Sugar Plum Tree

Prunus domestica 'Sugar'

Nature Hills Nursery

$149⁸²

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the sweetest fruit and best yields, plant your Sugar Plum in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can survive in partial shade, you will likely see fewer blooms and a significant drop in fruit sugar content.
Soil: These trees thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or plant on a slight mound to keep the roots from getting "wet feet," which can lead to rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide about 1 inch of water per week to help the root system expand. Once established, Sugar Plums are quite resilient, but inconsistent watering during fruit development can cause the plums to crack or drop prematurely. Aim for deep, infrequent soakings at the base of the tree rather than light sprinkles to encourage deep root growth.

Pruning Tips

Plum trees generally bloom on wood that is two years old or older, so avoid "giving the whole tree a buzz cut" all at once. Prune in late winter while the tree is still dormant to remove crossing branches and open up the center for better airflow. This helps sunlight reach the interior fruit and reduces the risk of fungal diseases by keeping the canopy dry.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fruit tree fertilizer in early spring before the new growth starts to push. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This soft growth is easily damaged by winter temperatures and can attract unwanted pests.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Some things are just so perfect that they don't ever need to change. The design of a paperclip. A classic white T-shirt. Lemonade at a Fourth-of-July barbecue. Add to that list - the Sugar Plum (Prunus domestica 'Sugar')! This prune-plum variety is one of the oldest in cultivation but still remains at the top of the most-loved Plum lists every year!

The medium-sized fruits maintain some of the highest sugar contents of any plum, new or old. That means that it truly lives up to its name! You can trace its heritage from Asia, through England and into Germany, whose immigrants brought it to America, where they spread it far and wide!

The white spring flowers alone are worth the price and precious garden space. But, thankfully, the flowers turn to oval plum-hued fruit that you can enjoy eating fresh, dried or in preserves, jellies and canning. Don't let that keep you from getting this oldie-but-goodie, though!

Planting and Application:

Nothing is more lovely than a flowering Plum Tree! This self-pollinating tree stays relatively compact and works perfectly in today's smaller urban gardens. It doesn't need a pollinator partner to bear heavily for you, so if one is all you have room for, one is all you need! Versatile ornamentals, there's a wide range of applications for these picturesque trees!

You'll definitely want more than one once you taste this sweet fruit! Use as specimens and hedges for privacy, anyway that your unique yard will allow you to accommodate this fantastic old-world tree! You can even keep them pruned small to use in containers and large planters! Any full sun site will work perfectly!

Oval Plum Colored Smooth Skin
Freestone Greenish-Yellow Flesh
Self-Pollinating Fragrant White Blossoms
Old Fashioned Easy Care Tree
Smaller Compact Size

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant fruit trees in full sun for best yields. This is an old-fashioned biennial producer. It will give you a bumper crop every other year with a smaller yield in between those years. Keep an open canopy for good air circulation and plant in a well-drained location. These are moderate moisture use trees are very easy-care.

Full Sun
Moderate Moisture & Well-Drained Soil
Loves Mulch & Enriched Sites
Perfect for Smaller Areas
400-600 Chill Hours

The Sugar Plum Tree is the proverbial oldie but a goodie! Order your Sugar Plum trees from NatureHills.com today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Sugar Plum Trees to bear fruit?

Nature Hills Nursery sells fruit trees with mature root systems that are already three to four years old, so you’ll enjoy fruit sooner than you would with younger trees! Expect young Plum trees to begin fruiting usually by the 2nd to 4th year after they establish in your landscape.

How big do Sugar Plum trees grow? How fast do Plum trees grow?

The Sugar Plum tree can grow to a mature height of 12-15 feet and a mature width of 12-20 feet. Once your Plum tree has been established (after the first year), it can typically add 13-24 inches of new growth per growing season. If your plants are growing less than that in a season, it may be worth your while to check the fertility level.

Where is the best place to plant a Sugar Plum Trees?

Plum trees grow best in well-drained, fertile soil in at least 6 hours of full sun per day or more. Provide good air circulation and moderate, yet consistent water in well-drained, fertile soil.

Do You Need 2 Plum Trees to Produce Fruit?

The Sugar Plum trees are self-fertile, so planting more than one Plum tree that blooms at about the same time, boosts yields on both trees and extends your harvest time! No room? Look into High-Density Planting techniques, or choose a semi-dwarf or dwarf fruit tree.

When Should Sugar Plum Tree be Planted?

Bareroot Plum trees can be planted in spring when they are available in your area. Container-grown Plum trees can be very successfully transplanted all throughout the growing season. Check for first and last frost dates for your area with your local County Extension Office.

How Do I Find Sugar Plum Trees for Sale Near Me?

Make your life easier and your landscape tastier by shopping for Plum trees at NatureHills.com online fruit tree nursery. You’ll find a massive selection of fruit trees for sale, including many lovely Plum tree varieties! Choose the right tree for your area by first finding your USDA growing zone by entering your zip code in the field above the Plant Highlights section on our product pages. Narrow down your options by plant hardiness zone, sun availability, and size requirements. Place your order, knowing it’s backed by the Nature Hills Nursery product guarantee and protected by Plant Sentry™, which helps ensure regulated plant materials aren’t sent to prohibited areas. Expect to receive your plants at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone when temperatures are safest for those plants that ship in fall, winter, or early spring. Shop the selection of mature Plum trees for sale at Nature Hills Nursery and place your order for Sugar Plum Tree today.