Plums are prolific and an easy fruit to grow. They make a delicious snack and are in the Rose family along with cherries and peaches.
Plums are hardy from zones 3 - 9 depending on type. They need full sun and well-drained soil as they don't like wet feet. A mature semi-dwarf tree will produce 2 bushels of plums.
Types of Plums
There are three main types of plums. American - both the wild and the hybrid, European and Asian. Some will do better in specific regions so do some research or ask your extension agent. Correct pollination can also be tricky with plums so be sure to check the description when you are buying.
Japanese Plums
Characteristics:
Larger size compared to other types of plums.
Juicy and sweet flesh.
Skin can range from red to yellow.
European Plums
Characteristics:
Generally smaller and firmer than Japanese plums.
Skin is usually blue or purple with a dusty white coating.
Flesh is dense and tart, making them great for cooking and drying.
Not as cold hardy as American plums.
American Plums
Characteristics:
Smaller than Japanese and European plums.
Skin can be red, yellow, or purple.
Flesh is typically sweet and juicy.
Often used for jams, jellies, and desserts.
Tolerates water and shade better than other types as they are native forest trees.
Wild Plums
Wild plums are a large shrub that often grows along creeks or forested edges. They taste tart and are smaller than cultivated ones. You can forage them but they are also worth planting. They are great to cross-pollinate with domesticated trees and they are appealing to wildlife. Meaning they will help keep birds and squirrels off your main trees.
Coming Soon! My book on Growing Fruit in Zone 6.
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Cluster Planting
Fedco recommends planting a cluster of plums because it improves pollination. This strategy works for hybrid and American varieties.
I did this with an order of plums from Fedco. As they recommended I planted my trees closer together than usual - 3-6 feet apart so that the branches are touching. In addition, they recommend planting an American wild plum for every four hybrid plums because they are such good pollinators.
Best Plum Varieties for Zone 6
In Zone 6, which covers a large area of the United States including parts of the Midwest and Northeast, several plum varieties thrive due to the climate conditions. Some of the best plum varieties for Zone 6 include:
Stanley: This European plum variety is known for its juicy, sweet fruit that is excellent for fresh eating, canning, and baking. It is a self-pollinating tree that produces high yields, especially with another European plum nearby. Does not like to have wet feet.
Methley: A Japanese plum variety, Methley is prized for its early ripening fruit with dark skin and sweet flesh. It is self-pollinating but will do better with another Japanese plum nearby. Known as a heavy producer. Fruit is a clingstone.
South Dakota – I love my South Dakota from Fedco. They are hardy and mine began producing at 3 years old. The yellow/red blush fruit is round and on the small size. Matures in late summer. The skin is a with juicy and sweet yellow flesh. It’s a freestone so you can easily twist it to separate the pit from the flesh. An American plum with a long bloom time and is an excellent pollinator for other American and Hybrid varieties. Does well in zone 6.
My South Dakota Plum tree at 6 years old. Photo by Ame Vanorio
Toka: Also known as the Bubblegum Plum, this hybrid plum variety is favored for its excellent flavor profile, which is both sweet and tangy. Very meaty and good for baking. It is a good pollinator for other plum trees. Can get 20 feet tall so not for smaller yards. Very cold hardy and tolerates temperatures as low as -50ºF.
Santa Rosa: Another popular Japanese plum variety, Santa Rosa produces large, red-skinned fruit with sweet, juicy flesh. It is self-fertile and a good choice for home orchards.
When selecting plum varieties for Zone 6, consider factors such as blooming times, chilling hour requirements, and disease resistance to ensure a successful harvest. Consulting with local nurseries or agricultural extension offices can also provide valuable insights tailored to the specific microclimates within Zone 6.
Pollination is very important. Washington State University has a handy pollination chart.
Clingstone VS Freestone
Clingstone and freestone plums are two main categories of plums based on how the flesh of the fruit adheres to the stone or pit inside. In summary, the key difference between clingstone and freestone plums lies in how easily the flesh detaches from the pit, with clingstone plums requiring more effort to separate compared to freestone plums.
Clingstone plums:
The flesh of clingstone plums sticks firmly to the pit, making it challenging to separate the two.
