Growing Flavor King Pluot Trees: A Comprehensive Guide

Pluots are a hybrid fruit that combines the sweetness of plums and the tanginess of apricots. The Flavor King Pluot is one of the most popular varieties, known for its juicy, flavorful flesh and beautiful reddish-purple skin. If you're interested in growing your own Flavor King Pluot trees, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started.

Choosing the Right Location

The first step to growing Flavor King Pluot trees is selecting the right location for your tree. These trees require full sun exposure, so choose a spot where your tree will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Additionally, make sure the location has well-draining soil, as Pluot trees don't do well in waterlogged soil.

Before planting your tree, test the soil pH to ensure it's within the optimal range of 6.0-7.0. If the pH is too low, add lime to raise it. Conversely, if the pH is too high, add sulfur to lower it. This will help your tree absorb nutrients more efficiently and promote healthy growth.

Selecting a Tree and Planting

When selecting a Flavor King Pluot tree, look for a tree that is at least 1 year old and has a healthy root system. You can purchase bare-root trees or potted trees. Bare-root trees should be planted in early spring before they break dormancy, while potted trees can be planted anytime during the growing season.

To plant your tree, dig a hole that's wider than the root ball but no deeper. Gently spread out the roots and fill in the hole with soil, making sure the graft union (the place where the scion is attached to the rootstock) is 2-3 inches above the soil line. Water your tree thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.

Caring for Your Tree

Once your Flavor King Pluot tree is planted, it's important to care for it properly to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. Here are some tips:

• Watering: Water your tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and adjust as needed based on weather conditions. Make sure the soil around the tree is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your tree in early spring before new growth appears using a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: Prune your tree during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Also, thin out any crowded or crossing branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration.
• Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common Pluot tree pests like aphids, mites, and scale insects. Treat infestations promptly with appropriate insecticides. Additionally, watch for diseases such as brown rot and powdery mildew, and use fungicides when necessary.

Harvesting and Storing Fruit

Flavor King Pluots typically ripen in mid-to-late summer, about 140 days after bloom time. When the fruit is ripe, it will be slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. Pick the fruit carefully by gently twisting it off the tree. Avoid pulling or tugging on the fruit, as this can damage the tree.

If you have more fruit than you can eat fresh, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze the fruit by washing and pitting it first, then placing it in airtight containers or freezer bags.

A Flavor King Pluot tree in bloom

Growing Flavor King Pluot trees can be a rewarding experience, both in terms of their beauty in the landscape and the delicious fruit they produce. By selecting the right location, caring for your tree properly, and harvesting and storing your fruit correctly, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest year after year.

Growing Plumcots, Apricot-Plum Hybrid Trees, Fruit Tree Care, Harvesting Fruit, Pest Control