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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Plum
Planting Calendar
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Plant the tree
Plant a bare-root tree while it is dormant, around . 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.
Water through establishment
every 10 daysWater deeply from through , 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.
Thin fruitlets
After the natural drop, from , 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.
Harvest the fruit
Pick fruit from to 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.
Summer prune
Prune lightly from to 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.
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