Tula black plum – harmony of taste and simplicity of agricultural technology from Tula

Description of the plum variety Black Tula

The variety has several other names:

• Tula prunes;
• Winter blue;
• Meshchovsky prunes;
• Bryansk late.

The tree and fruit have their own special characteristics.

The Tula plum grows up to 4.5 m in height. It has a small, dense, oval crown. The leaves have a dark green tint.

According to the photo of the black plum, the fruit looks like an egg. They cannot boast of large sizes. The weight of the plum reaches a maximum of 30 g. The color of the fruit is dark blue, sometimes with a red tint. There is a bluish coating on the skin.

The pulp of plums is yellow-green, dense, juicy. It tastes sweet. According to tasters, it deserves a rating of 4.1 points out of 5 possible for taste.

Attention! A tree grown in the southern regions bears tastier fruits.

Growing the Black Tulskaya plum works best in the Moscow region. The variety is also widespread in the Tula and Kaluga regions.

Applications of black plum

In cooking

Many recipes use large black plums: descriptions, photos and recipes are in every housewife's cookbook.

• Due to its astringent properties, it is often added to jams and preserves.
• Plum looks great in compotes and juices.
• Plums are added to sauces (especially in mountainous regions), for example, to the famous tkemali sauce.
• Excellent for drying, and can even be used to produce prunes.
• For compotes, plums can be frozen in the freezer.
• Homemade liqueurs are made based on plums.

When losing weight

Due to its laxative qualities, plums fit perfectly into any diet! True, there is one peculiarity - plum stimulates the appetite, so it is still worth alternating this fruit and other fruits/berries.

In cosmetology

To maintain beauty, plums and its pulp are often used as a base for masks. In addition, not only fruits are used in cosmetology, but also seeds and leaves. The seeds are used to make a skin scrub. The leaves are used for lotions as they have a healing effect.

Characteristics of the variety

The main characteristics of this variety of plum relate to its resistance to adverse weather conditions, fertility, and resistance to certain diseases.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

The Black Tulskaya variety does not tolerate a lack of moisture very well. Due to drought, unripe fruits fall to the ground.

Reviews of the “Tulskaya Chernaya” plum in the Moscow region indicate that its winter hardiness level is average. The tree quickly recovers after a frosty winter.

Pollinators of plum Chernaya Tulskaya

The variety is considered self-fertile. It does not need pollinators for stable fruiting. This is one of its main advantages.

Productivity and fruiting

The “Black Tulskaya” variety produces fruit regularly. Gardeners watched her for 17 years. During this period there was no harvest only 4 times.

The variety's yield level is average. Usually this is about 10 kg of fruit per tree. The maximum value is 35 kg.

Area of ​​application of berries

Black Tula plum is used to prepare various dishes and preparations. This is juice, compote, jam, jam, liqueur. But it is worth remembering that due to the high juiciness of the fruit, preserves and jams turn out to be too liquid.

Resistance to diseases and pests

A pleasant characteristic of the Black Tulskaya plum variety is its resistance to certain types of diseases and pests. The tree is not susceptible to clasterosporiosis and fruit rot.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The Black Tula plum has a number of advantages.

1. Stability of fruiting.
2. Good yield (maximum 35 kg per tree).
3. High taste ratings.
4. Easy to separate pulp and pits.
5. The tree does not suffer from clasterosporiosis and rot.

Flaws:

• average level of winter hardiness;
• fruit shedding due to lack of moisture;
• influence of weather conditions on taste.

Another significant drawback is the susceptibility to the fatty stem.

Harvesting

The Tula black plum begins to bear fruit only in the 5th - 6th year of life. Refers to medium-late ripening varieties (fruits ripen in early September). The maximum yield with good care is up to 35 kg per tree, the average reaches 14 kg.

Tula black ripens in early September

Harvesting occurs as the fruits ripen. Plums are plucked from the stem and sorted for storage or processing.

To keep fruits longer, they need to be collected only in dry weather. It is not recommended to wash off the waxy coating - it protects the skin from damage.

