Imperial Gage Plumberry Prunus domestica 'Imperial Gage' (D)

Water

For an Imperial Gage plum tree, water deeply once a week during the growing season, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the dormant season, watering can be reduced, especially if natural rainfall provides sufficient moisture. A newly planted Imperial Gage plum tree may require between 10 to 20 gallons per week, depending on the size of the tree and the weather conditions. As the tree matures, it may need less frequent watering, but with larger amounts at a time, such as 20 to 30 gallons every two weeks to promote deeper root growth. Always adjust watering based on rainfall, temperature, and soil type.

Light

Imperial Gage plum trees thrive in full sun, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for the plant is in an open area without shade from buildings or other trees. Positioning the tree in a location with south-facing exposure ensures optimal light absorption, which is critical for fruit production and overall plant health.

Temperature

Imperial Gage plum trees perform well in a temperature range between 35°F and 95°F; however, they can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to about -20°F once they are fully dormant. The ideal growing temperatures for active growth are between 55°F and 75°F. During bloom in the spring, frost can be detrimental, so they are best planted in areas where late frosts are uncommon.

Pruning

Pruning an Imperial Gage plum tree is essential to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and promote a healthy structure for fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before bud break when the tree is still dormant. Thinning out the canopy allows for better air circulation and light penetration. Aim to prune annually, focusing on removing crossed branches, inward-growing branches, and any shoots that compete with the central leader.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

The European plum, including the Imperial Gage variety, thrives best in a well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix that includes organic compost, loamy garden soil, and a smaller portion of sand or perlite to improve drainage can be ideal. Regular checking and adjustments for pH and drainage may be necessary to maintain optimal growing conditions.

Repotting

European plum trees like the Imperial Gage plum do not typically require frequent repotting as they are usually planted directly in the ground. These trees are best suited for an orchard or large garden setting where repotting is not applicable. In situations where they must be repotted, it should be done during dormancy in late winter or early spring, but generally, this is a rare occurrence.

Humidity & Misting

European plum trees, including the Imperial Gage, are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefer a moderate environment. They do not require specific humidity levels but will benefit from being in an area where the air is not excessively dry. Avoiding highly arid or consistently wet conditions will help maintain the health of the tree.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not ideal for indoor; needs full sun, large space.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space 15-20 ft apart.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The 'Imperial Gage' plum, a cultivar of Prunus domestica, begins its life when a seed germinates in the soil, typically requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, the seedling grows through the vegetative stage, developing a root system, stems, and leaves, while also forming a woody trunk as it matures into a sapling. After a few years, the tree reaches the flowering stage, where it produces white blooms in the spring that are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit development. The young plums grow and mature throughout the summer, turning into sweet, greenish-yellow fruit typical of the 'Imperial Gage' variety. Once the fruit is ripe, typically from late summer to early autumn, it can be harvested, and any seeds that escape consumption may potentially contribute to the next generation of trees. After fruiting, the tree enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy for the next growth cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter

• The most popular method of propagating the European plum, specifically the Prunus domestica 'Imperial Gage', is by grafting. Grafting is usually carried out in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to rise and the trees come out of dormancy. In this process, a scion, which is a twig from a desired variety, typically with a couple of buds, is joined to a compatible rootstock. The cut surfaces of both the scion and rootstock are aligned to ensure cambial contact and then firmly bound together with grafting tape. The graft should be protected with a grafting compound or wax to prevent drying out. The success of the graft is evident once the scion starts to grow and develop, indicating that the union has taken and the vascular tissues have joined, enabling the flow of nutrients and water.