Both European and Japanese plums grow well in the U.S. and thrive in various soils and climates. Fruit ripens sometime between May and September, depending on the cultivar and the local weather. Japanese plums bloom and reach harvest slightly earlier than European varieties and are more likely to require cross-pollination. Maturity takes approximately 140 to 170 days for both types of plums.
The Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Auburn University, developed plums to meet the need for disease-resistant cultivars in the Southeast where prevalence of certain diseases and susceptibility of traditional varieties has discouraged plum production.
We have made it easy for you to plan, plant, and grow your peach tree. Follow our Plum Growing Guide to get the very best results from the time you select your variety to the moment you harvest your first plum!
Plums prefer slightly acid soil (pH 6.0-6.8) and thrive in lightweight loamy, well-draining soil. Dig a hole about three times the size of your pot and the same depth as the root ball. Set the soil you have dug out aside and mix it 50/50 with aged mushroom compost, aged manure, or rotten pine bark.
When buying plum trees online, there are a few things you should consider. First, you should consider your climate. You will need to purchase a plum tree that will thrive when planted. Second, you should consider timing. The best time to plant a plum tree is in the late winter or early spring when the plum tree is still dormant. Third, you should consider where to plant your plum tree. These trees flourish in well-drained soil where their roots are not continuously wet. They also do well in full sun with a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight. To help your plum tree blossom and grow fruit, consider planting the tree in a sheltered south- or west-facing location.
Ready to start growing your own plums? Shop our plum fruit trees for sale today!
