How to Grow Plum / Prune
Plum / Prune
Prunus domestica
treePlums and prunes are stone fruits belonging to the genus Prunus, with plums typically eaten fresh and prunes being dried plums. These deciduous trees produce sweet to tart fruits in various colors including purple, red, yellow, and green. They are relatively easy to grow and can be productive for 15-20+ years.
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Example Plum / Prune timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Plum / Prune
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 Plum / Prune
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-9 are ideal; some hardy varieties tolerate zones 3-4
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Get my Plum / Prune timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy & Bud Break
December-April (varies by zone)Tree is leafless during winter; buds begin swelling in early spring, then leaves and flowers emerge
Prune in late winter while dormant (February-March in most zones). Apply dormant oil spray to control overwintering pests. No watering needed in winter unless drought conditions persist.
Flowering & Pollination
2-4 weeks (March-April)White, pink, or bi-colored flowers bloom on 1-2 year old wood. Flowers are attractive and fragrant.
Ensure adequate pollinator activity; many plum varieties require cross-pollination. Plant compatible varieties nearby. Avoid pesticide sprays during flowering to protect pollinators. Frost can kill flowers in late spring.
Fruit Set & Growth
4-8 weeks (May-June)Tiny green fruit develops from pollinated flowers. Heavy fruit set may require thinning to prevent branch breakage and improve fruit size.
Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart when plums are marble-sized. Water deeply and consistently; irregular watering causes fruit cracking. Apply mulch to regulate soil moisture. Watch for pests and diseases.
Ripening
4-6 weeks (June-August, depending on variety and zone)Fruit enlarges and changes color as it ripens. Sugar content increases, flavor develops. Skin softens slightly.
Continue regular watering. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive vegetative growth. Support heavy branches with props or stakes to prevent breaking. Monitor for ripe fruit daily near harvest.
Harvest & Post-Harvest
2-6 weeks (July-September)Ripe fruit is picked fresh or allowed to drop for processing. Trees enter pre-dormancy phase.
Handle fruit gently to avoid bruising. For fresh eating, harvest slightly firm fruit. For prune drying, allow full ripeness. Prune out dead or diseased wood after harvest. Begin reducing water in fall.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove fallen fruit daily; apply kaolin clay or neem oil during fruit development; use pheromone traps; introduce parasitic wasps
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Hand-pick early morning; use row covers on young trees; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; traps can attract more beetles
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings)
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Remove infected fruit; kaolin clay spray; pheromone traps; trichogramma parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity; water foliage; neem oil; sulfur sprays (not with oil); horticultural oils
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Prune infected branches immediately; thin fruit to improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; fungicide sprays if severe
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Prune out knots 6 inches below affected area; apply pruning sealant; fungicide spray in early spring
Uses
Fresh eating and preserves
CulinaryFresh plums are enjoyed raw as snacks or desserts. Plums can be preserved as jams, jellies, compotes, and canned whole. High pectin content makes them ideal for preserving. [source]
Prune production and drying
CulinaryCertain sweet plum varieties (especially Prunus domestica subsp. italica) are dried whole to produce prunes. Dried prunes are nutrient-dense and shelf-stable for months. [source]
Digestive and laxative properties
MedicinalPrunes and prune juice are traditionally used to relieve constipation and support digestive health. They contain sorbitol and fiber which promote bowel regularity. [source]
Cooking and baking
CulinaryPlums work well in savory dishes (with meat, in sauces), desserts (pies, cakes, tarts), and beverages. Prunes add depth to braised meats, couscous, and granola. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifePlum trees provide nectar for pollinators and fruit for birds and beneficial insects. Fallen fruit feeds ground-dwelling wildlife. [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 plums when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch, typically 3-4 days after changing to ripe color. Plums do not ripen much after picking. For prunes, allow fruit to fully mature on tree (soften) or let ripe fruit fall and collect. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Morning harvest when cool is best. Peak harvest is mid-July to late August depending on variety and zone.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Prunes are simply dried plums, but not all plum varieties make good prunes; the California prune industry primarily uses the 'Italian prune' variety which has high sugar content and ideal drying properties.
- 🌱 Some plum varieties are self-fertile, but many produce significantly more fruit when cross-pollinated with a compatible variety blooming at the same time.
- 🌱 Plum trees can live 40-50+ years with proper care, and some heirloom varieties have been grown in the same families for generations.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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