DESCRIPTION

Ruth Gerstetter - this is an excellent dessert variety that enters into the fruiting period early. It produces a moderate amount of fruit, not very regularly. Fruits are medium sized, claret-purple with a bluish tint. The flesh could be described as sweet, slightly aromatic and very tasty. Separates from the stone easily. This variety is fairly resistant to Plum pox virus (PPV).

ADVICES

The tree is best planted in a sunny position, sheltered from the wind. The plant prefers sandy-clay fertile soil which is moderately moist. The optimum pH is in the range of 6,7-7,2.

To stimulate future growth the tree should be pruned in the first year immediately after planting. Formative pruning should be executed on the main stem, 20 cm above where the planned future branches will grow. The other branches should also be cut, reducing their length by one third. The best time to prune the plum tree is annually in the spring. Ruth Gerstetter pollination requires the presence of other varieties flowering at the same time. Best results can be achieved by planting with varieties Opal, Earliblue, Renkloda Ulena, Stanley, President.