How to grow Plum tree
Prunus domestica
European plums are hardy and forgiving.
European plums (like Stanley) are reliably hardy and a safe bet in cold regions; Japanese types bloom early and risk frost. Plant two compatible varieties unless you choose a self-fertile one.
Grow Plum tree with step-by-step help for your exact yard.
Start free in Seededly →Plum tree at a glance
| Sun | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Spacing | 15 ft |
| Harvest | Aug → Sep |
| Plant | Spring |
| Pollination | Some self-fertile |
How to grow Plum tree, step by step
Choose your type
- European plums (Stanley, Mount Royal) are hardiest and often self-fertile — start here.
- Japanese plums bloom early and risk frost; plant two for pollination.
Plant in spring
- Full sun, well-drained soil; stake the young tree.
- Water deeply through the first couple of summers.
Prune & harvest
- Prune in summer (not wet weather) to avoid disease.
- Pick when soft and fully colored; thin heavy crops so branches don’t break.
Plum tree problems & fixes
Plum tree — Black, knobby swellings on branches: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Black knot fungus. Prune the swellings out well below the knot in winter and destroy them.
Plum tree — No fruit: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Japanese types need a pollination partner, or frost nipped the early bloom. Plant a hardy self-fertile European plum.
Plum tree — Fruit rots before ripe: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Brown rot in humid weather. Thin fruit for airflow and remove any mummified plums.
Recommended plum tree varieties
- Stanley — Top pick. Self-fertile, hardy and great fresh or dried — the dependable choice.
- Mount Royal — Very hardy. Self-fertile blue plum that shrugs off cold winters.
- Methley — Japanese. Early, juicy red plum — blooms early, so give it a sheltered spot.
Plum tree month-by-month
| January | Dormant — order. |
|---|---|
| February | Prune out any black knot. |
| March | Plant new trees. |
| April | Bloom. |
| May | Thin young fruit. |
| June | Watch for black knot growths. |
| July | Fruit sizing. |
| August | Harvest begins. |
| September | Main harvest — pick soft. |
| October | Tidy; rake leaves. |
| November | Mulch roots. |
| December | Dormant — plan. |