties is poor. The most popular of these are:

1. Peresvet. The plums are small, but there are many of them on the branches, making them suitable for any purpose. They usually ripen in the first half of August. The trees don't exceed 4 meters in height, and are usually half a meter to a meter shorter.
2. Maynor. Large, with dark burgundy skin and excellent flavor, they're eaten fresh, but are even better for preserves. The plants are moderately spreading and require shaping to avoid crowding.
3. Hungarian. A well-known variety that grows well in both Siberia and the temperate zone. It reaches a height of up to 6 meters and produces a high yield, but if not treated promptly, at least half the fruit is usually wormy.
4. Zarya Altaya. A small-fruited variety that ripens in mid-August. It produces abundant fruit due to its large number of ovaries. The skin is orange with a distinct scarlet blush on the sunny side.
5. Red-cheeked. The orange skin is dotted with red spots, giving this variety its name. The plums are medium-sized, ripen in mid- to late August, and can be used for any purpose. A key advantage is the fruit buds' resistance to spring frosts.
6. Renclode. Tall plants—up to 6 meters tall, with a voluminous crown—are rarely affected by fungal diseases. The fruits are large—up to 5 cm in diameter, and range in color from golden to purple.

There are partially self-fertile varieties, but it's best not to plant them. Without a nearby pollinator, the yield on such plants typically doesn't exceed 30% of their potential. This means they still require a pollinator; without one, the trees will bear little fruit.

Sweet options

If taste is your top priority, you should choose from a limited selection. Sweet plum varieties also grow well in Siberia, although they are not as numerous as in the central or southern regions. Choose from a limited selection that includes all the proven options:

1. Valor. Large fruits with dark burgundy skin have excellent flavor. The crown is medium-sized and spreading, yielding approximately 30 kg per tree per season.
2. Oyuna. It came to the region from China, was bred there, and is successfully grown in the northern regions. The plums are beautiful: pink, smooth, and uniform.
3. Interesting. One of the most productive varieties. The purple fruits ripen towards the end of August. They are delicious fresh and suitable for any kind of canning.
4. Baikal Yantar. It has a very juicy and sweet flesh, and the flavor is one of the best that can be grown in Siberia. The skin is bright orange and medium thick.
5. Manchurian Beauty. Its distinct sweetness is complemented by a slight tartness, making it a favorite among those who dislike cloying varieties. The trees are quite large.
6. Altai Yubileinaya. Medium-sized plums with pink skin. Good flavor, suitable for fresh consumption and canning.

To improve the flavor, apply fertilizer to the tree trunk at least once every two years. Monitor soil moisture levels; if the soil is dry, water the trees twice a month; otherwise, the fruits will become smaller and the flavor will deteriorate. Another key to good ripening is ample sunlight.

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Frost-resistant varieties

In Siberia, plum varieties are expected to be cold-tolerant and winter-resistant. However, there are varieties that are particularly frost-tolerant. These are recommended for planting in the coldest regions with abundant snow cover. Suitable varieties include:

1. Honey. It tolerates temperatures down to -30°C (-22°F) without damage and ripens fairly early. The main difference is the tree's large size, requiring a lot of space, which is not ideal for small plots.
2. Uvelskaya. Developed by Siberian breeders, it tolerates winter conditions well. It has a very good flavor, high sugar content, and tender flesh. The buds and flowers withstand short spring frosts with virtually no damage.
3. Pioneer. An extremely low-maintenance variety, it's almost immune to fungal diseases and tolerates drought well. To ensure fruit set, a pollinator must be planted nearby. It produces abundant harvests.
4. Yellow Hopty. A variety bred in Ussuri, the plants are short, very vigorous, and tolerate temperatures down to -50 degrees Celsius. Partially self-fertile, but to ensure proper fruit set, it's best to plant another tree nearby.
5. Pchelka and Chulym. Two varieties with similar characteristics, the only difference being the skin color: Chulym's is blue, while Pchelka's is brown. The plants are small, the crown is sparse, the fruits are small, and the flavor is average.
6. Admiral Shley. Tolerates low temperatures and grows well throughout the region. The plums ripen very late, starting in late July, making them ideal for short summers.

