GROW
ccent on plums Once you’ve stood under your tree and eaten a ripe, sun-warmed plum, there’s no going back to store-bought ones
words chloe thomson
P
lums are one of the easiest and most
CHLOE’S POSH CHEESE ON TOAST
prolific fruit trees to grow in your
I made jars of plum spread for our
garden. Don’t panic if you’ve missed
wedding guests to take home
the bare-rooted planting season —
using plums from our own plum
you can still find potted plum trees at your
tree. And this is the recipe card
local garden centre or nursery.
I gave everyone. It has become
There are two types: European plums (Prunus domestica), which prefer cooler climates; and Japanese (or Chinese) plums (P. salicina), better suited to slightly warmer areas. Most varieties don’t self-pollinate;
something of a hit with many people. I hope you enjoy it too. Toast a thick slice of sourdough or crusty bread. Rub one side with a sliced garlic clove. Spread this same side with a layer of plum
however, some are partially self-pollinating
spread or plum jam (homemade if you can). Top the plum spread
but will produce better harvests with a
with a cheese of your choice (I like aged cheddars for this). Pop it
pollinating partner.
all under the grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into
Check the variety you’re planting for its
soldiers and enjoy with a big bowl of soup or as a tasty snack.
most suitable pollinator. As a general rule, the two varieties will not cross-pollinate each other, so try to plant two of the same species if you aren’t sure of the exact variety. If you’ve not grown plums before, you’re
GROWING Plums need a full-sun spot and will tolerate
missing out on some seriously chin-drippingly
growing in a wide range of soils as long as
delicious fruit. I particularly like the versatility
they’re well drained. Most varieties will grow
of plums — you can eat them fresh; make jams,
to around 4m tall and wide, but they can be
spreads and other preserves with them; dry
kept pruned to a pickable height and there
them or turn them into fruit leathers or even
are varieties grafted onto dwarf root stock
cook them into savoury tagines and stews.
available too.
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