Kala Amritsari
Kala Amritsari is a subtropical plum variety known for its early maturity, self-fertility, and adaptability to low-chill regions like northern India. Here’s a detailed profile of its characteristics:
🌱 Planting Time
- Ideal time: Late winter to early spring (January to March).
- Plant during dormancy for best root establishment.
🌿 Growth Habit
- Tree type: Medium-sized deciduous tree.
- Growth pattern: Upright with moderate branching.
- Chill requirement: Low-chilling cultivar, suitable for subtropical climates like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana.
🌸 Flowering Time
- Bloom period: Early spring, typically February to March.
- Pollination: Self-fertile, meaning it doesn’t require another variety for fruit set.
🍑 Harvesting Period
- Ripening time: Early to mid-summer, usually late May to early June.
- Maturity duration: Around 80–85 days from fruit set to harvest.
😋 Fruit Taste
- Flavor profile: Sweet with mild acidity.
- Well-suited for fresh consumption and processing.
🧵 Fruit Texture
- Texture: Firm and juicy.
- • Flesh is clingstone, meaning it adheres to the pit.
🎨 Fruit Size and Color
- Size: Medium-sized fruits.
- Color: Deep purple to black skin with amber-yellow flesh.
- Girdling techniques have shown improvement in color development and physical quality.
📈 Yield
- Productivity: High-yielding under proper management.
- Blossom thinning and nutrient management significantly improve fruit retention and overall yield.