People have loved Plums for centuries! Cultivated Plum tree varieties trace back to the beginning of human history, with Plum remains discovered in archeological sites as far back as the Stone Age. Today, Plum Trees are among the most popular fruit trees for home gardens across the United States.
The two most common types in our diets, European Plums (Prunus domestica) and Japanese Plums (Prunus salicina), are not naturally occurring but the result of centuries of human hybridization. These improved varieties produce reliable, delicious fruit that gardeners love.
- Why Grow Plum Trees?
- What Do Plums Taste Like?
- Do Plum Trees Need Pollination Partners?
- High-Density Planting with Plums
- The Health Benefits of Plums
- Planting & Caring For Plum Trees
- Start Your Orchard With Plum Trees!
Why Grow Plum Trees?
Plum Trees are a great choice for beginners. With many varieties adapted to different climates and USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, nearly everyone can grow Plums successfully.
- Cold-hardy choices like American hybrids, Burbank, Superior, and Toka thrive in USDA Zone 4.
- Warm climate Plums like Santa Rosa and Burgundy produce abundantly in Zones 10 and 11.
- The versatile Methley Plum performs well in Zones 4 to 11.
- Most Plum varieties grow best in Zones 5 to 9 for reliable harvests.
Espaliered Plum Trees Save Space
One of the best space-saving pruning methods for Plums is espalier, where the tree is trained flat against a trellis or fence. This ancient method is attractive and practical.
- Perfect for small gardens
- Makes harvesting easier
- Allows better pest and frost protection
- Creates a decorative fan or geometric design
Plant near a trellis at least two feet from a wall, then tie branches in a fan shape with garden twine or soft straps. It is a convenient and pretty way to harvest your Plums.
What Do Plums Taste Like?
The flavors of Plum varieties are wonderfully diverse, which is why they are such an exciting fruit tree for home gardens.
- Green Gage, Italian, and French Improved Prune Plums have rich, super-sweet flavors.
- Santa Rosa Plum offers a classic sweet-tart balance.
- Burgundy and Emerald Beaut deliver smooth, sweet eating.
Do Plum Trees Need Pollination Partners?
Most Plum Trees are self-fertile and do not require a pollinator. Planting another variety nearby can increase yield and improve consistency in challenging weather years.
Choose early, mid, and late season selections to extend your harvest window up to four months.
High-Density Planting With Plums
If space is limited, try high-density planting. Plant three Plum Trees in one hole, spaced about 24 inches apart, to enjoy multiple varieties in the footprint of a single tree. The trunks grow together naturally, and regular pruning maintains size and air circulation.
The Health Benefits Of Plums
Plums are nutrient-dense and delicious.
- High in vitamins A, C, and K
- Loaded with fiber
- Rich in antioxidants such as lutein, cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin
- Good source of minerals
- Relatively low in natural sugar
Planting & Caring For Plum Trees
Plums are easy to prune and maintain! With smaller yard sizes today, pruning for size control keeps your Plum Tree compact while still producing heavy crops.
- Sunlight: Plant Plum Trees in full sun for the sweetest fruit and healthiest growth.
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil is ideal. Amend with compost for extra nutrients.
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the first few years and while fruit is developing. Deep watering once a week is best. Use the Finger Test to check soil moisture.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer for fruit trees in early spring before growth starts.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove crossing branches, and encourage airflow.
- Mulch: Spread organic mulch around the root zone to regulate temperature, retain moisture, and prevent weeds.
- Pest & Disease: Use dormant oil spray for fruit trees in late winter to manage overwintering pests and disease.
Start Your Orchard With Plum Trees!
If you are beginning a backyard orchard, Plum Trees are easy, productive, and rewarding. They adapt to many climates, need simple care, and deliver exceptional harvests.
Shop our full collection of Plum Trees at Nature Hills Nursery and find the perfect variety for your landscape today.
Happy Planting!
