Plum and Prune
UC Links
- How to grow and pest management: Plum and Prune
- Pest: Plum Bud Gall Mite Fact Sheet
- Seasonal care for plums: Plums: Calendar of Operations for Home Gardeners
The Basics
When to plant
January–March
Harvest window
June–October, depending on variety
Fertilization
Nitrogen in spring and fall, additional applications based on tree age, health, and soil quality
Annual care overview
- Dormant Pruning (January–February) to encourage vigor; Summer pruning (post-harvest) to control vigor.
- Fruit thinning to ensure fruit is roughly 4-6 inches apart.
- Monitor and control for common pests & diseases, such as aphids, scale, brown rot, and shot hole fungus.
Some Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*
APRIUMS AND PLUOTS (Plum-apricot interspecific crosses)
Pluots (75% plum parentage and 25% apricot parentage): Dapple Dandy, Flavor Supreme, Flavor Queen, Flavor King
Apriums (75% apricot parentage and 25% plum parentage): no recommendations yet
PLUMS AND PRUNES
Japanese and Hybrid Types:
Burgundy, Elephant Heart, Emerald Beaut, Golden Nectar, Howard’s Miracle, Inca, Laroda, Santa Rosa
European Types:
Damson, D'Agen French Prune, Bavay's Green Gage, Coe’s Golden Gage,Golden Transparent Gage, Imperial Prune, Italian Prune, Reine Claude Conducta
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.