Plums in Gairney Bank

Prunus domestica

Plum
Plum · Prunus domestica

Grow plum trees in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil. Bare-root trees are best planted while dormant, then watered well through the first two summers and pruned only in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease.

400 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Gairney Bank · last frost ≈ 23 May

Plant out October to February, harvest August to September. Frost risk September to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Plum

  1. 01

    Plant the tree

    16 Oct to 23 Feb

    Plant a bare-root tree while it is dormant, around 16th October - 23rd February. Set it at the same depth it was grown before, stake it firmly, and keep a wide weed-free circle around the trunk. Water it in thoroughly straight after planting.

  2. 02

    Water through establishment

    23 May to 26 Sept every 10 days

    Water deeply from 23rd May through 26th September, especially in dry spells. Keep up regular watering for the first two summers, because young trees crop poorly if they dry out. Aim for a good soak every 10 days when rain is lacking.

  3. 03

    Thin fruitlets

    7 Jul to 22 Jul

    After the natural drop, from 7th July - 22nd July, thin congested fruitlets so the remaining plums have room to swell. Leave roughly one fruit every on the branch and remove damaged or badly placed fruit first.

  4. 04

    Harvest the fruit

    21 Aug to 30 Sept

    Pick fruit from 21st August to 30th September when it colours well and comes away with a gentle twist. Harvest over several picks as different fruits ripen, and handle them carefully because ripe plums bruise easily.

  5. 05

    Summer prune

    22 Jul to 21 Aug

    Prune lightly from 22nd July to 21st August in dry weather only. Remove damaged, crossing or overcrowded growth, and avoid winter pruning because stone fruit is prone to silver leaf disease.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Plum.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Plum to consider

Victoria

A reliable, heavy-cropping dessert plum with large red-purple fruit and yellow flesh.

Czar

An early plum that crops well in many UK gardens and is useful where summers are short.

Marjorie's Seedling

A popular late-season plum with good flavour and a steady crop.

Opal

A sweet, early plum with good flavour and a fairly reliable crop in the UK.

Plum guides by town

See how Plum timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.