How To Grow Yangmei: Best Tips And Advice

Choose the Perfect Spot

Yangmei trees require ample space and sunlight to thrive. Select a spot in your yard with at least 20 to 25 feet of space on all sides and exposure to direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours per day. Yangmei trees, which can reach up to 30 feet in height at maturity, need adequate room for growth and to allow for maximum absorption of sunlight[[Yangmei|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangmei_(fruit)]].

The ideal location will have fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5 and 6.5. Yangmei have shallow root systems, so the soil must maintain sufficient moisture without becoming waterlogged. Before planting, have your soil tested and amend as needed with compost or other organic matter to adjust the pH and provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

By choosing the proper planting site and preparing the soil,you’ll give your yangmei tree the right start to produce sweet and juicy fruit for years to come. With the right conditions, a mature tree can yield 100 to 200 pounds of fruit annually!

Preparing the Soil for Yangmei

To produce the best growth and yields, yangmei trees require fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5 and 6.5. It’s best to have your soil tested before planting to determine the soil pH and levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

According to research conducted by agricultural universities in China, the optimal nutrient concentrations for yangmei trees are:

• If the pH needs adjustment, mix lime or sulphur into the soil several months before planting.
• Low nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium levels should be amended by mixing in compost, manure, or commercial fertilizer before planting.

The addition of organic matter such as compost or peat moss will also help improve soil structure and moisture retention for the shallow roots of yangmei trees.

Yangmei have [adventitious roots|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventitious_root] that grow close to the surface, so the soil must remain damp but not waterlogged. If planting on a slope, choose a spot that will allow for maximum absorption of rain and irrigation.

Here are some suggestions to prepare the perfect soil for your yangmei tree:

• Till the soil to at least 18 to 24 inches deep before planting. This will allow for adequate root growth and penetration of nutrients.
• Ensure the soil has >2% organic matter. Add compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure and till into the soil.
• For clay soils, also add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage and aeration.
• The optimal soil mix for yangmei is two parts loam, one part compost, and one part sand or perlite.
• Consider having irrigation or drainage pipes installed before planting if you have heavy clay soil or problems with standing water.

By preparing the soil properly before planting, you’ll provide your yangmei tree the best opportunity to become established and produce bountiful harvests. Healthy soil leads to healthy trees and fruits!

Planting Your Yangmei Tree

Once you have selected an appropriate planting site and prepared the soil, you’re ready to plant your yangmei tree. For the best growth and yields, plant yangmei trees at least 20 to 25 feet apart. This will give the broad, spreading branches enough room to grow fully.

To plant your tree:

1. Dig a hole at least 2 to 3 feet deep and wide. The hole should be slightly wider and deeper than the root ball of the yangmei tree.
2. Place the tree in the hole and check that it’s straight. The top of the root ball should be slightly higher than the surrounding soil. This will allow for some settling after planting.
3. Backfill the soil around the base of the tree. Pack the soil down firmly to prevent air pockets that could dry out the roots.
4. Create a water basin around the base of the tree. The basin should be at least 3 to 4 inches deep and 2 to 3 feet in diameter. It will help contain water until the tree establishes.
5. [Water the tree thoroughly|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrigation_in_agriculture] after planting and add a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture in the soil. Composted wood chips or bark chips make an excellent mulch for yangmei trees.
6. Prune the tree by about one quarter to one third to balance shoot growth and root loss. Remove any dead or crossing branches. This will create a strong tree structure and maximize growth.
7. Water the yangmei tree regularly, especially in the first few years after planting. Yangmei trees require about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Soil moisture levels can be checked with a hand trowel. Dry soil is an indication that the tree requires more frequent irrigation.
8. Annual pruning and fertilization, as well as pest and disease control, are also needed to keep your young tree healthy and producing well. With proper care and feeding, a mature yangmei tree can produce up to 200 pounds of fruit each year!

By following some key steps when planting, you’ll get your new yangmei tree off to the best start. In a few years, you’ll be rewarded with ruby red fruit and lush green foliage!

Planting Your Yangmei Tree

Once you have selected an appropriate planting site and prepared the soil, you’re ready to plant your yangmei tree. For the best growth and yields, plant yangmei trees at least 20 to 25 feet apart. This will give the broad, spreading branches enough room to grow fully.

To plant your tree:

1. Dig a hole at least 2 to 3 feet deep and wide. The hole should be slightly wider and deeper than the root ball of the yangmei tree.
2. Place the tree in the hole and check that it’s straight. The top of the root ball should be slightly higher than the surrounding soil. This will allow for some settling after planting.
3. Backfill the soil around the base of the tree. Pack the soil down firmly to prevent air pockets that could dry out the roots.
4. Create a water basin around the base of the tree. The basin should be at least 3 to 4 inches deep and 2 to 3 feet in diameter. It will help contain water until the tree establishes.
5. [Water the tree thoroughly|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrigation_in_agriculture] after planting and add a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture in the soil. Composted wood chips or bark chips make an excellent mulch for yangmei trees.
6. Prune the tree by about one quarter to one third to balance shoot growth and root loss. Remove any dead or crossing branches. This will create a strong tree structure and maximize growth.
7. Water the yangmei tree regularly, especially in the first few years after planting. Yangmei trees require about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Soil moisture levels can be checked with a hand trowel. Dry soil is an indication that the tree requires more frequent irrigation.
8. Annual pruning and fertilization, as well as pest and disease control, are also needed to keep your young tree healthy and producing well. With proper care and feeding, a mature yangmei tree can produce up to 200 pounds of fruit each year!

By following some key steps when planting, you’ll get your new yangmei tree off to the best start. In a few years, you’ll be rewarded with ruby red fruit and lush green foliage!

Harvesting and Preserving Yangmei Fruit

After several years of growth, your yangmei tree will begin producing bountiful harvests of ruby red fruit. Yangmei fruit usually ripens in late summer or early fall.

You’ll know the fruit is ripe when it turns a brilliant shade of red and yields slightly when squeezed. The fruit will snap off the branch easily with your fingers when fully ripe. Use pruning shears or scissors to cut the fruit clusters from the tree if needed.

A mature yangmei tree can produce 100 to 200 pounds of fruit annually. Fresh yangmei fruit will last up to 1 week when refrigerated, but also preserves well through several methods:

Canning: The most common way to preserve yangmei fruit. Rinse the fruit, then boil in a sugar syrup. Pack into sterilized jars. The canned fruit will last up to a year. You can also make canned yangmei jam or chutney to enjoy all year long.

Drying: Rinse, pit, and slice the fruit, then arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place in a preheated 170 F oven and prop open the door slightly. The drying time is approximately 8 to 12 hours. Enjoy the dried fruit as a snack or add to salads. Properly dried, the fruit can last up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container.

Freezing: Rinse, pit, and slice the yangmei fruit. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag and return to the freezer. Frozen yangmei fruit will last up to a year. Enjoy in yogurt, ice cream, or blended in a smoothie.

Winemaking: Yangmei fruit also makes an excellent fruit wine. The sweet-tart flavor leads to a balanced and complex wine. Yangmei wine has an alcohol content of 10-14% ABV and ages well for several years. You can find recipes to make [yangmei wine| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_wine#Chinese_yangmei_wine] at home.

With care and attentive harvesting, you can enjoy the fruits of your yangmei tree for months after the initial harvest. Preserve the flavor of summer all year round through canning, drying, freezing, or winemaking methods. Your homemade yangmei preserves also make wonderful gifts for friends and family!