Characteristics and photos
Bluefry is a late plum. It has some features that distinguish the variety from others.
Tree
The Bluefry plum is considered vigorous. According to some data, a tree of this variety grows up to 7 m, according to others – up to 2 m. In practice, everything depends on the rootstock. Maximum growth is observed in the first years of life. It noticeably weakens with the entry into fruiting.
Main characteristics of Bluefree trees:
- dense spreading crown, oval shape;
- large angle of departure of the branches from the central conductor.
Flowers
The size of the flowers of the Bluefrey plum is 3 cm. They bloom in May.
Fruit
The Bluefry variety is large-fruited. The mass of plums can reach 100 g. They look like this :
- round-oval shape, asymmetrical;
- the skin is dark blue, appears bluish due to a coating of wax;
- thick waxy coating that is difficult to remove;
- subcutaneous points are located chaotically;
- juicy and tender pulp of yellow-green color, yellow when fully ripe;
- excellent dessert taste with light sourness and honey notes;
- tasting score 4.6 points;
- The bone is difficult to separate from the pulp.
Bluefry plum fruits are versatile. The main purpose of the variety is fresh consumption. In practice, Bluefry plums are successfully used for technical processing and drying of prunes.
The fruits of this variety quickly gain color. This does not mean their ripeness - you should focus on the characteristic ripening times and taste.
The size of the fruit depends on the quality of pollination. If the drain is small, then they reach maximum weight. With a large number of ovaries, the weight of the fruit is approximately 60 g.
Frost resistance
Bluefry plum has high winter hardiness. There is evidence that the variety can withstand frosts down to -32-34°C. If damaged, the tree quickly recovers. There is a greater chance of freezing not of it, but of the flower buds.
Reviews from gardeners about Bluefry
There are not many reviews about Bluefry from Russian gardeners yet. One can, of course, attribute this to the fact that the variety is new, Russian gardeners are just beginning to take a closer look at it, but this would be a stretch: in neighboring Ukraine, Bluefry was included in the State Register of Varieties and Hybrids back in 1994.
The point, apparently, is different: Bluefry is still difficult to find a place for itself in Russian gardens. In the central regions, due to the late ripening period of fruits, they often have to be removed from the tree unripe. Therefore, gardeners in this area prefer to grow earlier ripening varieties. In the southern regions, a frequent guest is drought, with which Bluefry is not very “friendly”.
In general, reviews about Bluefry, although not numerous, are positive. Those who dare to grow it note its high and stable yield, ease of care and excellent taste of ripe fruits.
Productivity
The Bluefry plum is early fruiting. It brings the first harvest in 3-4 years. The tree produces maximum results by the age of 10.
Bluefry plum has a high yield, which is gradually increasing . Up to 100 kg of fruits are collected from a 9-15 year old tree.
The Bluefry plum ripens by the 2nd decade of September. The timing depends on the growing region. In Kuban, the harvest is already harvested in early autumn, and for prunes, the fruits are harvested another 1.5 weeks earlier.
Fruit storage
For better transportability and keeping quality, Bluefry plums are recommended to be collected at the technical ripeness stage.
Fruits are harvested only in dry weather . They are stored for up to 1-3 months. Small volumes can be placed in the refrigerator. A large harvest is laid out in wooden boxes in 2-4 layers, lined with paper. The optimal temperature for storage is 3-5°C and humidity 85%.
Features of cultivation
Bluefry plum can be planted in autumn or spring, taking into account the climatic characteristics of the region.
Planting and care are no different from growing other varieties of plums. But still there are nuances:
- Watering should be moderate in regions with sufficient rainfall. In the southern regions, the frequency of watering can reach up to 3–6 times per season, depending on the temperature and the presence of precipitation;
- pruning is a mandatory procedure when growing a variety.
After crown formation is completed, sanitary pruning and thinning are carried out as necessary. But starting from the age of 10, the Bluefrey plum must be rejuvenated by shortening the main branches to strong tops; fruit branches are formed from the tops on the plum - if the variety is grown in a warm region, the trunk does not need to be insulated. In cool regions, young trees should still be protected from possible temperature changes.