New varieties are periodically tested and localized. When choosing a new variety, it's important to thoroughly research its growing conditions, care requirements, and pollination conditions. A specific variety is often recommended as a pollinator, and it's best to plant it.

Which varieties should not be planted?

In addition to the recommended varieties, there are some that are not recommended for use in Siberia, even though their characteristics are suitable for the region. This is due to certain characteristics and shortcomings inherent to these plants. Keep these simple recommendations in mind:

1. Most varieties bred by Ural breeders tolerate low temperatures well, but they often suffer from severe rot in the lower part of the trunk, often causing the death of one-year-old shoots and the loss of fruit buds in the spring. These problems are particularly common in the Uvelskaya, Kuyashskaya, Shershnevskaya, and Uyskaya varieties.
2. Many varieties bred in Altai are recommended for planting only within the region, as the cold and snowy winters of the Novosibirsk region and other northern regions can cause plums to freeze or rot. These include the Timoshka, Vika, Peresvet, Pamyati Putova, Chemalsky Souvenir, and Gift of Chemala varieties.

Don't even try to grow varieties zoned for temperate latitudes. All attempts to propagate such varieties end in failure; the plants often freeze in winter or are severely damaged in the spring. It's best to buy from a nursery, so you can be sure the seedling matches the information on the label.

How to land

The process consists of several stages, and work should begin well before planting the tree, as without proper preparation, the chances of success are low. Due to the unfavorable climate, it is crucial to strictly follow the recommendations and choose the right time and location.

Selecting a location and preparing a pit

If a plum tree is planted in the wrong location, even perfect agricultural practices won't save it from constant problems or even death. Therefore, it's important to understand all the plant's preferences to select a site with suitable conditions:

1. It's best if the crown receives full sun all day. Only slight shade is acceptable, otherwise, development will slow, the trunk will become crooked, and fruit production will be significantly reduced.
2. The groundwater table should be at least one and a half meters deep, and ideally two meters or more. Plum trees should also be avoided in low-lying areas, as cold air and meltwater accumulate there in the fall and winter, which will kill the root system.
3. Place at least 3 meters from a fence or building. A south or west exposure is best. Choose a location protected from cold winds; never plant in a draft.
4. When planting several plants in one area or establishing a garden, leave 2 to 4 meters between them, depending on their size. For columnar varieties, the distance is smaller—about a meter. Leave aisles between rows of 3 to 4 meters, or more if equipment will be driving through.

After selecting a site, prepare the planting hole at least six months before planting the tree. This is necessary to enrich the soil with nutrients and improve its structure. Plum prefers light, well-aerated soil rich in micronutrients. Follow these steps:

1. Dig a hole 70 to 10 cm in diameter and 60 to 80 cm deep. The poorer the soil, the larger the hole should be to ensure the tree receives sufficient nutrition. This is also recommended in areas with high clay content.
2. If there is a risk of groundwater levels rising in the spring, it is advisable to pour a 20 cm thick drainage layer on the bottom. Use coarse crushed stone, broken brick, or small stones.
3. In depleted soils, add a 10 cm layer of humus or rotted manure to the bottom. If the acidity level is high, add dolomite flour or slaked lime to reduce the acidity.
4. Prepare a nutrient mixture of equal parts fertile soil, sand, and humus. Mix well, then add 300 g of superphosphate and 150 g of potassium fertilizer.
5. Fill the hole 3/4 full. Tamp it down well, then top it with soil from the site, creating a small mound. If the surface settles significantly within a month, add more soil.

Leave the prepared area for at least six months to allow the soil to compact and prevent settling. If you're digging several holes, it's best to drive a stake into the center of each one as a guide, then plant precisely in the center and make sure to maintain the correct placement. Remove weeds if you prepared the hole in the spring.

