Growing Plum Trees in Autumn: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Plum trees are a delightful addition to any garden, offering beautiful spring blossoms and a harvest of juicy, flavorful fruits. Autumn is an ideal time to plant plum trees, as the cool weather helps them establish strong roots before winter. Planting in autumn allows plum trees to settle into their environment, leading to a more robust tree that’s ready for healthy growth in spring. Here’s everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and harvesting plum trees in autumn.

Why Plant Plum Trees in Autumn?

Autumn planting allows plum trees to develop a strong root system in the cool, moist soil, which minimizes the stress that can occur with spring or summer planting. The lack of summer heat means the tree can focus on root growth rather than leaf and fruit production. By the time spring arrives, the tree is well-rooted and ready for vigorous growth, setting the stage for a fruitful harvest in the coming years.

Best Varieties of Plum Trees for Autumn Planting

Choosing the right plum variety depends on your climate, space, and intended use. Here are some popular plum varieties to consider:

1. Victoria: One of the most popular varieties, Victoria plums are sweet and juicy, with a reddish skin and golden flesh. They’re great for eating fresh, baking, or making jams.
2. Santa Rosa: Known for its sweet, slightly tart flavor, Santa Rosa is a Japanese plum variety with a purple-red skin and yellow flesh. It grows well in warmer climates.
3. Damson: Damson plums are small, dark purple, and tart, making them perfect for cooking and preserving. They’re hardy and grow well in cooler climates.
4. Stanley: A European variety with large, dark blue-purple fruits, Stanley plums are sweet and great for fresh eating, drying, and canning. They’re self-fertile and reliable in a range of climates.
5. Methley: This Japanese plum variety produces small, reddish-purple fruits with a sweet, juicy flavor. Methley is known for its disease resistance and early harvest.

Steps for Planting Plum Trees in Autumn

1. Choose a Sunny, Well-Drained Location
   Plum trees need full sun to produce abundant fruit, so select a spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Good drainage is essential, as plum trees don’t thrive in waterlogged soil.
2. Prepare the Soil
   Plum trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the tree’s root ball, loosening the soil to encourage root growth. Enrich the soil with compost or aged manure to provide nutrients.
3. Plant the Tree
   Place the tree in the hole, making sure the graft union (the swollen area near the base of the trunk) is above the soil line. Backfill with soil, gently tamping down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
4. Mulch and Water
   Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Water deeply and consistently through autumn to help the roots establish.

Caring for Plum Trees Through Autumn and Winter

• Water Consistently: Water newly planted plum trees deeply once a week during dry spells in autumn to promote root development. Natural rainfall is usually enough in winter once the tree is established.
• Fertilize Lightly: Plum trees don’t need heavy feeding in their first year. A light application of compost in early autumn will support root growth, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
• Protect from Frost: Plum trees are frost-tolerant, but young trees can be sensitive to extreme cold. Wrap the trunk in burlap or tree wrap to provide extra protection in harsh winter climates.
• Prune in Late Winter: Plum trees benefit from pruning while dormant in late winter. Remove dead or damaged branches, and thin out crowded areas to promote airflow and shape the tree.

Harvesting Plums

Most plum varieties are ready to harvest in mid to late summer, depending on the variety. Ripe plums should feel slightly soft and have a rich color.

1. Check for Ripeness
   Gently squeeze a plum—if it yields slightly and has a sweet aroma, it’s ready to pick. Twist the fruit off the branch carefully to avoid damaging the tree.
2. Storage Tips
   Store plums in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep them fresh. For longer storage, plums can be dried, frozen, or canned. If you prefer ripening plums at room temperature, place them in a paper bag to hasten the process.

Top 10 Questions and Answers on Growing Plum Trees in Autumn

1. When should I plant plum trees in autumn?
Plant plum trees in early to mid-autumn, ideally 4–6 weeks before the first frost, to allow time for root establishment.

2. Can plum trees be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf plum varieties can be grown in large containers. Use a pot that’s at least 20 inches deep with good drainage.

3. How much sun do plum trees need?
Plum trees need full sun, ideally 6–8 hours per day, for healthy growth and fruit production.

4. What type of soil is best for plum trees?
Plum trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure.

5. How often should I water a newly planted plum tree?
Water deeply once a week during dry spells in autumn to support root growth. In winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient.

6. Can plum trees survive frost?
Yes, plum trees are frost-tolerant, though young trees may need protection from extreme cold. Wrapping the trunk can help.

7. Do I need multiple plum trees for fruiting?
Some plum varieties are self-fertile, while others need a pollination partner. Check the variety’s requirements to ensure proper fruiting.

8. How soon will my plum tree bear fruit?
Plum trees generally start producing fruit in 3–6 years, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

9. Should I fertilize plum trees in autumn?
Apply compost or a balanced fertilizer lightly in early autumn to support root growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

10. How do I know when plums are ready to harvest?
Plums are ready when they feel slightly soft and have a sweet fragrance. Twist gently to pick, avoiding damage to the branch.

With this guide, you’re well-prepared to plant a healthy plum tree in autumn, setting the foundation for a productive harvest of sweet, juicy plums in the years to come. Enjoy the beauty of plum blossoms in spring and the satisfaction of a bountiful harvest each summer!