Holly's Homestead — Stone Fruit Tree
Plum
Prunus domestica / Prunus salicina · Rose family
DIFFICULTY Easy–moderate
TYPE Deciduous perennial tree
MATURITY 2–3 years to first fruit
TYPE Deciduous perennial tree
MATURITY 2–3 years to first fruit
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular, deep
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Spacing
4–5m
Depth
graft union above soil
01Among the easiest stone fruit
Plums are generally more forgiving than peaches or apricots — lower chill requirements for many varieties and fewer disease issues, making them a solid first stone fruit tree.
02Planting
Method
Plant bare-rooted while dormant.
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile.
Timing
Plant in winter while dormant.
03Growing care
- Check whether your variety needs a pollinator — some are self-fertile, others aren't.
- Prune in summer rather than winter to reduce disease entry.
- Thin fruit if heavily set.
- Water deeply through fruit development.
04Problems
- Fruit fly — net or bag ripening fruit.
- Brown rot — improve airflow, remove affected fruit.
- Aphids — cluster on new growth; hose off.
- Silverleaf — fungal disease entering through winter pruning wounds; prune in summer instead.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Full colour, slight give when gently squeezed.
Method
Twist gently from the stem.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Room temperature a few days, or fridge up to 2 weeks.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
BasilGarlicAvoid nearby
TomatoRotation note
Avoid replanting stone fruit in old stone fruit ground.