Plum and prune trees are among the most rewarding fruit trees to grow in home gardens and orchards. These trees produce delicious, juicy fruit that's perfect for eating fresh, baking into pies, or preserving into jams and prunes. While they’re relatively easy to care for, plum and prune trees do require attention to detail to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cultivating sweet and flavorful plums and prunes, from planting to pruning, pest control, and harvest.

1. Choosing the Right Plum or Prune Variety

Before you plant your plum or prune tree, it’s important to select the right variety based on your climate, space, and desired fruit type.

Plum vs. Prune Trees

  • Plums: Plums come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and purple. They’re known for their sweet, juicy flesh, and they can be eaten fresh or preserved in jams, jellies, and syrups. Prune trees are a type of plum tree, but they are specifically grown for drying into prunes.

  • Prune Varieties: The most common prune variety is the European Plum (Prunus domestica), which has a firm texture and higher sugar content, making it ideal for drying.

Climate Considerations

  • Plums: Generally grow best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. They thrive in areas with warm summers and mild winters.

  • Prunes: Prune trees also prefer temperate climates but are more cold-hardy than some other plum varieties, which makes them suitable for zones 4-8.

Pollination

  • Many plum and prune trees are self-pollinating, but cross-pollination with another variety can result in higher yields and larger fruit. Ensure you plant a compatible variety if you're aiming for better fruit production.

2. Planting Plum and Prune Trees

Proper planting is the foundation for healthy tree growth. Choose a location that provides plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil, and follow these steps for successful planting.

Selecting the Site

  • Sunlight: Plum and prune trees require full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours each day to produce sweet and flavorful fruit. Choose a sunny spot for your tree.

  • Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. Avoid planting in heavy, clayey soil that doesn’t drain well, as it can lead to root rot.

  • Space: Plum trees typically need at least 10-15 feet of space between them, depending on the variety. Prune trees, particularly standard-size trees, will require more room to spread.

Planting Tips

  1. Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the size of the tree's root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom and around the sides of the hole to encourage root growth.

  2. Position the Tree: Place the tree in the hole, making sure the root collar (where the roots meet the trunk) is level with the surrounding soil surface. Gently spread the roots out.

  3. Backfill the Hole: Fill the hole with soil, making sure there are no air pockets. Lightly tamp the soil to secure the tree.

  4. Water: Water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil and ensure proper root-to-soil contact. Add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Watering and Fertilizing Plum and Prune Trees

Regular watering and proper fertilization are essential for healthy growth and fruit production.

Watering Guidelines

  • Young Trees: Newly planted trees need frequent watering to establish their roots. Water deeply once a week, especially during dry periods. Young trees are especially vulnerable to drought stress, so it’s essential to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

  • Established Trees: Once established, plum and prune trees need around 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth, especially during dry spells or heatwaves.

  • Avoid Over-Watering: Be careful not to over-water. Plum trees do not like "wet feet," and excess moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Spring Fertilization: In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) to encourage healthy leaf and fruit growth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.

  • Late Summer/Fall: Avoid heavy fertilizing in late summer, as this can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruiting. A light application of phosphorus and potassium may help the tree prepare for dormancy and fruiting in the following season.

4. Pruning Plum and Prune Trees

Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape of the tree, improving air circulation, and ensuring that the tree produces high-quality fruit.

When to Prune

  • Winter Pruning: The best time to prune plum and prune trees is during their dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning during dormancy minimizes the risk of disease and promotes vigorous new growth in the spring.

  • Summer Pruning: Light pruning in the summer can be done to remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood. You can also prune to shape the tree or remove any suckers that grow from the rootstock.

Pruning Tips

  • Remove Dead or Diseased Wood: Always begin by cutting away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. This will help keep the tree healthy and reduce the risk of infections.

  • Open Center or Vase Shape: Plum and prune trees benefit from an open center or vase shape, where the branches grow outward, allowing sunlight and air to penetrate the interior of the tree. Remove any inward-growing branches.

  • Thin Out Excess Growth: Thin out crowded or overlapping branches to prevent shading and allow better air circulation. This helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

5. Common Pests and Diseases for Plum and Prune Trees

While plum and prune trees are relatively hardy, they are susceptible to a few pests and diseases that can affect fruit production.

Common Pests

  • Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow. Use insecticidal soap or encourage natural predators like ladybugs to keep aphid populations under control.

  • Japanese Beetles: These beetles feast on the leaves and fruit, causing significant damage. Hand-pick beetles off the tree or use organic insecticides to manage them.

  • Plum Curculio: A common pest in plum orchards, these beetles lay eggs in the fruit, causing it to become deformed and drop prematurely. Use traps and remove affected fruit to control their population.

  • Codling Moths: These moths lay eggs in the fruit, and the larvae tunnel through the flesh. Place pheromone traps to capture male moths and reduce the infestation.

Common Diseases

  • Brown Rot: This fungal disease affects the fruit, causing it to rot and fall prematurely. Remove infected fruit and limbs, and apply fungicides as a preventative measure during wet weather.

  • Powdery Mildew: A fungal infection that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Prune affected branches and apply fungicides as necessary.

  • Plum Pox Virus: This virus affects the leaves, stems, and fruit, causing deformities. While there’s no cure, removing infected trees and controlling aphids can help prevent its spread.

6. Harvesting Plums and Prunes

The moment you've been waiting for: harvesting your sweet and flavorful plums or prunes.

When to Harvest

  • Plums: Plums are typically ready to harvest in mid to late summer, depending on the variety. The fruit should be fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch.

  • Prunes: If you're growing prunes for drying, wait until the fruit is fully ripe and slightly wrinkled. Prune trees typically produce fruit in late summer to early fall.

How to Harvest

  • Gentle Handling: Plums and prunes bruise easily, so handle the fruit gently when harvesting. Twist the fruit gently to remove it from the tree without damaging the branches.

  • Drying Prunes: To make prunes, place ripe plums on drying racks or in a dehydrator until they reach a leathery, dried texture.

7. Conclusion

Caring for plum and prune trees requires a combination of good planting practices, regular maintenance, pest control, and attention to detail. By following these essential tips for watering, pruning, fertilizing, and pest management, you can grow healthy, productive trees that yield delicious plums and prunes. With a little effort, you'll soon enjoy the sweet rewards of homegrown fruit, perfect for eating fresh, preserving, or drying into flavorful prunes.

🍑 Have you had success growing plums or prunes? Share your experiences and tips for cultivating these tasty fruits in the comments below!