Place the fruits in boxes in 3 layers (transferring from one container to another is undesirable - the fruits may become wrinkled and their shelf life will be reduced). Storage at a humidity of 90% and a temperature of up to 20C increases the shelf life to up to a month. The plum will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Brushed or damaged plums are used in processing - the best results are juices, liqueurs and liqueurs. This is due to the fact that the fruits contain a lot of juice. The jam may turn out slightly runny.

The fruits of the Tula black plum produce excellent juice

The greatest benefit will come from fruits in their natural form. Organic acids, macro- and microelements contained in plums will help strengthen the immune system, regulate digestive processes and cardiac activity.

Landing Features

How correctly the tree was planted depends on its health and productivity.

Recommended timing

The time for planting seedlings depends greatly on the region. If this is the Moscow region and surrounding areas, it is better to plant in the spring. In a few warm months, seedlings will not only be able to adapt to new conditions, but also prepare for winter.

It is better to start planting 5 days after the snow melts. The entire process takes 2 weeks. If you start it later, during the period of sap flow, the plum will take root poorly.

In regions with mild winters, autumn planting is preferable. We need to get there before the cold weather sets in. The ideal month for planting is October.

Attention! Plum seedlings of the “Black Tulskaya” variety, which have a closed root system, can be planted in the ground at any time of the year.

Choosing a suitable location

As mentioned above, the taste of the Black Tulskaya plum directly depends on the amount of sunlight. The more sun, the sweeter the fruits will be. That is why seedlings should be planted not in the shade, but in a place open to light. However, they must be protected from the wind. Therefore, the best option is space near the house or fence.

It is better to choose loam from the soil. It is good if groundwater lies at a depth of 1-1.2 m.

It is not recommended to plant plums on heavy, acidic, alkaline or cold soil. Clay will also not work. On it, the root system will be partially located on the surface, which is why it may suffer from severe frosts or air deficiency.

Restrictions are also imposed on sandstones. Such soil has no nutrients at all, and it dries out quickly.

Too low areas are also not suitable for planting the Black Tulskaya plum variety. Cold air accumulates in them. In addition, they are more susceptible to flooding than others.

What crops can and cannot be planted nearby?

It is not recommended to plant the following plants next to the Black Tulskaya tree:

• Walnut;
• hazelnut;
• fir;
• birch;
• poplar.

The proximity of a plum to a pear is also considered unfavorable. However, this applies to cases where the trees are very close to each other.

The Black Tula plum has good or neutral relationships with apple trees and black currants. You can also plant thyme, tulips, daffodils, and primrose near it.

Selection and preparation of planting material

The Black Tula plum seedlings selected for planting must meet several simple requirements.

1. Age no more than 2 years.
2. The presence of one conductor and three side shoots is a minimum.
3. The roots are 35-40 cm long. It is important that the root system does not have growths or overgrowths.

To protect the seedlings during transportation, their roots must be covered with a cloth soaked in water. Wrap the top with polyethylene.

Landing algorithm

Planting of the Black Tula plum is carried out in several stages.

1. About 2 weeks before planting, dig up the ground (radius 2 m) and add fertilizer (8 kg of humus, 50 g of superphosphate and 30 g of potassium salt).
2. Dig a hole (depth 60 cm, width 70 cm). Combine the earth with peat (2 buckets), superphosphate (300 g) and potassium sulphide (80 g). Pour the mixture into the hole to fill 2/3 of its volume.
3. Drive a small peg into the hole.
4. Place the “Black Tula” plum seedling in the hole, carefully straighten the roots, and cover with soil. It is important that the root collar is 5-7 cm above the ground.
5. Form an earthen roller at a distance of 40 cm from the tree.
6. Water the ground with 2 buckets of clean water.
7. As soon as the water is absorbed, cover the soil with humus or peat (10 cm).

Several plums of this variety should be planted at a distance of 3 m from each other.

Aftercare for plums

Proper planting and care of the Black Tula plum is the key to a healthy tree and a good harvest. Not a single detail should be overlooked, be it gradual pruning or fertilization.

There are two types of pruning of this type of tree: formative and sanitary. It is held every year.

