September essentials: Caring for your prune plum harvest

This is one of the most popular varieties of plums. The prune plum is valued for its unique taste. It is ideal for preserves and direct consumption, and it works great as an ingredient in seasonal cakes.

These trees are relatively easy to cultivate. To enjoy abundant crops, they require regular care — especially at the end of the season, in September. This is when they need particular attention from gardeners.

The prune plum is a variety characterized by small, elongated fruits with a dark purple colour. The flesh is golden-yellow, firm, and easily separates from the pit, making these plums ideal for making jams, preserves, or compotes.

The fruits of this variety typically ripen from the end of August to mid-September — of course, it all depends on the weather and growing conditions. This is the period when the Hungarian plum requires special care. Proper care affects not only the current crop but also the tree's healthy appearance and the crops' abundance in the next season.

September is the best time to harvest plums. It's essential to regularly pick ripe fruits to avoid the rotting of those that fall to the ground. This way, you can avoid attracting pests and, as a result, diseases. Regularly remove damaged fruits from the tree, as they can be a breeding ground for larvae.

It's also worth removing dry, damaged, or diseased branches, which allows the tree to focus its energy on healthy parts and prevents the spread of diseases. Make sure to provide the plum tree with an adequate amount of water.

In September, the soil around the tree should also be taken care of. After harvesting, you can apply a potassium-phosphorus fertilizer that supports the root system and prepares the tree for winter.

Avoid nitrogen fertilizers, as they are suitable for spring. Before applying the appropriate fertilizer, remember to loosen the soil around the plum, clean it, and remove weeds.