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Landing

Buy a high-quality, healthy seedling. When choosing, pay attention to the condition of the roots. They should be healthy, free of rot or blackening, and not severely damaged or dried out. A straight trunk, a neat graft, and uniform, smooth bark are signs of a healthy plant. It's preferable to buy a closed-root variety, as it's easier to plant. Follow these steps:

1. Dig a hole in the prepared area slightly larger than the rhizome. Adjust the depth so that the root collar is above ground level. Test the plant, place a slat or shovel handle underneath, and check that the seedling is not buried too deep.
2. Straighten the tree. Immediately drive in a stake to initially secure the trunk.
3. Cover the roots with a layer of about 10 cm, level the soil, and pour 3 buckets of warm or settled water into the hole. Then fill the hole to ground level, compacting the surface well. Do not overwater.
4. Tie the plum tree using soft twine, but do not pull it too tight to avoid damaging the bark. Make a small furrow around the trunk to collect moisture.

Even when using the closed-root system, it still needs to be prepared. After removing the container, carefully inspect the bottom and sides, straightening out any crumpled roots. If mold is detected, break up the soil ball and remove all affected areas.

How to care

Planting and caring for plum trees in Siberia has its own unique challenges that must be addressed. In the early years, plants require more attention, but later, much less. If frost is predicted soon after planting, the tree should be covered with pine branches and agrotextile to prevent it from dying. Keep these simple tips in mind:

1. After planting, water once every two weeks if the soil is dry and there is no precipitation. In subsequent years, water only if there is no rain for a long time, once a month, using 30-40 liters of water at a time, depending on the tree's size. Stop watering a month before the onset of cold weather.
2. Carry out shaping and pruning every spring. Inspect and remove all broken, damaged, and frost-damaged shoots. Then prune off any branches that are crowding the crown or growing in the wrong direction. Treat the cuts with garden pitch.
3. Every spring and fall, spray the crown and the soil beneath with a solution of copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture. If pests or disease outbreaks are detected in the summer, purchase a suitable product and treat the plum tree according to the instructions. Use chemicals with caution during the ripening period, and discontinue use 3-4 weeks before harvest. Whitewashing twice a year is essential.
4. Remove root suckers. The easiest way is to prepare a 10% urea solution and water the shoots 2-3 times on sunny days. This will kill any unwanted shoots.
5. Protect the trunk from frost and prevent damping off. Many gardeners apply a thick layer of mulch and place a 40 cm high tin box around the trunk to prevent the lower part from coming into contact with moisture. Another option is to pack down the snow around the plum trees after the first snowfall.
6. Start fertilizing in the third year after planting. Use organic fertilizer or ready-made mineral fertilizers for fruit trees, once a year.

Insulating the tree can be helpful during the first few years, but later on, this isn't necessary; if properly prepared for winter, it will survive it without issue. If there's little snow, pile it around the trunk to create an insulating layer and prevent the roots from freezing.

Advice from experts

Experienced gardeners know how to provide the best conditions for plums to bear fruit and overwinter. There are no secrets, but a few recommendations should be followed to reduce the risk of freezing in winter and protect them from diseases and pests in summer. Keep the following in mind:

1. Remove fallen leaves in the fall. Some people think this will keep the roots warmer, but this is incorrect. Pests, their larvae, and fungal spores overwinter in fallen leaves, so they should be raked up and burned.
2. Clean the trunk and lower branches in the fall. Remove loose bark and lichens, and eliminate pest larvae that overwinter in these areas.
3. Add a little copper sulfate to the whitewash. This will give it antiseptic properties and kill any insects present.
4. Avoid applying nitrogen fertilizers in the second half of the season. They stimulate the growth of young shoots, which will not have time to strengthen before winter and will die.

Whitewash the trunk immediately after the onset of warm weather to prevent it from getting burned by the bright spring sun. During this period, the plant is still dormant and is often damaged by the first warm rays. Then, cracks need to be repaired and the plant treated.

Planting plum trees in Siberia is within the reach of even those with no experience, as long as you understand the specifics and follow the recommendations. It's important to choose a good variety that's adapted to the region's conditions and can withstand harsh winters. After planting, ensure proper care to help the tree adapt.