Rejuvenating pruning of the Bluefry plum is best done in the spring, before sap flow begins.
Landing rules
Autumn planting is recommended for Bluefry plum. It is optimal to plan it for October, when the temperature drops to 10°C. There should be at least 3 weeks before frost. If the weather does not allow this option, then planting can be done in the spring.
Usually, drainage requires an area where groundwater lies far enough from the surface. The peculiarity of the Bluefree variety is that it does not require such a condition. On the contrary, the proximity of groundwater is welcome. However, the tree should not be placed in low areas. In such a place it may suffer from spring frosts.
When choosing a site for planting, it is important to meet the following requirements :
good lighting during the day;- fertile soil;
- neutral pH level is optimal;
- protection from strong winds and drafts.
Bluefries are not recommended for planting next to other varieties of plums. The exception is pollinators. For this purpose, 2-3 varieties with similar flowering periods are sufficient.
To plant Bluefry plum, it is recommended to choose a seedling at the age of 1-2 years. The optimal height is 1.4 m. When choosing a seedling, the following points are also important :
- healthy root system;
- 3-4 lateral branches;
- at least 3-5 roots 25-30 cm long;
- absence of mechanical damage, signs of rot, disease.
It is better to buy a seedling with an open root system. Usually they are better developed, so they grow and take root faster.
It is recommended to buy plum seedlings in the fall, even if planting will be done only in the spring. Until the required time, the tree is buried in a trench (depth 0.5 m), in a protected place on a hill. It is laid almost horizontally with the top facing south.
The planting pit should be prepared in advance, preferably at least 1-2 months in advance. The algorithm is like this :
- Dig up the selected area.
- Remove all weeds and debris.
- Dig a hole with a side of 0.5-0.6 m.
- Add fertilizer. It is optimal to add 12-15 kg of rotted manure (compost), 130 g of superphosphate (granules), 50 g of potassium sulfate (can be replaced with potassium salt), a couple of handfuls of wood ash to the fertile part of the dug soil.
When planting in spring, warm soil should be placed at the bottom of the hole. This will ensure warming up.
Planting process:
- Pour fertile soil into the prepared hole with a mound - the hole is filled 2/3.
- Install a support.
- Place the seedling on the embankment and carefully straighten the roots.
- Fill the hole with soil. Leave the root collar 4-5 cm above the surface.
- Tie the seedling to a support.
- Form a circular furrow around the tree.
- Water the planting.
- Mulch. It is better to use peat or humus. A layer of 10 cm is optimal.
When planting, shake the tree slightly. This helps fill the voids with soil.
Before planting, it is recommended to place the seedling in water for several hours. If work is carried out in the spring, then adding a growth stimulator is appropriate.
How to properly care?
It is necessary to water the Bluefry plum if there is a drought or the summer is hot. Water is especially important during flowering, before and after it, and when the fruits ripen. 4-5 buckets are used per tree.
When planting in autumn, sufficient moisture is provided during planting . If the work was carried out closer to summer, then moderate watering is recommended for the first 2-3 days.
The first 2 years after planting in the spring, it is necessary to loosen the soil in the tree trunk circle. Systematic weeding is also necessary.
Fertilizing Bluefry plums begins 3 years after planting, if the soil was properly prepared during planting. In spring, urea is used (20 g per 1 m²), in the 2nd half of summer and autumn, a potassium-phosphorus complex. With the beginning of fruiting, the dosage of fertilizers is increased :
25 g urea;- 60 g superphosphate;
- 20 g of potassium chloride;
- 10 kg of compost.
Another mandatory step for this variety is pruning. The crown takes 2-3 years to form , giving it a rounded shape.
Pruning is carried out annually in the spring. This measure is also necessary immediately after planting. The tree is cut by 2/3.
This promotes growth and survival. Next year in the spring the tree is shortened to 0.7 m. This is done after the snow melts at a temperature of 8°C. In the 2nd year, the top is shortened by 40 cm, the side branches by a third, and the lower branches by 5-7 cm.
In the 3rd year, the lower branches are removed completely, leaving 6-8 of the largest ones for the skeleton. They are shortened so that up to 4 buds are preserved on each.
