Plum tree with no blossom

[Ratty2E]

I have had this tree 4 years and it was about 5' tall when we got it. The first year it had blossom but no fruit. The second year it had blossom and a few measly plums but they all dropped off. Last year it had no blossom at all and this year it's sprouted loads of leaves but so far no sign of any flower buds. Apart from that it seems healthy and is growing well. I gave it a stern talking to last year and warned it it was destined for the compost if it didn't buck it's ideas up. Should i be patient or should I go and fetch the spade.

[Old_Geezer]

I'm no gardening expert, but don't plants create more foilage & growth if "content", and "go out of their way" to create fruits for the next generation if plant food is less abundant ? Maybe you should put it on a diet.

[Ratty2E]

Hi Old geezer, yes I've heard that too but I haven't fed it. It probably had a bit of bonemeal when it was first put in but that's it. I have threatened it with death but even that hasn't given it the urge to procreate

[Old_Geezer]

We had a plum tree in the garden when I was a child. Crop varied from year to year but it rarely gave much fruit. Father was always threatening to cut it down, which horrified me as it was great for climbing. It was cut one year, IIRC when I was in my late teens. I guess some varieties don't crop much.

[Clanad]

Although several varieties of plum trees are self-fertile and are able to pollinate themselves, many require another variety nearby for pollination. Since, what I hear you saying, is that you've had very little in the way of plum production since you planted it, I would plant another variety close by before the stertn taling to results in a dejected plum with no reason left to live...

The other possibility is that you planted an ornamental plum, which will never produce any appreciable fruits... in which case, perhaps you're the one needing a stern talking to...

[ladybirder]

Clanad is correct. Even when it says self fertile on the label that is not always the case. You need to plant another plum close by that flowers at the same time of year so that the insects can cross pollenate it.

[TonyV]

Ratty - do you know what variety you have?

[Ratty2E]

It's a Victoria.The problem is I'm not getting flowers so it's not going to be pollinated by itself or any other tree. We had a well established victoria plum tree here when we first moved in which had lots of fruit for a couple of years but unfortunately had to go to make way for a shed. It's just this one won't flower, I think it hates me and the feelings becoming mutual.

[TonyV]

Well Victoria is self pollinating but strange you getting no blossom - although still a bit early - depending how far north / south you are and given last winter?
Some good info here otherwise to many questions to ask - e.g. location, feeding etc - have you pruned it at all yet throughout it's time with you?
http://www.gardenacti...2_plum.asp#plum_start
It,s still a relative youngster though - perhaps you should talk nicely to it rather than keep threatening it with the spade - lol

[Ratty2E]

We live on the south coast and the tree is trained against a SE facing fence. I haven't fed it apart from when it was planted when I also gave it a hug and asked it to grow well. I pruned it 2 years ago then it didn't flower the next year so last year i left it alone but still no flowers. Shouldn't the blossom start before the leaves? I've got plenty of leaves. I know it's young (ish) but it has flowered before.

[TonyV]

difficult to say, but have you had any late frosts that may have killed the buds. I would prune regardless of flowering or not. Perhaps could have done with some bonemeal in the Autumn.

[hellywelly4]

I have a Victoria which is smothered in blossom and no leaves, so I think yours has missed the boat again this year. Victorias are really easy, generally, so I wonder whether it is actually one or if the name is wrong. I think sometimes it's best to cut your losses and get rid, although it pains me to say so. Get another from a local reputable garden centre, and see how you go.

[Ratty2E]

Pretty sure it's not frost, we've not had any real frosts for ages and the cherry and 2 apple trees I have are all in or about to blossom. I'm pretty sure we got it from Homebase so quite reputable. I was hoping someone might say 'Oh no, that's fine just do this and this and it'll be great next year' but as you all seem as flumoxed as I am I'm still undecided.
I think it will all hinge on how long my patience holds out and seeing as I don't have much it's not looking that good for this young delinquent.