Peculiarities of growing plum Lyudmila

The Lyudmila plum is a worthy choice for gardeners who value a reliable harvest, beautiful fruit, and versatility. Thanks to its good productivity and ease of cultivation, it has received many positive reviews. By following the planting and care recommendations, you can reap bountiful harvests year after year.

The concept of a plum

This variety was officially registered in 2007. Its creator is breeder F. I. Glinshchikova. It is characterized by average productivity.

Description of the tree

The plant is medium-sized, reaching approximately 4 m in height. It has a spreading, drooping crown of medium density. Other characteristics:

• Escapes – straight, smooth, without pubescence, brown in color.
• Leaves - Medium-sized, obovate, with a short, pointed tip. The surface is smooth, slightly shiny, and green in color.
• Flowering – During this period, the tree is covered with small white flowers with a slight pinkish tint.

The plant's longevity is considered average.

Fruits and their taste characteristics

The fruits are medium-sized, have a round-heart shape, and the weight varies from 15 to 18 g. Distinguishing features:

• The main color is yellow, and the covering color is orange-red, almost completely covering the fruit.
• Numerous subcutaneous dots are clearly visible on the surface.
• The skin is thin, smooth, with a light waxy coating, and easily separates from the pulp when eating or canning.
• The pulp is tender and yellow.
• The stone is medium sized.
• The taste is sweet, with a slight almond hint.
• The tasting score for the variety is 4.2 points.

Growing Basics

Proper planting and subsequent care are essential steps for a good harvest. To ensure a healthy and productive tree, follow a few key rules:

• Choose a sunny, well-lit location. The plant does not tolerate shade well, so a site that receives full sun throughout the day is ideal. It should be protected from wind, especially cold northern gusts.
• The soil should be fertile and well-drained, as standing water can lead to root rot. Loamy or sandy loam soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH are ideal. If the soil is poor, add organic fertilizer (compost or humus) before planting.
• Prepare the planting hole 2-3 weeks in advance. It should be 60-70 cm deep and 80-100 cm wide. Place a drainage layer (gravel or broken brick) at the bottom of the hole and add a mixture of fertile soil, humus, and mineral fertilizers (superphosphate and potassium).
• Choose young seedlings 1-2 years old. Soak the roots in water for several hours.
• Place the tree in the hole, carefully spread the roots, and fill with soil, compacting it firmly. The root collar should be level with the ground. Water generously (about 20-30 liters of water) and mulch the area around the trunk with straw or peat.

Provide the crop with comprehensive care. Follow simple agricultural practices.

• The tree requires regular watering, especially in the first year after planting and during active growth (spring and summer). The soil should be moist to the depth of the root system (40-50 cm). Water 1-2 times a week. During dry periods, increase the frequency of watering.
• To ensure good growth and fruiting, ensure adequate fertilization. In the spring, apply nitrogen fertilizers (such as urea or ammonium nitrate), and in midsummer, apply potassium and phosphorus fertilizers to promote fruit formation. In the fall, organic matter (humus and compost) is effective.
• Pruning is an important part of caring for this plant. In the spring, before the sap begins to flow, remove damaged, dried, and excess branches to ensure good ventilation and sunlight. Pruning helps shape the tree's crown and stimulates the growth of new shoots.
• After watering and rain, loosen the soil around the tree to prevent crusting and improve oxygen supply. Mulching (straw, sawdust, peat) is important for moisture retention and protecting the roots from overheating.

If not properly cared for, Lyudmila can be susceptible to a number of diseases and pest infestations. To protect it and ensure normal development, recognize problems promptly and use effective control methods:

• Clasterosporium (shot hole spot). Characterized by the formation of brown spots on leaves, which eventually develop into holes. The disease can also affect fruits and branches.
  Prune infected branches and treat with copper-containing products, such as copper manure or Bordeaux mixture. Perform this treatment at the beginning of the growing season and after flowering.
• Moniliosis (fruit rot). It manifests itself as fruit rot, beginning with brown spots. The disease spreads rapidly and can lead to complete crop loss.
  Remove damaged fruits and branches, spray with Skor or Topaz fungicides in early spring.
• Rust. It is accompanied by yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which leads to premature leaf drop and weakening of the tree.
  For prevention, use Topaz or Thiovit Jet. Promptly collect and destroy fallen leaves.
• Aphid. Insects that feed on the sap of young shoots and leaves cause them to curl and deform. For treatment, use insecticides such as Aktara or Inta-Vir. Garlic or tobacco infusions can also help.
• Plum codling moth. The pest's caterpillars penetrate plums, damaging them from the inside and making them unfit for consumption.
  Immediately after flowering, treat with Karate or Kinmix insecticides. Set up pheromone traps to control the population.
• Plum aphid. Forms a whitish coating on young leaves and shoots, causing their deformation and slowing down the growth of the tree.
  A soap solution and systemic insecticides such as Fufanon or Fitoverm are effective.

Regularly remove and burn fallen leaves and affected fruits.

Reviews

Lyudmila is a table plum variety popular for its decorative qualities and delicious fruit. Both novice and experienced gardeners can grow this plant, as it's easy to care for and requires minimal attention. However, proper care is essential for strong immunity and increased yields.

Frequently Asked Questions