Leslie Massey
Prunes are a popular fruit in Australia, with around 70 farming families producing up to 3000 tonnes of premium quality prunes annually. The Australian prune industry is one of the few horticultural sectors that continues to grow, with farmers planting new trees every year. In this article, we will explore the history of prune production in Australia, the process of growing and drying prunes, and the health benefits associated with this sugary fruit. We will also provide tips and techniques for those interested in growing their own prune trees, including variety selection, planting, and maintenance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a prune tree to bear harvestable fruit | 4-6 years |
| Time taken for a prune tree to reach full production capacity | 8-12 years |
| Average life of a prune tree | 30 years |
| Harvesting time in Australia | As late as mid-April |
| Type of tree | Deciduous |
| Pruning | Done mechanically and by hand |
| Pruning helps | Maintain tree shape, control fruit size and quality, and preserve a tree’s long life |
| Number of farming families producing Australian prunes | 40-70 |
| Annual production of Australian prunes | 3000 tonnes |
| Plum varietal to grow | Italian prune plum trees (Prunus domestica) |
| Height of Italian prune plum trees | 10-12 feet |
| Time to plant Italian prune plum trees | Early spring or autumn |
| Pruning Italian prune plum trees | Maintain an area at least 4 feet out from the plant free of weeds |
| Fertilizer for Italian prune plum trees | 1 oz of a 12-14-12 fertilizer per 1 square yard around the tree in the spring |
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What You'll Learn
Select a suitable plum variety
Plum trees take four to six years to bear harvestable fruit, and even then, a tree needs eight to 12 years to reach full production capacity. So, it is important to select a suitable plum variety to ensure a good harvest.
European plum varieties are generally preferred for making prunes because they have a higher sugar content, making them sweeter. They are also hardier and more reliable fruit producers than Japanese plum varieties. Many European plum varieties are also self-fertile, which is advantageous for gardeners with limited space as it means that only one tree is required.
Italian prune plum trees (Prunus domestica) are an excellent choice for those wanting to grow their own prunes. They are self-fertile, winter hardy, and the fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, or canned. Italian prune trees produce fruit five years after planting, and the fruit has a high sugar content, making it ideal for drying. Italian prune tree plantings are typically ready for harvest in early September, and early Italian prune varieties mature around 15 days ahead of standard Italian prune trees, making them a good choice for regions with early frost.
When selecting an Italian prune tree, choose a one or two-year-old tree from a nursery with at least four to five well-spaced branches and a healthy root system. These trees can be kept as dwarf trees around 10-12 feet (3-3.5 m) through careful pruning.
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Prepare the soil
When preparing the soil for growing prunes in Australia, it is important to select a suitable location. The location should be spacious, as prune trees can grow to be quite large, with enough room for the tree's roots to spread out. The area should also be well-drained and receive full sun, as prune trees require ample sunlight to thrive.
Once you have selected the location, it is time to amend the soil. Prune trees prefer slightly acidic soil, so it is important to test the pH level of your soil before planting. If the pH level is too high, you can lower it by adding sulphur or acidic compost to the soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, to ensure the soil is rich in nutrients. Prune trees also prefer soil that is moist but well-drained, so be sure to mix in some organic material, such as peat moss or compost, to help retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
It is generally recommended to plant prune trees in the early spring, when the soil is moist and the weather is mild. However, if your region experiences mild autumns, you may also plant prune trees during this season. When planting, choose a one or two-year-old tree from a nursery, ensuring it has a healthy root system and at least four to five well-spaced branches.
After transplanting your prune tree, maintain an area of at least four feet (1 metre) around the plant that is free of weeds. You can use an organic mulch to suppress weed growth effectively. For the first two to three years, your prune tree will not require any fertilisation. Once the tree begins to fruit, you can feed it with a balanced fertiliser, such as an ounce (28 grams) of a 12-14-12 fertiliser, applied per square yard (0.8 square metres) in the spring.
