Plum Opal

A plum called Opal was obtained by crossing. Breeders have combined the Rivers (early yielding variety) and Renclode Ullensky varieties. Despite the fact that this variety was obtained in Sweden, it has taken root remarkably in different regions of Russia. Gardeners recommend planting the variety in the middle lane.

Medium-sized plants reach a height of up to three meters. The crown is compact, but very dense. The shape can be round or broadly conical. The color of the leaves is dark green, the shape is elongated. Despite the recommendations to grow the Opal variety in the central regions of the country, it has taken root well in the southern latitudes. In areas with unfavorable weather conditions, the plum is grafted into another frost-resistant variety.

The weight of one fruit is 20-25 grams. Sizes are medium. The shape is round or oval-round. The color of the fruit changes as it ripens. Initially, it is yellow with a green tint, and upon reaching maturity, the surface becomes bright yellow with a rich purple blush that covers the entire fruit. A blue waxy bloom is visible on the skin. It is thin, but moderately dense.

A very juicy and dense pulp is hidden inside. Its color also changes from green to yellow. The stone is small, pointed at the end.

Ripe berries are suitable for processing or fresh consumption. Opal fruits are often used as a filling for desserts made from flour and other delicacies. They are also popular as an ingredient for compote, jam or preserves. The purpose of the fruit is universal.

The fruit combines sweetness and sourness. Separately, the delicious and bright aroma is noted. Assessment of tasters - 4.5 points out of five maximum. The bone is easily detached from the pulp. The percentage of sugar content is 11.5%.

This variety belongs to the mid-early varieties. Trees bloom from early to mid-May. The harvest begins in early August. Plum bears fruit periodically.

Due to the high yield, up to 50 kilograms of fruit are harvested from one tree. When growing the Opal variety through seedlings, the first fruits will appear in the third year after planting, on zoned varieties fruiting begins a year earlier. Trees aged 8 years or more give out about 20-25 kilograms.

The size of the fruit is reduced when the yield is large. To grow large fruits, gardeners carry out rationing of the crop. The procedure consists in removing excess buds. Another feature is unstable fruiting. After a rich harvest, trees often go dormant, and the next year the volume of the harvest decreases noticeably.

Plum does not tolerate transplanting, so you need to immediately choose a suitable place for growing a fruit crop.Opal prefers well-lit locations and must be protected from blowing. If there are trees or other objects (for example, buildings) on the site, trees are planted at a distance of 3 meters from them.

From the north side, a cold and strong wind often blows, from which fruit trees also need to be protected.

The area chosen for planting should be flat. Water often stagnates in the lowlands. Excessive dampness provokes the development of fungus and root rot. Plum does not like acidic soil and will not be able to form a high-quality crop in such conditions. If the reaction to acidity is high, lime or dolomite flour is mixed into the ground. Peat soil will also not work.

Opal grows remarkably well in loamy soil. It is mixed with sand and humus. Organic matter will make the soil more fertile and nourish the trees. If groundwater is located on the site, they should be at a depth of at least one and a half or 2 meters.

You should buy seedlings in the fall, and in the spring they are planted. So that young trees can easily endure the winter, they are buried in a special place protected from drafts. A small oblong hole is made on the site, in which the seedlings are laid. A layer of wet soil is poured on top and a covering material is laid. Regular burlap or any breathable fabric will do

Preparations for planting fruit trees begin in mid-spring. The area is cleared, weeds are removed and planting holes are dug. The soil is mixed with compost. The nutrient composition is placed on the bottom of the hole, and a seedling is placed on top. The roots are gently straightened to avoid creases. The trees are sprinkled with earth, which is carefully tamped.

At the end of the planting procedure, the earth around the trunk is mulched. As a rule, organic matter is used (straw, dry grass, humus, sawdust).

Follow-up tree care includes the following.

• Trees are watered 3 to 5 times throughout the year. This is a standard irrigation scheme that can be changed depending on the climate and weather conditions. Up to 10 liters of water are consumed per drain. It is desirable that the liquid be settled and not cold. Plants especially need moisture during flowering and harvesting.

• The moistened soil is loosened so that the water reaches the roots faster. And also this procedure is needed for oxygen exchange. If the roots receive a sufficient amount of air, the trees will fully develop and delight with a rich harvest.

• They begin to fertilize trees from the first days of spring. You yourself can prepare a solution from water, potassium salt, urea and superphosphate. The second time, fertilizing is applied at the end of flowering, but now potash and phosphorus fertilizers are used.

• Experienced gardeners form the crown in tiers. In the process of pruning, they are sure to get rid of deformed and diseased shoots. The work is done in spring or autumn.

• A strong protective net will keep the tree from rodents. She covers the trunk of a tree.

• 3-4 years after planting, the soil near the trees is carefully dug up and fertilized. 10 kilograms of compost or humus are consumed per 1 m2 of plot.