The Incredible 4-in-1 Plum Tree: A Guide to Growing 4 Varieties on 1 Compact Tree

The 4-in-1 plum tree is a dream come true for any plum lover with limited space. This innovative tree combines 4 delicious plum varieties grafted onto one trunk, allowing you to enjoy an abundance of homegrown plums from summer through fall. Let’s explore everything you need to know about selecting, planting, and caring for a 4-in-1 plum tree.

Overview of the 4-in-1 Plum Tree

What is a 4-in-1 Plum Tree?

A 4-in-1 plum tree has 4 different plum varieties grafted onto a single semi-dwarf rootstock. Using specialized grafting techniques, growers join scion wood from 4 plum cultivars to create one fruitful but compact tree

Some common plum varieties found on 4-in-1 trees include:

• Santa Rosa – Sweet, reddish-purple skin, self-pollinating
• Italian Prune – Sweet, high sugar, purple skin, late harvest
• Brooks – Juicy, reddish-purple skin, early harvest
• Green Gage – Sweet, aromatic, greenish-yellow skin

Benefits of the 4-in-1 Plum Tree

Compared to planting 4 separate plum trees the 4-in-1 offers many advantages

• Space saving – 4 varieties in 1 compact 12-15 foot tree
• Extended harvest – Enjoy plums from summer through early fall
• Self-pollination – No need to plant pollinator trees
• Ornamental interest – Flowers and colorful fruit varieties
• Easier care – One tree to maintain instead of 4 trees

For small gardens, the 4-in-1 plum is ideal for fitting plentiful fruit production into a tiny footprint.

Selecting a 4-in-1 Plum Tree

When choosing a 4-in-1 plum, consider your climate and desired harvest timeframe. Talk to your local nursery to select varieties suited for your region

Look for a tree grafted on semi-dwarf or dwarfing rootstock to control mature size. Alderman or Marianna rootstocks produce a manageable 10-15 foot tree.

Inspect graft unions to ensure they are smooth and well-healed before purchasing. Avoid trees with broken branches or discolored leaves.

Planting Your 4-in-1 Plum

Spring is the best time to plant bare-root plum trees so roots establish before summer heat. Follow these tips:

• Sunlight: Choose a spot with full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with neutral pH
• Spacing: Allow 12-15 feet between trees
• Planting: Dig a hole 2-3x wider than root ball, set tree at original soil level, backfill with compost
• Fertilizer: Apply organic compost tea or low nitrogen fertilizer monthly
• Mulch: Spread 2-4 inches of mulch around base, avoiding trunk contact
• Water: Deep water weekly during dry periods, especially flowering and fruiting

Proper planting and early care fosters healthy root development in young trees.

Pruning Your 4-in-1 Plum

Pruning is vital for tree health and maximizing plum harvests. Follow these guidelines:

• First 3 years: Prune lightly in late winter to train structure. Remove crossed/damaged branches.
• Mature trees: Prune annually in winter to open center for airflow and light penetration.
• Target thinning cuts: Remove 1/4 oldest branches to the trunk. This stimulates new fruitful growth.
• Shape: Contain size/spread if needed. Remove inward facing branches.
• Clean cuts: Use sharp, sterile bypass pruners. Cut at 45° angle just above buds.

Avoid heavy pruning that removes more than 30% branches. This can set back fruiting. Regular light pruning keeps trees vibrant.

Pollination Needs

The 4-in-1 plum is designed to be self-pollinating. The multiple varieties bloom at different times but overlap for cross-pollination. This allows fruit set without a secondary pollinator tree.

For heavier yields, plant a second 4-in-1 or European plum variety. The increased pollination will boost fruit production significantly.

Harvesting and Enjoying Plums

Depending on variety, plums ripen from mid-summer through early fall.

• Monitor ripening: Check fruit daily as harvest approaches.
• Pick when ripe: Plums detach easily when lifted and twisted when ready.
• Avoid bruising: Handle fruit gently to prevent damage.
• Storage: Refrigerate ripe plums up to 3-5 weeks.

Tree-ripened plums far surpass grocery store plums in sweetness and flavor. Enjoy them fresh, baked, grilled, or preserved in jams, syrups, and desserts.

Growing a Productive 4-in-1 Plum Tree

For plum lovers with limited space, the 4-in-1 plum tree is a prized addition to any backyard. Allowing you to grow multiple plum varieties in one compact tree, the 4-in-1 plum provides bushels of harvest with minimal effort. With proper planting, pruning, and care, your tree will reward you with an abundance of sweet homegrown plums for years to come.

Plum trees typically start bearing fruit between 3 to 6 years after planting.