Plum trees are a great fruit tree both for beginners and veteran gardeners because of their easy care guide, beautiful flowering, and rewarding fruit harvest. Plus, who doesn’t love these perfect sweet-and-sour snack-sized fruits?
With a little consistency and care, you will be well on your way to harvesting your own plums sooner than you know!
Growing Plum Trees
Let’s start with the basics. Though I know you’re already looking forward to that harvest, there is still some work to be done before you can reap its rewards/
This is a must-read first pitstop for beginner gardeners because it covers it all: from why you should grow a plum tree to where to put it, how to plant it, and more.
If you already know that the perfect plum variety for you is the French plum, then go straight for this post!
Plum Tree Fertilizer
Plum Tree Soil
One of the best things you can do for any fruit tree is to make sure that the soil is rich in the appropriate nutrients. Take a deeper look at what makes for the best soil for plum trees, and the tree soils and soil foods I suggest to get the job done.
I promised you a simple tree to care for. In fact, even in their pruning necessities, plum trees are relatively simple.
Plum Tree Diseases
Plum Tree Pests
Just like all fruit trees, plum trees are susceptible to pests and diseases. The best solution to these problems is prevention, but don’t panic just yet. Inform yourself of the symptoms, and what to do if you spot them.
Harvesting Plums
Now, for the best part of growing plum trees!
When Is the Right Time To Pick Plums?
I’m as excited as you are about your first plum harvest, but try not to get ahead of yourself. To avoid the risk of plucking your plums when they’re not ready yet—or when it’s too late—take a look at this post to get the timing just right.
Health Benefits of Plums
The great thing about plums is that they’re super healthy for you! So before you dive into the recipes, take a look at these posts so you can feel even better about including plums in your recipes.
Benefits of Eating Plums
Plum Nutrition Facts
Plums in the Kitchen
I love eating plums fresh, but I will never say no to any of these scrumptious plum recipes:
Storing Plums
Oh no! Your harvest was ginormous (plum trees are known for having a particularly plentiful harvest) and you simply can’t eat them all before they go bad. Not to worry! Learn how to freeze and can your extra plums so you can enjoy them whenever you want.
How to Freeze Plums
How to Can Plums
Plum Tree Varieties
As you can see here, there are dozens and dozens of plum tree varieties out there. These are just some of the ones that we find most interesting and delicious. Start out with my 21 Types of Plum Trees, and then take a deeper dives into the other specific varieties!
American Plum
Beach Plum Tree
Black Plums
Brooks Plum Tree
Bruce Plum Tree
Cherry Plums
Chickasaw Plums
Chinese Plum
Damson Plums
Elephant Heart Plums
Flatwood Plum
Flavorella Plumcot Tree
Golden Plum Tree
Green Gage Plums
Plum FAQs
How can I store and prepare my plums?
Plums are one variety of fruit that people generally either really like or really don’t! If you’re looking to try plums in new, refreshing ways, or if you’ve bought or grown a whole lot of them to satisfy your cravings, there are a few things you can do with them.
If your plums are already ripe but you’re not quite ready to eat them yet, you can safely store them in the fridge for a bit; if you’re ready to eat but your plums aren’t quite ripe enough yet, place them in a paper bag at room temperature overnight or for up to 3 days. You can also freeze an overstock of plums—just be sure to remove the pit first!
Plums are actually quite versatile and can be eaten raw or roasted, poached, grilled, or sautéed. You might try them with yogurt, smoothies, salads, and even in a fresh fruit salsa if you’re looking to incorporate a lot of them or work them subtly into your diet!
Take a look at the storing plums section for more ideas!
Is it normal that some of my plums have a hazy surface?
There’s no need for alarm! That waxy substance is not a sign of disease in your plums, nor is it pesticide residue or any other unsavory stain. What you’re seeing is called the “bloom,” and it’s naturally occurring in some—but not all!—varieties of plum.
You may also be familiar with this gaze on blueberries and grapes, and its natural design is to serve as a barrier against insects and bacteria as well as to help the fruit retain its moisture. This silvery-white coating does not need to be avoided or washed off; consider it a mark of your plum’s healthiness!
Do plums help with digestion?
Yes! This is not just some old wives’ tale; plums contain sorbitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, that acts as a nature-made laxative.
In particular, certain varieties of dried plums—better known as prunes—can help keep digestion regular and even move things in the right direction if you’re feeling a little “backed up.” But even if you can’t get your hands on dried prunes, any little plum can go a long way toward helping relieve bowel issues!
These, along with prunes, can also be a great food served blended to babies from six months old and up to help aid their little tummies in the transition from breastmilk or formula to solid foods!
Take a look at the health benefits of plums for more information on how good they are for you!
Are plum trees easy to grow?
It depends! Some plum trees are easier than others to maintain. For example, European plum trees can be planted on their own and will self-pollinate, whereas if you go with a Japanese or American hybrid variety, you will need to plant two trees so they can cross-pollinate.
However, once you’ve settled on the right tree or trees, with regular watering, pruning, and care, a plum tree can continue to produce a hearty crop for many years!
Consult our guide on how to grow plums!
Are plums poisonous to dogs?
Yes and no. While the actual fruit of a plum is generally safe for dogs, consuming plum pits can cause a reaction veterinarians refer to as “plum poisoning.” For this reason, dogs should not be allowed unattended access to plums.
Take a closer look at plums in relation to your four-legged friends:
Can Cats Eat Plums?
Can Dogs Eat Plums?
Keep Learning About Plums!
If you like plums, bookmark this page and check back often. We’re constantly updating our plum page with more content!
In the meantime, learn about other varieties of delicious and popular fruit:
