Hortiforum

General Info – Plum

‘Plums’ encompass a diverse array of Prunus species, ranging from cultivated to wild varieties and hybrids between them. Even within a single species like Prunus Domestica, there exists a wide spectrum of subspecies diversity, including Prunes, Damsons, Greengages, and Mirabelle Plums. The focus of the discussion below will be on the two primary cultivated species: 1. Prunus Domestica, commonly known as the European Plum but often referred to by its subspecies names as mentioned earlier, and 2. Prunus Salicina, known as the Chinese or Japanese Plum, which dominates the fresh-eating market. As expected, these two species have differing requirements, though they generally thrive under similar conditions. One significant distinction for growers is that Japanese Plums typically have lower chill requirements than European Plums and are better suited for subtropical climates.
Fruit
Juicy, flavourful, and boasting a diverse range of unique cultivars, Plums can be transformed into an array of delicious products, including jams, jellies, tarts, cobblers, prunes, and liquors.
A delightful combination of sweetness and tartness, Plums are a cherished fruit during the summer and autumn seasons. They stand out among fruit trees for their rich diversity of cultivars comparable to that of Apples and Pears. Both Japanese and European plum varieties offer options suitable for almost any climate outside the tropics, presenting a plentiful assortment of Plums in various colours and for varying purposes—from drying and preserving to fresh consumption and distillation. Furthermore, all Plums serve as excellent sources of vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre. Notable subspecies of European plum varieties include those listed below.
Greengage: The deceptively ripe and aptly named green-skinned ‘Greengages’ possess a rich sweetness, perfect for fresh eating as a dessert plum, stewing into compotes, or preserving in syrups.
Mirabelles: An iconic French plum, with a beautiful orange skin reminiscent of an Apricot. Full-flavoured and sweet, the Mirabelle is commonly used for jam-making, distilling into Plum Brandy, or crafting the Tarte aux Mirabelles, an iconic dessert of the French region of Lorraine.
Damson: Common in England, the ovular, dark blue to purple Damsons vary in astringency and sweetness, with varieties available suitable for fresh consumption, in addition to older, more astringent varieties perfect for bottling. They are also made into ‘Slivovitz’, a Plum Brandy popular throughout Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe.
Prunes: Known for their intensely sweet, fibre-rich, dried form, Prune Plums are a purple-skinned, freestone variety with a distinct egg shape similar to a Damson. They are also suitable for baking into tarts, with D’Agen being a commonly available variety.
Japanese/Chinese Plums exhibit a wide array of shapes and uses. They are widely grown in commercial cultivation for their superiority in fresh consumption, thanks to their enchanting aroma, striking color, and exquisite flavor. The dark-red Japanese Satsumas, often known as Blood Plums, feature vivid red flesh and delightful sweetness and flavor. Bottled Satsumas offer a superb dark-red hue and can be dried or made into jams. Other Japanese Plums like Gulf Blaze, Gold, or Ruby showcase juicy yellow flesh. While the multitude of available varieties may initially seem overwhelming, gardeners should savour the luxury of choice and consider cultivating multiple dwarf plants to enjoy a diverse range of plum flavours.
Growing Requirements
Owing to extensive and historical breeding efforts, there is a wide range of Plum Trees available suitable for various climates, ranging from Cool Temperate to Subtropical regions. Japanese Plum varieties typically require fewer chill hours than Prunus Domestica, with those varieties suitable for low-chill subtropical climates mostly being Japanese Plums. Regardless of species or cultivar, Plums thrive under relatively similar ideal growing conditions. Adequate water supply during summer is essential for ensuring a plentiful harvest of large, juicy fruits and reducing fruit drop. Fertile, well-draining loamy soil enriched with organic matter promotes growth and sustains plant health, which can be facilitated by adding compost and mulch. As a general guideline, deciduous fruit trees, including Plum Trees, should receive full sun exposure to maximize productivity and ensure robust plant health. However, in warm or hot-summer climates or subtropical regions, positions with partial sun can also be viable. While Plum Trees are resilient to most conditions, they are not tolerant to salt or drought. Pollination requirements vary among Plum tree cultivars; some cultivars necessitate a compatible pollinator for fruiting, while others are partially or fully self-pollinating, although all benefit from cross-pollination. Plum Trees are highly productive, often bearing more fruit than they can adequately support. In such cases, thinning the fruits enhances fruit quality and size, a practice recommended for those seeking larger fruits. Additionally, it is advisable to net the fruits to protect them from Fruit Flies and Birds.
Appearance
With their colourful fruits, elliptical serrated leaves, and profusion of fragrant white flowers in spring, the Plum tree adds an ornamental charm to a garden, akin to its relatives the Peach and Cherry. The height and vigour of a tree are largely determined by the chosen rootstock, though typically an average-sized rootstock will maintain a height below 5-6m, while a dwarf rootstock will stay below half of that. Plum Trees are particularly well-suited to espalier, a method that facilitates maintenance and harvest, in addition to enhancing their decorative form.
Plums are highly adaptable trees, suitable for a variety of climates and with easily met requirements. Combined with their productive nature, they make an excellent choice for home cultivation.

Plant Profile/Properties