OT Pluots, Apriums, Peacotum, Plumcots, Nectaplums.

[ross]

Hello Everyone,

These are fairly new fruit hybrids from mostly Dave Wilson Nursery. All stone fruit crosses. There's even such a thing as a Pluerry. I'm sure they're wonderful fruit and I know they do well in dry west coast climates. They've even got low chill hour requirements! But what about the east coast??

I've read that the Spring Satin Plumcot does well in humid east coast climates, but what about the others? Does anyone have any experience growing these in more humid climates or can redirect me somewhere with good info? I'm very worried about disease and rot.

-Ross

[SarinaP]

I don't know about their growth rates, but I love love love Pluots! They make amazing jam!

I'd go out on a limb and say that most stone fruits do well in our zones, just enough chill time without crazy long winters. I have a Red Haven peach that is got to be really productive after 2 years in ground. I haven't seen any dieback at all on it in the past 5 years.

[ross]

The chill times don't worry me! It's more the humidity causing disease and rot that worries me. It's good to hear that Redhaven does well in Virginia. Are you growing Pluots as well?

[SarinaP]

Nope, so far, just the Redhaven, a Santa Rosa plum I got last year, and my figs. I wouldn't worry too much about the humidity--think about how well peaches do in Georgia! I find with my tree, pruning it to an open shape for maximum air flow is the most important thing about keeping it healthy.

[ross]

Sarina! You're lucky. Santa Rosa and Redhaven are both disease resistant varieties. Others are much more of a hassle and to me may not be worth the trouble.

[fruitnut]

Growingfruit.org is your best reference for these fruits. They are in general difficult to grow in humid climates for the reasons you mention. However there are lots of people trying. They're easy to grow in my greenhouse in a dry climate. I keep humidity as low as possible.

A number of people are reporting good results with Flavor Grenade on the East coast.

[ross]

Thanks for the link. Definitely helped me out. Looks like a pretty nice community.