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Planting and pruning
Pruning plum trees is an important part of maintaining their shape, controlling fruit size and quality, and preserving their long life. When planting prune trees, it is recommended to select a one- or two-year-old tree from a nursery with at least four to five well-spaced branches and a healthy root system. The tree should be planted early in the spring, or during autumn if the fall conditions are mild and the soil is moist. After transplanting, prune tree care should include maintaining an area at least one metre out from the plant that is free of weeds. An organic mulch can be used to suppress weed growth.
Pruning can be done at planting time, with one-year-old trees cut back to 33-36 inches, and two-year-old trees reduced to four well-spaced arms cut back by a third. To maintain this framework, prune shoots that emerge from the ground in the spring and summer, and keep the centre of the tree open to provide air circulation and allow sunlight in. Pruning can be done mechanically and is often finished by hand. Italian prune plum trees can be kept as dwarf trees, at a height of 3-3.5 metres, through careful pruning.
Prune any non-fruiting, sagging, or deformed branches as needed. Heavy branches can be supported with a wooden post. Italian prune plum trees are less vulnerable to diseases and pests than other fruit trees, but aphids, mites, and leaf rollers may require spraying. Spray with a horticultural oil with fixed copper or lime sulfur to prevent insect infestations and fungal diseases.
Prune trees take four to six years to bear harvestable fruit. Even then, a tree needs eight to 12 years before it reaches full production capacity. At that point, an orchard will be able to maintain prune production for about 30 years.
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Harvesting and drying
Once you have selected the right type of plum, you need to prepare the fruit for drying. Small plums can be dried whole, but they will contain pits. To dehydrate whole plums properly, dip the fruit in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then cool them quickly by submerging them in ice water. Next, pre-treat the plums to retain their colour. Soak the fruit in a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water for 3-5 minutes. Drain the plums, then arrange them on drying trays, skin-side down, leaving space around each plum for air to circulate.
Place the drying racks in an oven or dehydrator, and set the thermostat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the drying process is complete, the prunes are removed from the trays and stored in clean bins in a cool, dark place. To store prunes for longer periods, place small portions into vapor-tight jars, containers, or plastic bags, and keep them in a cool, dry, dark place.
It is worth noting that prune trees take 4-6 years to bear harvestable fruit, and even then, a tree needs 8-12 years before reaching full production capacity.
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Storing and packaging
To properly store prunes, dried and conditioned prunes should be placed in small portions in vapour-tight containers, such as jars, plastic bags, or other suitable containers. It is important to store them in a cool, dry, and dark location, and they can be used within 6 to 12 months. This ensures the prunes remain fresh and edible for an extended period.
When preparing prunes for storage, it is essential to follow specific steps to ensure their quality and longevity. Firstly, select suitable plum varieties for drying, as not all plums make good prunes. European plum varieties, for instance, are often preferred by commercial growers due to their higher sugar content, making them ideal for drying.
Additionally, the drying process itself is crucial. Small plums can be dried whole, but they will contain pits. To ensure proper dehydration, the skins of the plums must be cracked by dipping them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, followed by rapid cooling in ice water. A pretreatment solution of lemon juice and water can also help retain the colour of the prunes.
Proper storage and packaging of prunes are essential to maintain their quality and freshness. By following these steps, growers can ensure that consumers receive a wholesome and delicious product.
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Frequently asked questions
A prune tree takes four to six years to bear harvestable fruit.
A prune tree needs eight to 12 years to reach full production capacity.
Italian prune plum trees are an excellent choice of plum varietal to grow. They are self-fertile, winter hardy, and their fruit has a high sugar content, making it ideal for drying.
Prune tree care includes maintaining an area at least 4 feet (1 metre) out from the plant that is free of weeds. An organic mulch can be used to suppress weed growth. No fertilization is needed for the first two to three years. Once the tree begins to fruit, feed it with 1 ounce (28 grams) of a 12-14-12 fertilizer per 1 square yard (0.8 square metres) around the tree in the spring.
Prune any non-fruiting, sagging, or deformed branches as needed. One-year-old trees can be cut back to 33-36 inches (84-91 cm), and two-year-old trees can have their branches reduced to four well-spaced arms cut back by a third.
