Plum Tree problem

[Jay22]

Hi all, my plum tree has the sum total of 6 plums on it. Leaves have dropped or are going brown... could this be frost damage from earlier or lack of water?



Should have said it’s growing in a pot but has been happy so far!

[nickdub]

Too dry, so its got sun scald - put the whole pot in a large container of water and leave it there for a few hours if you can - when you take it out knock the tree out of the pot and check for ants, as they often move in and acerbate any watering problems at this time of year.

[Jay22]

Thanks Nick, had a feeling it was lack of water. Will check for ants too although we are not normally bothered by them here...knowing my luck though!!!

[nickdub]

you're very welcome - I reckon it'll recover and possibly start a bit of new growth, if it does then a bit of spray with a liquid feed will also help.

[Hereford fruit grower]

Except for River's Early Prolific (late July), which always lives up to its name, and Cambridge Gage, my plum trees have six or fewer plums on them this year. So some people at least including me had a frost at the wrong time. It's not just being dry that can account for a poor crop.

Apricots and pears blossomed at the 'correct' time in 2019. Once the young fruit's formed, it seems less fragile than the flower. So my apricots and pears set respectively a good and full crop.

[veggiechicken]

Very few plums here too. Nothing like last year.

[bramble]

Same here...very disappointing.
No two seasons are the same I suppose.

[Mark_Riga]

No plums here for the first time in about 20 years, some damsons and greengages - but plenty of wood pigeons.

[nickdub]

I've got tons of plums - not sure why, but possibly because it was a bit of an off year for them last year.

[veggiechicken]

^^^ What's your address??