How to Pollinate a Blue Damson Plum

Plum trees are some of the hardiest fruit trees around, with thriving growth down to U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 4. Plum trees always require the right conditions for growth and blooming, however, with bright sun, fertile soil and adequate nutrition. Once a plum tree blooms, it requires pollination for fruit production. Self-fertile trees like Damson plums grow flowers that fertilize themselves, and don't require secondary pollinators. They do need conditions for pollination, though, and may require some help.

Fans
Cotton swabs

Instructions

- 1
  Aid pollination in indoor Damson plum trees with increased air movement for pollen transfer. Turn fans on around the tree to move the air and increase the possibility for pollen movement within flowers.
- 2
  Tap the flowers on both indoor and outdoor Damson plum trees to shake the pollen loose by hand. As the pollen falls from the stamen, it sticks to the pistil for pollination.
- 3
  Release beneficial insects such as ladybugs, bees, moths, and wasps in outdoor situations. The insects transfer pollen on their legs as they gather it. Ladybugs, wasps, and lacewing moths also serve as natural pest control against worms, caterpillars, aphids and mites.
- 4
  Hand pollinate indoor trees for the best results. Rub clean cotton swabs over the pollen-bearing stamen of a bloom, and move the pollen to the sticky pistils for pollination. Repeat with every bloom for a large harvest.

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