Top 20 Plum Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Plums are a delightful and versatile fruit, enjoyed fresh, dried as prunes, or in jams, pies, and sauces. Growing plums in your garden can yield a sweet and abundant harvest, and with so many varieties to choose from, it’s easy to find a type that suits your taste and climate. This guide will explore the top 20 plum varieties to grow, along with essential tips for cultivating healthy, productive plum trees.

1. Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa is a popular, self-pollinating variety with sweet, tangy red-purple skin and juicy yellow flesh. It’s ideal for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Plant Santa Rosa plums in full sun with well-drained soil. Prune regularly to encourage airflow and improve fruit production.

2. Stanley

Stanley is a European plum variety known for its dark purple skin and sweet, firm flesh. It’s great for eating fresh, making jams, or drying into prunes.

Tip: Stanley plums need full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain size and encourage healthy growth.

3. Damson

Damson plums are small, tart, and perfect for making jams, jellies, and sauces. They have deep purple skin and yellow-green flesh.

Tip: Damson plums thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil. Regular watering and pruning will promote better fruiting.

4. Methley

Methley is an early-season Japanese plum with sweet, red flesh and reddish-purple skin. It’s great for fresh eating, preserves, and making juices.

Tip: Plant Methley in full sun with well-drained soil. Thin the fruit early to improve size and quality.

5. Italian Plum

Italian plums, also known as Italian Prunes, are an excellent variety for fresh eating, drying, and baking. They have dark purple skin and sweet, firm flesh.

Tip: Italian plums require full sun and regular watering during fruit development. Prune annually to maintain tree shape and improve airflow.

6. Shiro

Shiro plums are a yellow-skinned, early-ripening variety with sweet, juicy flesh. They’re perfect for fresh eating, preserves, and adding to salads.

Tip: Plant Shiro in full sun and water consistently. Thin the fruit early to encourage larger, more flavorful plums.

7. Mirabelle

Mirabelle plums are a small, yellow variety with a sweet, honey-like flavor. They’re often used for making jams, jellies, and desserts.

Tip: Mirabelle plums need full sun and well-drained soil. Prune annually to promote healthy growth and increase fruit production.

8. Elephant Heart

Elephant Heart plums are large, heart-shaped fruits with red-purple skin and sweet, juicy red flesh. They’re perfect for fresh eating, canning, and baking.

Tip: Elephant Heart plums thrive in full sun and need regular watering. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain size and promote fruiting.

9. Ozark Premier

Ozark Premier is a large, red-skinned variety with yellow flesh. It’s perfect for fresh eating, making jams, and using in desserts.

Tip: Plant Ozark Premier in full sun and water regularly. Thin the fruit early in the season to ensure larger, juicier plums.

10. Satsuma

Satsuma plums are known for their dark red skin and sweet, juicy flesh. They’re excellent for fresh eating, preserves, and making sauces.

Tip: Satsuma plums need full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and mulching around the base help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

11. Green Gage

Green Gage plums are small, greenish-yellow fruits with a sweet, rich flavor. They’re ideal for fresh eating, baking, and making preserves.

Tip: Green Gage plums prefer full sun and need regular pruning to improve air circulation and fruit size.

12. Beauty

Beauty is an early-ripening Japanese plum with red skin and sweet, juicy yellow flesh. It’s great for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Beauty plums require full sun and consistent watering. Thin the fruit early to promote better size and flavor.

13. Black Amber

Black Amber is a large, round plum variety with deep purple-black skin and sweet yellow flesh. It’s perfect for fresh eating and making jams.

Tip: Black Amber plums need full sun and regular watering during the growing season. Prune after fruiting to maintain tree shape.

14. French Prune

French Prune plums are a classic variety used for drying into prunes or for fresh eating. They have purple skin and sweet, firm flesh.

Tip: Plant French Prune in full sun with well-drained soil. Water deeply and consistently during fruit development for the best yields.

15. Ruby Queen

Ruby Queen plums have dark red skin and sweet, juicy red flesh. They’re perfect for fresh eating, baking, and making preserves.

Tip: Ruby Queen plums thrive in full sun and need regular pruning to improve air circulation and fruit quality.

16. Blue Damson

Blue Damson plums are small, tart, and perfect for making jams, jellies, and sauces. They have dark purple skin and a strong flavor.

Tip: Blue Damson plums prefer full sun and need regular watering to produce the best fruit. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

17. President

President is a large, late-ripening variety with dark purple skin and firm, yellow flesh. It’s excellent for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: President plums require full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly and prune in winter to promote healthy growth.

18. Golden Nectar

Golden Nectar plums have smooth, yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. They’re great for fresh eating and making desserts.

Tip: Plant Golden Nectar in full sun and water consistently during fruit development. Prune annually to improve fruiting.

19. Inca

Inca plums are a unique variety with golden skin and sweet, juicy flesh. They’re perfect for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Inca plums thrive in full sun and need regular watering. Thin the fruit early to promote larger, more flavorful plums.

20. Victoria

Victoria plums are an old-fashioned variety with reddish-yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. They’re excellent for fresh eating, making jams, and baking.

Tip: Plant Victoria in full sun and provide regular watering. Prune in winter to maintain shape and improve fruit quality.

Tips for Growing Plums Successfully

1. Choose a sunny location: Plum trees thrive in full sun, so plant them in a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for the best fruit production.
2. Well-drained soil: Plums prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in areas where water tends to pool, as this can lead to root rot.
3. Water consistently: Plum trees need regular watering, especially during fruit development. Water deeply once a week, more frequently in hot or dry weather.
4. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
5. Prune annually: Prune plum trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches. This improves air circulation and encourages new growth.
6. Fertilize in spring: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to support healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.
7. Thin the fruit: Thin young fruit when it reaches the size of a marble to allow the tree to focus its energy on fewer, larger, and higher-quality plums.
8. Pest control: Watch for common pests like aphids, plum curculio, and caterpillars. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary to protect your tree.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for a plum tree to produce fruit?
Plum trees typically begin producing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting, with full yields by the 6th or 7th year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant plum trees?
The best time to plant plum trees is in early spring or late fall, while the tree is dormant. This gives the roots time to establish before the growing season.

Q3: How often should I water plum trees?
Water plum trees deeply once a week, more frequently during hot or dry weather, especially while the fruit is developing.

Q4: Can plum trees be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or compact plum varieties can be grown in large containers. Ensure the container has good drainage and water regularly.

Q5: How do I protect plum trees from pests?
Use organic or chemical treatments to control common pests like aphids, mites, and plum curculio. Regular pruning helps improve air circulation and reduce the risk of pests.