Flavor King Pluot Tree

Flavor King Pluot is a sensational hybrid fruit celebrated for its sweet, tangy flavor and exceptional juiciness. Its deep red-purple skin encases vibrant amber flesh, offering a complex blend of plum and apricot notes with a rich, honeyed finish. Perfect for fresh eating, Flavor King Pluot also shines in desserts, preserves, or as a unique addition to charcuterie boards. This tree thrives in full sun with well-draining soil and performs best in areas with warm summers and mild winters. Flavor King requires a pollinator, such as a Santa Rosa Plum or another pluot variety, to achieve its full potential for fruit production. The medium-sized tree produces abundant fruit in late summer, rewarding gardeners with high yields and exceptional quality. Ideal for backyard orchards and home gardeners, Flavor King Pluot combines stunning visual appeal with unparalleled flavor. Its versatility and beauty make it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy the sweet rewards of growing their own fruit.

Semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock.

• Zones: 6-10
• Chill hours: 300-400
• Harvest: August-September
• Looks: Medium sized fruit with reddish-purple skin, sweet red and gold flesh.
• Personality: Sensational bouquet and sweet, spicy flavor.
• Facts of note: Another of the original pluot introductions from world famous Floyd Zaiger. The Flavor King is a uniquely flavored fruit which brings out the best of the plum and apricot that make up its parentage. The fruit is first distinguished by its incredible aroma. Cut open a Flavor King and the room fills with the sent of a bouquet of flowers. Bite into the Flavor King and the bouquet fills your mouth with a complex flavor palate that is rich and sweet. Flavor King has reddish-purple skin, sweet yellow-red flesh. It is the perfect companion for other pluot selections like the Flavor Supreme and the Flavor Grenade pluots which are also good pollinators. The Flavor King also pairs well with great plum varieties like the Burgundy and Santa Rosa Plum. Along with it beautiful spring floral display, this is truly one of the finest fruit introductions to the home garden.
• Pollination: Pollinated by Flavor Supreme Plumcot or Dapple Dandy Plumcot, Santa Rosa plum, or Late Santa Rosa plum.

The Flavor King Pluot Tree: A Delightful Addition to Your Orchard

The Flavor King Pluot Tree, scientifically known as Prunus domestica x armeniaca, is a unique and delectable fruit tree that has gained popularity among orchard enthusiasts and home gardeners. This hybrid fruit tree is a result of crossbreeding between a plum and an apricot, creating a fruit known for its exceptional flavor and versatility.

Characteristics of Flavor King Pluots

Flavor King Pluots are renowned for their remarkable taste and appearance. These fruits typically have a reddish-purple skin, which may have a slightly dusty appearance. The flesh of the Pluot is firm, juicy, and exceptionally sweet. It boasts a delightful blend of flavors, combining the richness of plums with the sweetness of apricots. The Flavor King Pluot has a unique, complex flavor profile with hints of berry, plum, and apricot, making it a favorite among fruit connoisseurs.

Growing Requirements

The Flavor King Pluot Tree thrives in regions with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Here are some key growing requirements to consider when cultivating this fruit tree:

1. Sunlight: These trees require full sun exposure, which means they should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production.

2. Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Flavor King Pluot Trees. Ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal.

3. Spacing: When planting multiple trees, space them at least 15-20 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

Planting and Care

Planting:

• Select a suitable planting location with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil.

• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and of similar depth.

• Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union is above the soil line.

• Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil and remove air pockets.

Watering:

• Provide consistent watering, especially during the growing season and dry spells. A deep, thorough watering is preferable over frequent shallow watering.

Pruning:

• Pruning is essential to maintain the shape of the tree and promote air circulation. Prune during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased branches.

Fertilization:

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to provide essential nutrients to the tree.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Keep an eye out for common fruit tree pests and diseases, such as aphids, plum curculio, and brown rot. Use appropriate organic treatments if necessary.

Harvesting and Storage

Flavor King Pluots are typically ready for harvest in late summer or early fall, depending on your location. Ripe Pluots should be firm yet slightly yielding when gently squeezed. To harvest, twist the fruit gently from the tree, taking care not to damage the branch.

Store Pluots in the refrigerator for up to a week to prolong their freshness. These fruits can also be used for various culinary purposes, including fresh eating, baking, canning, and making jams and preserves.

The Flavor King Pluot Tree is a remarkable addition to any orchard or home garden, offering a unique and delightful fruit with an extraordinary flavor profile. By providing the right growing conditions, proper care, and attention, you can enjoy the bountiful harvests of these sweet and flavorful fruits year after year. Consider planting a Flavor King Pluot Tree and experience the joy of cultivating this exceptional hybrid fruit.

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For more information about growing and care of Pluot Trees, see our blog pots:  The World of Pluots: A Guide for Gardeners and Market Farmers