Clingstone plums are more commonly used for cooking and canning due to the difficulty in removing the pit.
These plums are generally sweeter and juicier compared to freestone plums.
Freestone plums:
The flesh of freestone plums easily separates from the pit, allowing for effortless removal.
Freestone plums are often preferred for fresh consumption due to the ease of eating them whole.
These plums are known for their firm texture and are suitable for eating fresh, adding to salads, or preserving.
Bare Root vs. Potted
Order bare-root trees online for the best variety of options. You might find container plants locally. Fall is a good time to go to sales and pick up trees. I purchased a Bruce plum from Tractor Supply off a discounted rack that looked really sad. But in two years it was making great fruits.
My Bruce Plum tree was a “deal” and turned out to be a fabulous tree. Picture by Ame Vanorio
When choosing between bare root and potted plum fruit trees for your orchard or garden, there are several factors to consider. Below we outline the advantages and disadvantages of each option:
Bare Root
Advantages:
Cost-Effective: Bare root trees are generally more affordable than potted trees due to lower production and shipping costs.
Easy to Plant: These trees are lighter and easier to handle during planting, which can make the process simpler for beginners.
Healthier Root System: When planted correctly, bare root trees have the potential to develop a well-established root system more quickly than potted trees.
Disadvantages:
Limited Planting Time: Bare root trees are only available during specific times of the year, typically during the dormant season. This restricts the planting window.
Transplant Shock: Since bare root trees are usually dug up from their original soil, they may experience transplant shock, which can hinder initial growth.
Potted Trees
Advantages:
Year-Round Availability: Potted trees are available for purchase throughout the year, offering more flexibility in planting time.
Established Growth: Potted trees often have a head start in growth compared to bare root trees, as they have been growing in the container for some time.
Disadvantages:
Higher Cost: Potted trees are generally more expensive due to increased production and maintenance costs.
Potential Rootbound Issues: Trees grown in containers may experience rootbound issues if not properly cared for, leading to restricted root growth.
Planting
1. Choose the Right Location
Select a planting location that receives full sunlight and has well-drained soil.
Make sure there is enough space for the tree to grow to its full size without overcrowding other plants or structures.
Plums flower early in spring so avoid low spots. Plant on a southwest hill if you have one that warms up early in spring.
Size
Plums come in a variety of sizes. Like other fruit trees, there is a dwarf, semi-dwarf, and standard options. Think about your space and what size tree you want.
Plant standard plums 20 to 25 feet apart, semi-dwarf plums 10 to 15 feet apart, and dwarf 8 feet.
2. Prepare the Soil
Test the soil pH and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it is between 5.5 and 6.5. They like slightly acidic soil so I placed mine near my blueberries in the orchard.
Before planting, loosen the soil in a wide area around the planting site to allow the roots to establish easily.
So my grandfather used to say dig a $10 hole for a $1 tree.
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3. Planting Process
Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the tree's root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the graft union is above the soil line.
Backfill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
Water the tree thoroughly after planting.
It's very important not to plant grafted trees too deep. Make sure the graft union which is the swollen bulge is above the soil line. Semi-dwarf and dwarf trees are typically grafted.
When planting bare roots mound some of your mix in the center of the hole. Then gently spread roots out.
You want to make sure to hold the stem straight vertically when refilling the hole.
Staking trees helps to stabilize them so they get established quickly. You can use wood stakes or metal posts. Use three stakes to support the tree.
4. Mulch and Watering
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water into mid-October that first year to support root growth.
5. Pruning and Maintenance
Prune the tree annually during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased branches and shape the tree for optimal growth.
Fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy foliage and fruit development.
Plums often need thinning by removing developing fruit. I know this sounds counterproductive! Thinning helps you get good-sized fruit and also protects the tree from being overburdened.
About a month after blossoming thin young fruits. They should be 3 - 4 inches apart on Japanese varieties and two inches apart on European and American ones.
Ame’s Secret Sauce for Planting
When you dig your hole place the dirt in a wheelbarrow. That way you can mix it with amendments. I’ve come up with a fabulous formula for planting my fruit trees.
