How to Grow Bullace Plum
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Bullace Plum
Prunus insititia
treeThe Bullace plum is a small, hardy tree producing small round plums with a dark blue-black skin and pale yellow flesh. These wild or semi-wild plums are exceptionally hardy, disease-resistant, and thrive in neglected spots where other fruit trees struggle. They are traditional to hedgerows and ancient orchards throughout Europe.
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Example Bullace Plum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bullace Plum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bullace Plum
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; exceptionally cold-hardy with minimal winter damage even in harsh climates
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Get my Bullace Plum timeline →Growth Stages
Early Production
Year 2-4Tree begins setting flower buds; small clusters of white blossoms appear in early spring before leaves emerge
Allow some fruiting but remove excessive fruit set to avoid branch breakage. Thin flowers or young fruits if needed. Continue formative pruning.
Flowering
2-3 weeks, typically March-AprilWhite or pale pink flowers appear in profusion on bare or emerging twigs in early spring; highly attractive to pollinators
Do not prune during flowering. Ensure soil moisture is adequate for fruit set. Protect from late frosts if possible with frost cloth in regions with unpredictable springs.
Fruiting & Development
June-August depending on locationSmall green fruits appear and gradually enlarge; fruits ripen from green to blue-black over 8-12 weeks, developing waxy bloom and improving sugar content
Thin fruits to 3-4 inches apart if needed for larger individual plums. Maintain consistent moisture to prevent fruit crack. Watch for pest activity.
Harvest & Dormancy
August-NovemberRipe plums detach easily from branch; tree enters dormancy in autumn with leaf drop and hardening of wood for winter
Harvest when fully ripe (usually late August-September). Minimal pruning needed; only remove dead or crossing branches in late winter. No fertilizer needed if soil is adequate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested fruitlets in early summer; apply organic sulfur or neem oil at petal fall stage; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Wrap developing fruits in paper bags or fine netting; pheromone traps; remove and destroy infected fruit; prune dense growth to improve air circulation
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Net tree during bud stage in late winter if birds are particularly destructive; plant densely to discourage access; provide alternative food sources
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Apply sulfur or copper-based fungicide in late winter before bud break; remove and destroy affected leaves; ensure good air circulation
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Remove swollen, misshapen fruits immediately; prune to improve air circulation; apply fungicide at pink bud stage if disease is severe
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Prune and destroy infested branches; apply dormant oil spray in late winter; encourage beneficial insects
Uses
Sloe gin and preserves
CulinaryBullace plums are traditional ingredients in sloe gin, jams, and fruit wines. Their tart flavor and firm flesh make them excellent for preserves and liqueurs, with slightly better flavor than true sloes. [source]
Cooking fruit and chutneys
CulinaryHigh in pectin and natural acidity, bullace plums are ideal for making traditional chutneys, compotes, and baked goods. They can also be dried or made into jellies. [source]
Digestive and laxative properties
MedicinalTraditional herbalism recognizes plums, including bullace, as beneficial for digestive health and gentle laxative action due to sorbitol and dietary fiber content. [source]
Wildlife food and habitat
WildlifeBullace plums are valuable early food source for birds and insects in spring (flowers) and late summer/autumn (fruits). The thorny growth habit provides excellent nesting and shelter habitat. [source]
Natural dyes and traditional crafts
HouseholdThe dark fruit can be used to produce natural blue-black dyes for textiles and crafts. Historical use in hedgerows and folk tradition makes it significant in heritage orcharding. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest in late August through September when fully ripe—plums should be dark blue-black with slight give when gently pressed. They do not ripen well off the tree, so allow them to fully mature before picking. Fruits will keep for 2-3 weeks in cool conditions (32-40°F). Gather windfalls regularly to reduce pest breeding sites. Wear gloves if harvesting in large quantities to avoid skin staining.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bullace plums are thought to be the ancestor of the domesticated damson plum (Prunus insititia subsp. damascena); both share the same scientific species designation.
- 🌱 Exceptionally hardy and long-lived—many bullace trees in European hedgerows are over 100 years old and continue producing fruit with minimal care, making them true 'plant and forget' trees.
- 🌱 The name 'bullace' likely derives from Old French 'benoîte' or Latin 'bullacia,' and bullace trees have been documented in English hedgerows since medieval times, featuring in estate records and agricultural texts.
Gardening Terms
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