Toji Japanese apricot

Toji Japanese apricot key facts

Growing Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

Ume is long-lived; some potted ume are said to be 400 years old

Size

Ume is a small deciduous tree of 3–10 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot

Watering

Fertilizer (March–June after flowering and Sept–Nov; none in summer)

Light & placement

Needs plenty of sun from spring to set flower buds. Keep in a sunny, airy spot, with shade cloth in summer as leaves scorch easily

Watering

Naturally thirsty and dries fast while in leaf: 1–2 times daily in spring/autumn, 2–3 in summer, every 2–3 days in winter, soaking once the surface dries

Temperature & overwintering

Dormant in winter. Protect under the bench or in a cold frame so frozen soil and late frosts do not damage the roots

Soil & repotting

Mostly akadama with about 20% free-draining grit. Repot around February before budbreak, together with post-flowering pruning: every 1–2 years, 2–3 for old trees

Fertilizer

A heavy feeder: small regular feeds March–June after flowering, stop in summer while buds form, then feed well Sept–Nov. Use a phosphorus-rich flowering/fruiting fertilizer

Pruning & styling

Remove spent flowers at 50–70% bloom to save the tree's strength, and prune right after flowering. Buds form in July–August, so in May pinch new shoots on mature trees at 4–6 nodes

Pests & cautions

Watch for aphids, spider mites, scale, clearwing moth borers (oozing sap), powdery mildew and scab. Flowering ume are prone to bacterial canker, so avoid strong wind

About Toji Japanese apricot

Toji is a white-flowered Yabai plum prized for its early, abundant single blossoms and sturdy trunk growth — a classic choice for plum bonsai, best suited to growers with some experience.

7 things to know before growing Toji Japanese apricot

1. 1Sun and Airflow

   Toji thrives in full sun, so keep it outdoors in a spot with good light and airflow. In peak summer, shield it from harsh western sun with light afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.

2. 2Watch for Dryness

   Potted plum trees dry out quickly, so water thoroughly once the soil surface feels dry. Pay extra attention during the flower-bud season and in summer, since letting the pot dry out fully can stress the tree.

3. 3Well-Drained Soil

   Choose a soil mix with good drainage and aeration to prevent root rot. A base of akadama soil, sometimes blended with leaf mold, is commonly used.

4. 4Regular Repotting

   Roots fill the pot quickly, so repot roughly once every one to two years. The best timing is after flowering ends but before new growth begins.

5. 5Prune After Bloom

   Because Toji blooms extremely early, its flowering also finishes early, making this a good time to prune and shape the tree. Tidying up summer growth helps maintain good flowering the following year.

6. 6Trained to Pot Size

   As bonsai, the trunk and branches are trained to suit the size of the pot, with pruning and wiring used to shape the tree over time. Research station trials found Toji thickens its trunk very well, making it a good variety for building a trunk.

7. 7A Tree for the Long Term

   Rather than expecting a finished look right away, choose a specimen whose branch structure you like and grow it patiently over the years. Toji sets plenty of flower buds, so you can enjoy its blooms each year while the tree develops.

Frequently asked questions about Toji Japanese apricot

Q.Is Toji suitable for beginners?

A.Toji is generally considered a variety for growers with some experience, since getting placement, watering, and pruning right makes a real difference. If you are already comfortable with basic plum bonsai care, it is a rewarding variety to take on.

Q.When does Toji bloom?

A.True to its name, Toji is an extremely early-blooming variety that starts flowering around the winter solstice, ahead of most other plums. It produces abundant single, medium-sized white blossoms.

Q.Why is it also called Toji-ume?

A.The name comes from its habit of starting to bloom around the winter solstice (toji). It belongs to the Yabai group of white-flowered plums.

Q.How long can it be grown as a bonsai?

A.With ongoing care such as repotting and pruning, it can be grown for many years. Grown patiently, Toji's form and character keep developing over time.

Q.How often does it need repotting or pruning?

A.Repotting is typically needed about once every one to two years, timed after flowering and before new growth starts. Pruning is also done yearly after the blooms fade, tidying up the season's new growth.

Handy Growing Tools for Toji Japanese apricot

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