Anti-aging pruning begins at 4 years of age. It is carried out at the same interval.
The Bluefry plum fruits are large and the yield is quite high. Branches under such weight can break, so you should take care of supports in a timely manner.
Aftercare for plums
In winter, seedlings do not need to be watered, just pruned. It is carried out without fail by removing unwanted branches. The shoots become damaged or deteriorate – they need to be removed from the tree. In the spring, the soil is loosened - the area around the seedlings is dug up for the next 2 years. Weeding is also necessary.
Formation of the crown of the Blue Free plum
The crown of young trees is formed within 2-3 years. This event is held every season, especially in the spring. It is necessary to carefully remove dry shoots from the BlueFree plum variety and create a round crown. If the temperature in spring (in May) is below +10 0 C, sap flow stops, which means a transplant is required.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The BlueFree plum variety is immune to diseases and pests. There is no need to treat the tree with drugs or protect it from rodents and pests in the garden.
Diseases and pests
Bluefry plum has excellent immunity. This variety is rarely affected by diseases or pests. Under unfavorable conditions, moniliosis is possible. Fungicides are used against it :
- Abiga Peak;
- Fitosporin-M;
- Alirin-B;
- Gamair;
- Planriz;
- Fitolavin.
There is also a risk of aphids . In this case, treat with an insecticide:
- Aktara;
- Biotlin;
- Fufanon;
- Confidor;
- Spark.
Advantages and disadvantages
Bluefry plum has many advantages:
precociousness;- high productivity;
- excellent immunity;
- large fruit;
- good taste;
- immunity to heat;
- versatility in use.
The variety also has some disadvantages :
- strong growth - constantly needs pruning;
- the bone is difficult to separate from the pulp;
- fruit shedding during a large harvest.
What do gardeners say?
Gardeners who grow Bluefry plum highlight the following advantages :
- ease of care;
- large fruits;
- excellent and harmonious taste;
- quite fleshy pulp;
- high productivity;
- excellent immunity.
Gardeners also talk about the disadvantages of the variety:
- possibility of freezing;
- The bone is difficult to separate.
Detailed reviews at the link.
History of the Bluefry plum
The Bluefry plum came to Europe and then Russia from America. The variety is considered one of the best works of overseas breeders and is equated to the famous Stanley plum (Stanley). It was this variety, which had proven its popularity, that the originators used as one of the parent forms to create the Bluefry plum. The no less famous variety President, belonging to the English selection, was taken as the second parent.
There is no State Register data on growing regions. But based on the available information, we can say that the North Caucasus region, including the Krasnodar Territory, is considered the most favorable region for cultivation. You can grow the variety in central Russia, but in terms of care there will be more trouble. In colder regions, crops may be lost due to early frosts.
Excellent appearance, taste and commercial qualities make the Bluefry plum a desirable fruit for supermarkets
Average prices for seedlings and fruits
The cost of Bluefry plum seedlings depends on the seller’s markup and the age of the tree :
yearlings – 400-500 rubles- two-year-olds - 600-800 rubles;
- three-year-olds - 900-1200 rubles;
- 4 years – 1800-2500 rubles;
- 5 years – 4000-5000 rubles;
- 6 years – 6000-7000 rubles;
- 7 years – 8500-10000 rubles;
- 8 years – 11,000-12,000 rubles;
- 9 years – 14,000-15,000 rubles;
- 10 years – 17,000-18,000 rubles;
- 11 years – 23,000-25,000 rubles.
The average cost of Bluefry plum fruit is 120 rubles per season.
Similar types of fruit
The large-fruited Bluefri plum differs from most varieties of the crop. She has the greatest similarity with such representatives of her species:
- Stanley is a medium-growing variety with plums of 50 g, dark purple color with a thick coating of wax, high yield and winter hardiness;
- President - medium-sized trees with fruits up to 60-70 g, green color with a continuous burgundy-black-blue cover, high yield and winter hardiness;
- Bluebird is a vigorous variety with large plums, purple color and thick waxy coating, high winter hardiness and good immunity.
