Pluots are a combination of plums and apricots, with plum being the majority contributor. Because of this, the pluot tree needs growing conditions similar to a plum tree. Pluots are best grown in Sunset Climate Zones 2 and 3, 7 through 12 and 14 through 23, where frost is a rare spring occurrence but winters are cold enough for dormancy. The trees will flower in spring and bear fruit in the summer. Pluots do not grow in alkaline soil, and they require adequate drainage. Pruning helps keep the weak branches of the tree from breaking under the weight of the fruit.
Amend soil six months before planting the pluot tree. Add lime to acidic soil to adjust the pH to 6.5. Pluots do not grow well in alkaline soil. Choose a spot that has full sun six to eight hours a day. Dig a 6-inch hole in the soil and fill it with water to test drainage. If the hole has not drained in an hour, add sand to the soil and retest. Do not plant in areas with poor drainage.
Dig a hole twice the length and width of the tree roots. Form a mound of dirt in the center of the hole to support the roots, so that the crown of the planted tree will show above ground.
Place the tree in the hole, and fill in with a mixture of compost and soil. Once the hole is half-filled, pack the soil and water the tree before filling the rest of the hole.
Water once a week during the growing season. During other times of the year, water when the soil dries out on top. Mulch around the trunk of the tree as needed to prevent weeds. Fertilize the tree in April and September with 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Prune overlapping or damaged branches. Thin out the canopy and buds to prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the heavy fruit.
Things You Will Need
- Kit to test soil pH
- Pruning shears
- Plant a Japanese plum tree within 100 feet of the pluot for cross-pollination.