How to Grow Elephant Heart Plum

Elephant Heart Plum

Prunus salicina 'Elephant Heart'

fruit

Elephant Heart is a large, heart-shaped Japanese plum variety known for its deep red to black skin and rich, sweet flavor. The tree is vigorous and productive, typically bearing fruit by the third year after planting. This variety is excellent fresh and is prized by home gardeners for its exceptional taste and attractive appearance.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for best fruit quality)

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Water: Regular watering during growing season; 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in fall and winter.

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: 3-4 years to first significant harvest; 5-6 years to full production

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; graft union should be 2-3 inches above soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Organic matter Sand or perlite if drainage is poor

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 6-9, with best performance in zones 7-9

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Establishment

1-2 years

Young tree develops root system and branch structure. Minimal flowering in first 1-2 years.

Water deeply and regularly. Stake tree for support in windy areas. Prune to develop strong central leader or open vase form. Remove any flower buds in first year.

Flowering

2-3 weeks

White to pink blossoms appear in early spring (March-April depending on location) before leaf emergence.

Protect blossoms from late frosts with row covers if necessary. Ensure adequate pollinator presence. Thin excess flower buds if tree is overloaded.

Fruit Development

4-8 weeks

Small green fruits develop rapidly after flower drop. Fruits are ready for thinning 4-6 weeks after flowering.

Thin fruits to one every 6 inches on branches to promote large, high-quality plums. Remove diseased or misshapen fruits. Increase watering during dry periods.

Ripening

3-4 weeks

Fruits swell, skin darkens from red to deep burgundy/black. Interior becomes softer and sweeter as sugar content increases.

Maintain consistent watering to prevent cracking. Support heavy branches with props or ties. Stop nitrogen fertilization to avoid excessive vegetative growth.

Harvest & Dormancy

2-3 weeks harvest; 4-5 months dormancy

Plums reach peak flavor when fully colored and slightly yielding to gentle pressure. Tree enters dormancy in fall/winter.

Harvest ripe plums by gently twisting and pulling. Prune tree during dormancy to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Apply dormant oil spray in late winter.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Borage Chives Garlic Marigold Nasturtium Thyme Yarrow

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut Fennel Other plums of incompatible pollination groups (though Elephant Heart is self-fertile)

Common Pests

Hand-pick in early morning; use Japanese beetle traps away from tree; apply spinosad or neem oil; encourage parasitic wasps
Shake tree and collect damaged fruit; apply spinosad or pyrethrin at petal fall and 2 weeks after; remove and destroy fallen fruit
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
Remove and destroy infected fruit and twigs; prune for air circulation; apply fungicides at bloom and pre-harvest; avoid overhead watering
Prune out knotted branches 6 inches below knot; burn or bury pruned material; apply preventive fungicide; maintain tree vigor
Remove infected fruits; improve air circulation by pruning; apply dormant fungicide in late fall/early spring

Uses

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Fresh eating and desserts

Culinary

Elephant Heart plums are exceptional fresh with a rich, complex sweet flavor. They are excellent for eating out of hand, in fruit salads, desserts, and can be frozen for later use. [source]

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Jam, preserves, and baking

Culinary

The high pectin content and flavor make these plums ideal for homemade jams, jellies, and preserves. They can also be used in pies, tarts, and other baked goods. [source]

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Antioxidants and digestive support

Medicinal

Plums are rich in antioxidants (phenolic compounds) and sorbitol, supporting digestive health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. The fruit has been used traditionally in herbal medicine. [source]

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Ornamental landscaping

Household

Beyond fruit production, the Elephant Heart plum tree offers attractive spring blossoms, interesting branch structure, and summer color, making it a valuable ornamental specimen in home landscapes. [source]

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Wildlife food source

Wildlife

The abundant flowers attract pollinators, while fallen fruit provides food for wildlife including birds and beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystem health. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Plums are ready to harvest in mid-to-late summer (July-August in most zones), approximately 100-120 days after flowering. Pick when fully colored (deep red to black) and yielding slightly to gentle pressure—they will not ripen further off the tree. Twist gently and pull to avoid bruising. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season. For best flavor, allow tree to fully ripen fruit on the branch.

Fun Facts

🌱 Elephant Heart is a self-fertile plum variety, meaning it can produce fruit with its own pollen, though cross-pollination with other compatible plums increases yield and fruit quality.
🌱 The 'Elephant Heart' name likely comes from the large, heart-shaped silhouette of the plums, which can weigh 2-4 ounces and are among the largest plum varieties.
🌱 Japanese plums (Prunus salicina) like Elephant Heart typically bloom earlier and fruit sooner than European plums, making them ideal for gardeners wanting faster results from their investment.

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