1. After planting, it is necessary to shorten the central trunk of the tree so that it is 25 cm higher than the branches.
2. At 2 years of age, the formation of a sparsely layered crown begins. It is recommended to leave the 3 strongest branches. Cut the shoots to 60 cm. It is important that the central trunk still remains 20-25 cm higher than the other branches.
3. At 3 years old, the formation of 2 tiers of the crown should begin. It is located 40 cm from the first and consists of 2 branches.
4. At 4 years old you need to make the 3rd tier.
5. Starting from the 5th year, it is necessary to trim only those branches that make the crown too thick.

Sanitary pruning of plants of this variety is carried out as necessary and does not depend on the age of the plum. It involves removing damaged or diseased branches. It is also recommended to remove root shoots, which have a bad effect on the nutrition and growth of the tree.

As mentioned above, the Black Tula plum variety does not cope well with drought. For this reason, special attention should be paid to watering. During the growing season, you need to water the tree 6 times:

• after the flowers fall;
• 2 weeks after the first watering;
• 2 weeks after the second watering;
• during the period of fruit ripening;
• after the harvest is harvested;
• in September – October.

Feeding is also carried out according to the seasons.

Another important part of caring for the Black Tula plum variety is its preparation for winter. It starts in October. First of all, the soil around the tree must be cleared of fallen leaves and dug up (20 cm). Afterwards, you need to fill the plum with 70 liters of water and cover it with sawdust or a 10-centimeter layer of peat.

To protect the plant from rodents, the trunk should be whitened. After this, wrap it with a layer of roofing material, glass wool and light-reflecting foil.

Agricultural technology

The key to stable yields is competent agricultural technology.

Trimming

Plum pruning scheme: 1 - at planting, 2 - in the second year, 3 - for 3-4 years, 4 - in subsequent years.

Rationing is carried out in several stages:

1. Shortening the central shoot by 20–25 cm immediately after planting.
2. Crown formation in the 2nd year of tree life. This procedure ends by the 4th year of the culture’s life.
3. Pruning branches in the 5th year as a means of combating excessive thickening.

Sanitary pruning is usually carried out in spring and autumn annually.

Spring pruning is carried out immediately after the snow melts before the buds open.

Watering

During the growing season, the Tula Black variety requires moistening up to 6 times:

1. After the flowers fall.
2. 2 weeks after the 1st watering.
3. 15 days after the 2nd.
4. At the moment of ripening of berries.
5. At the end of the harvest.
6. In October before wintering (moisture-charging watering).

   Moisture-charging irrigation must be done in dry autumn.

Top dressing

In May, young seedlings are “fed” with urea and humate. In June, pour a solution of nitrophoska ( 3 tablespoons/10 liters of water ).

At the beginning of autumn, superphosphate and potassium sulfate are added. In early spring, potassium chloride, urea and superphosphate are added, and in the fall, once every 3 years , organic matter is added.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

The plum variety “Chernaya Tulskaya” is not susceptible to clasterosporia and fruit rot. However, it may suffer from other diseases or pests.

Of the pests, the plum "Black Tula" is most often affected by the thick stalk, yellow sawfly and codling moth.

1. Chlorophos, Karbofos or Mospilan, diluted in water according to the instructions, will help get rid of the fatty leg.
2. The same drugs as in the previous case help fight yellow sawfly.
3. Chlorophos can protect plums from codling moths. Treatment is usually carried out in mid-June.

Important! Timely digging and destruction of damaged fruits will help prevent plums from being damaged by pests.

The plum "Black Tula" was liked by many gardeners. It has good yield, excellent taste, and resistance to some diseases. Like any other fruit tree, it requires constant care. If everything is done correctly and according to the schedule, the plum will delight you with fruits for many years.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

• Based on the characteristics of the variety, the following advantages can be identified:
• good resistance to diseases if the rules of care are followed;
• stable fruiting for 17 years even in the absence of pollinators;
• versatility of using plums;
• good wood recovery after frost damage;
• high taste qualities.

The disadvantage of this variety is its poor tolerance to drought. With a lack of moisture, the fruits form smaller and fall off before they are ripe.