I'm going to buy a plum tree, but am a little confused as to which is the best for me. I'll probably mainly use it for making jam and baking. OH will probably want to eat them.
When I was little we used to have a Victoria Plum tree in our back garden - its spread was pretty big, although the tree itself was not very tall - we only had the one tree and it used to be a really good cropper. I think I'd like one that is fairly compact and won't spread too far if possible, but do some need a companion to fruit ? I've been given some Czar to make jam with, haven't tried them before.
Blackmoor have two different rootstocks, but I don't know if they affect just the height, or spread as well ???
All advice, opinions and experience welcome ...
Victoria is pretty reliable, and they will fruit without a pollinator - but you may get more fruit if there is one. Check fisrt to see if there are other plum trees in your vicinity, that'll help a lot and you won't have to buy two.
I'd go for St. Julien rootstock - for a Victoria plum, I think a more dwarfing rootstock isn't appropriate - St. Julien will give a tree that won't get too huge, or be too small to be worthwhile - but then if the tree does turn out to be more vigorous than you expect, Victoria plum is very forgiving and can be pruned hard, or festooned into a naturally drooping shape that makies the fruit easier to pick.
The rootstock affects height and width, but the tree that is grafted onto it will still bear its original characteristics to some extent.
just to add that the chosen location will probably define rootstock - my favourite plum is Opal, quite early, delicious, avoids the wasp time but all plums are gorgeous :)
What about late plums? I lost my Victoria last year; I want to replace it, probably with an early with better taste, and add a late one as well.
marjories seedling or dennistons superb would make possible good choices
Marjorie's Seedling was the one I had in mind. Thanks.
have you thought about a greengage denniston superb is ideal for jams and are very sweet :D :D