Mix the following ingredients together. This will produce soil that is light, holds moisture, and provides nutrients.
Mix together:
Soil from the hole
A gallon tub of peat moss
A gallon tub of well-aged compost
Two cups bonemeal
Two cups of fish meal in the spring only (we don’t want extra nitrogen in a fall planting). A good vegetarian or vegan alternative for nitrogen would be a cottonseed meal.
While this method takes more time than digging a hole and sticking in a tree, it will pay off huge dividends in the long run. My formula should get them off to a great start. After year one I apply compost around my fruit trees every year.
Small Spaces
If you are an urban grower you may decide to plant your trees in a container. Use a high-quality soil mix or make my secret sauce. Look for dwarf varieties such as Pixy or dwarf Santa Rose.
Plums do well in terra cotta pots because they breathe and drain well. Pots should be 18-24 inches wide. So roughly 20 gallons for a mature dwarf tree.
Pest and Disease Control
Plums do have several pests. Keep an eye out for common plum tree pests like aphids, plum curculio, and plum moth. Japanese beetles love them. You can check out my video on controlling these pests. Start early and don't let them get out of hand.
Download my free orchard guide from the website store.
Monitor the tree for signs of diseases such as brown rot and plum pox virus. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the spread of diseases.
Brown rot can be an issue with plums. They may develop brown soft spots or a greyish mold. This is a fungal disease that is worse in hot humid summers. Sanitation is very important. A good control is Monterey Fruit Tree Spray (Amazon link).
Remove and toss all infected fruits. Check twigs as they may be infected and should be pruned out. Have plum trees on an organic spray schedule.
If you have rabbits in your area consider getting tree guards (Amazon link)to protect the trunk. Plum bark is quite tasty.
Netting will be critical if you have a lot of birds in your area. Finches, Crows, Grackles, Starlings, Blue jays, and Orioles are some birds that like fruit.
You might decide to share or put up a feeder to give the songbirds another option. Read my article on feeding the birds.
Harvesting
Plums are ready to harvest in late summer into early fall depending on the cultivar. Plums won’t ripen much after picking so make sure they are soft to the touch.
European plums have the best flavor when left on the tree to ripen. The fruit feels soft but not mushy. Plums should come off the tree easily with just a slight twist.
Japanese plums are best picked slightly firm and then have a curing process.
Fresh plums don't store well. They will keep in the fridge for 2 - 4 weeks. Otherwise, it’s best to either can or freeze them. Store harvested plums in a cool, dark place or use them fresh for culinary purposes.
Ways to Use Plums in Cooking
Plum Jam: Make a delicious homemade plum jam by stewing plums with sugar until thick and spreadable.
Plum Tart: Create a beautiful plum tart by arranging sliced plums on top of a buttery pastry crust and baking until golden brown.
Plum Chutney: Prepare a tangy plum chutney with a mix of chopped plums, onions, vinegar, and spices. Perfect as a condiment for cheese plates or grilled meats.
Plum Salad: Add sliced plums to fresh green salads for a burst of sweet juiciness. Combine with nuts, cheese, and vinaigrette for a satisfying dish.
Plum Sauce: Make a versatile plum sauce by simmering plums with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Ideal as a glaze for roasted meats or a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
Plum Compote: Cook plums with a touch of sugar and cinnamon until soft to create a compote that can be served over yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes.
Plum Salsa: Mix diced plums with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to make a refreshing and fruity salsa. Enjoy with tortilla chips or grilled fish.
Plum Smoothie: Blend ripe plums with yogurt, honey, and ice for a refreshing plum smoothie. A nutritious and delicious way to start your day.
Roasted Plums: Roast halved plums with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon until caramelized. Serve as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.
Plum Glaze: Reduce plum juice with sugar and balsamic vinegar to create a luscious glaze for grilled pork chops or roasted vegetables.
Author, Ame Vanorio, is a master gardener, environmental educator, and writer. Check out her Amazon Author page.
Blueberries are known for their health benefits to the body. They fit in well in the home garden and have great yields. Blueberries make a lovely edible landscaping plant and have pretty red and purple foliage in fall.