Complete Guide to Growing Plum Trees
1. Choosing the Right Plum Variety
There are two main types of plums, each suited for different climates and uses.
🔹 European Plums (Prunus domestica)
Taste: Sweet, firm, often used for fresh eating, cooking, and drying.
Examples: Stanley, Italian Prune, and European Damson.
Best suited for: USDA Zones 5–8.
Pollination: Many are self-pollinating, but a second plum tree can help increase yield.
🔸 Japanese Plums (Prunus salicina)
Taste: Juicy and sweet with a more delicate texture, often eaten fresh.
Examples: Santa Rosa, Satsuma, and Shiro.
Best suited for: USDA Zones 6–9.
Pollination: Typically self-sterile, meaning they require a second compatible tree for good pollination.
Choosing Varieties Based on Climate:
European Plums: Cold-hardy, ideal for areas with harsh winters.
Japanese Plums: Prefer warmer, milder climates and may need higher temperatures to thrive.
2. Tree Size Options
| Type | Mature Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 15–25 ft | Large spaces, long-term production |
| Semi-Dwarf | 10–15 ft | Backyard gardens |
| Dwarf | 6–8 ft | Small spaces, containers |
Semi-dwarf plums are a popular choice for home gardeners due to their manageable size and ability to produce good fruit yields.
3. Planting Plum Trees
Best Time to Plant:
Early spring (before the tree breaks dormancy) is the ideal time to plant plum trees.
In mild climates (Zones 7–9), fall planting is also acceptable.
Site Selection:
Full sun: Plums need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Well-draining soil: Plums do not like “wet feet.” Choose slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Spacing:
Standard trees: 15–20 ft apart
Semi-dwarf: 10–15 ft apart
Dwarf: 6–8 ft apart
How to Plant:
Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so that the graft union (the bulge near the base of the tree) is 2–3 inches above the soil.
Backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the tree to retain moisture and prevent weed growth, but keep mulch away from the trunk.
4. Watering & Fertilizing Plum Trees
| Stage | Watering | Fertilizing |
|---|---|---|
| Newly Planted | Water deeply 2–3 times per week, depending on rainfall | Do not fertilize immediately after planting |
| Year 1–2 | Water weekly, more often in dry spells | Use balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring |
| Mature Trees | Water deeply during dry periods, especially during fruiting | Annual spring fertilizing with balanced fertilizer |
✅ Watering Tip: Plums do not like sitting in water, so ensure good drainage in the soil. Be cautious with irrigation during winter to prevent root rot.
5. Pruning Plum Trees
When to Prune:
Late winter or early spring before the tree buds open is the best time to prune plum trees.
Avoid pruning during the growing season, as it can lead to sap loss and disease susceptibility.
Pruning Goals:
Maintain a vase shape or central leader to improve airflow and light penetration.
Remove:
Dead, diseased, or damaged wood.
Suckers and watersprouts.
Any branches that cross each other.
Pruning Tip: Do not over-prune; plums can be sensitive to heavy pruning, which can affect fruit production.
6. Pollination and Fruit Thinning
Pollination:
European plums are often self-pollinating but will produce better fruit with another plum tree nearby.
Japanese plums are mostly self-sterile and require a second plum tree (of a different variety) to pollinate and produce fruit.
Thinning Fruit:
When to Thin: Once the fruit is the size of a marble (4–6 weeks after flowering).
How to Thin: Thin fruits so they are spaced 4–6 inches apart. This helps the tree put more energy into fewer fruits, increasing their size and quality.
7. Pests & Disease Management
| Pest/Disease | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Rot | Soft, rotting fruit with gray mold | Prune infected branches, use fungicides during bloom |
| Plum Curculio | Pitting on fruit, larvae inside | Use insecticides, remove fallen fruit, use traps |
| Aphids | Curling, deformed leaves | Neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery spots on leaves | Prune for airflow, use fungicides |
| Canker Diseases | Dark, sunken areas on bark | Prune and remove infected branches, apply copper fungicide |
💡 Dormant oil sprays in late winter can help control overwintering pests.
8. Harvesting Plums
| Type | Harvesting Tips | Ripeness Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| European Plums | Harvest when fruit is fully ripe and begins to soften slightly | Color change and slight give when gently squeezed |
| Japanese Plums | Harvest when the fruit is firm and juicy; don’t wait for over-ripeness | Color is rich, fruit detaches easily from the tree |
✅ Harvesting Tip: Plums do not continue to ripen well after being picked, so make sure they are ripe when you harvest them.
9. Storage Tips for Plums
Fresh plums: Store at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Frozen plums: Pit and slice plums, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to containers.
Canning: You can preserve plums by canning them in syrup or making plum jam, jelly, or preserves.
Bonus Tips for Success
Mulch: Apply mulch around the tree to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Bird Protection: Use netting or scare devices to protect your plums as they ripen. Birds love to peck at ripe fruit!
Frost Protection: Since plums flower early in the season, late frost can damage blossoms. Protect trees with row covers or by covering them with cloth during frost warnings.