Plum Tree Pollination?

[Doug99]

Three years ago I bought an apple tree and plum tree from a garden centre. Each year I have had blossom and fruit from the apple but nothing from the plum. The plum tree looks healthy and has filled out nicely to a height of 8 ft.

When I bought them I was particularly keen to buy self pollinators, so can't understand why its isn't bearing fruit. Unfortunately I have lost the tree labelling to identify the type.

Any thoughts why?
How can I pollinate it myself if this is the cause?

 

[merlin50]

"How can I pollinate it myself if this is the cause?"

you will need to grow a pair of wings

 

[enyam]

Have a look here,plum tree's look a bit finicky.

http://www.gardenguides.com/90521-pollinate-plum-trees.html

 

[Doug99]

Thanks enyam for the link.

My first problem is that the tree does not grow any blooms/flowers which to pollinate. What is causing it not to bloom? Could it be still immature at only 3 years old? It appears healthy otherwise so is very frustrating to see only greenery each year!

 

[enyam]

Thanks enyam for the link.

My first problem is that the tree does not grow any blooms/flowers which to pollinate. What is causing it not to bloom? Could it be still immature at only 3 years old? It appears healthy otherwise so is very frustrating to see only greenery each year!

It could well be immature with no blossom showing,it sounds healthy. It might take another year.
View media item 45568

 

[Doug99]

Another year has gone by and a couple of weeks ago my plum tree produced 3 blossoms on a just a couple of branches. Then the weather turned cold again and killed off the blossom. The tree just looks green and healthy whilst my apple continues to bloom in splendor.

Has the sudden cold killed off any chance for my first plums again this year?

 

[Deleted2797112]

Unfortunately, probably yes. The last two winters/springs have not been great for stone fruits and a young tree is more vulnerable. Presumably you're not pruning or over-feeding? Best you can do is make sure it's well-watered through the summer and hope for better weather next year. At least you've seen it blossom this year so it's getting there.

 

[Doug99]

My plum tree is now 'blooming lovely'. Fingers crossed for some warm weather.

What is the best way to protect the fruit it against bugs? My apple tree grows fruit in abundance, but despite spraying the apples are always infested.

 

[Deleted2797112]

Yay for the plum tree! Hopefully we're now past frosts bad enough to kill off the blossom. On fruit trees, I use a glue or grease band on the trunk and a codling moth trap hung in the tree, renew both each year. Both easily available online or in garden centres.

 

[r896neo]

do apply some sort of proactive measures because it never really got cold this winter it is a very abundant year for problematic beasties