Jubilee Plums: A Bigger, Better Victoria Plum
If you’re a fan of Victoria plums, then you’ll love Jubilee plums. They’re a larger, improved version of the Victoria plum, with a deeper yellow color and a sweeter taste. Growing Jubilee plums is easy, even for beginners, as they’re disease resistant, hardy, and self-fertile.
What is a Jubilee Plum?
Jubilee plums, also known as Jubileum plums, are a type of plum that was developed in England. They’re similar in appearance to Victoria plums, with mottled red skin and a long, oval shape. However, Jubilee plums are larger and have a firmer texture.
When you cut open a Jubilee plum, you’ll find deep yellow flesh that’s juicy and sweet. They’re perfect for eating fresh, as they’re incredibly flavorful. But they can also be used for cooking and baking, adding a touch of sweetness and juiciness to your favorite recipes.
How to Grow Jubilee Plums
Growing Jubilee plums is not difficult, as long as you provide them with the right conditions. They need plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. If you live in an area where Victoria plums grow well, then you’ll have no problem growing Jubilee plums.
Here are some tips for growing Jubilee plums:
- Choose a planting site that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and just as deep.
- Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water the tree deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season.
- Fertilize the tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
Jubilee Plum Care
Jubilee plum trees are relatively low-maintenance. However, there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and productive.
- Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches.
- Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water the tree deeply during dry spells.
- Protect the tree from pests and diseases by using organic methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Harvesting Jubilee Plums
Jubilee plums are ready to harvest in mid-August. The fruit should be slightly soft to the touch and have a deep red color. To harvest the plums, gently twist them off the tree.
Store the plums in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to six months.
Pollinators for Jubilee Plums
Although Jubilee plum trees are self-fertile, they can produce even more fruit if there is a compatible pollinator nearby. Some good pollinator varieties for Jubilee plums include:
- Avalon
- Belle de Louvain
- Cambridge Gage
- Early Transparent Gage
- Farleigh
- Guinevere
- Merryweather
- Opal
- Victoria
Jubilee Plum Recipes
Jubilee plums are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh eating
- Plum pie
- Plum jam
- Plum cobbler
- Plum smoothie
- Plum salad
With their sweet flavor and juicy texture, Jubilee plums are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. So if you’re looking for a new fruit to grow in your garden, be sure to give Jubilee plums a try!
