Baby Victoria Plum trees

Hi All

I have purchased some Victoria Plum trees online and when they turned up they were very small and not what I would call trees. Because I want my plot for years I have persevered with them. They are what can only be described as a foot in height stick. What do I need to do to give these babys the best start and getting the trees starting to form in the right way? How long would it be until they may fruit?

Any help would be appreciated

Plums like moist soil but one that isn't waterlogged.If the soil isnt that moisture retentive dig in plenty of well rotted manure.Don't skimp on the preperation or you'll regret it.If you can try and plant where the early morning sun won't get to it as it can burn the blossom if they are lightly frosted.

You'll be suprised how quickly they grow, 2 years full growth and in the 3rd year there will be blossom just don't let too many fruit form maybe a quarter of what sets. (there won't be many though)

I have a Victoria that has one years growth on it and it has a very good leader and 4 side branches i will prune the 4 side branches back by two thirds in spring to an outward faceing bud and leave the leader to grow to the final height that i want the tree to grow.

Then in the 3rd year i will do the same again but will begin to get fruit from the tree as i did on my last tree that i had on my old plot.

I prune cherries the same

It sounds like you've bought a whip, these should take up to 3 years to start fruiting.

If the soil isnt that moisture retentive dig in plenty of well rotted manure.Don't skimp on the preperation or you'll regret it.

Recent studies have shown that it is best not to add any fertilizer to the ground before planting, the main reason for this is the roots on the tree spiral in the hole you dug and prepared. This is because the tree thinks that it doesn't need to produce a strong root system as it has everything it needs in that one hole. And if the roots start to spiral, then it can lead to the plant rocking and more importantly, it simply wont survive.

If your worried about the tree not getting enough moisture, then add some water retaining gel to the hole.