How to Grow Oume
Oume
Prunus mume
treeOume, also known as Japanese apricot or Chinese plum, is a deciduous flowering tree prized for its fragrant blossoms and small, tart fruits. It has been cultivated in East Asia for over 2,000 years and is celebrated in Japanese and Chinese culture for its ornamental beauty and culinary uses. The tree produces abundant flowers in late winter to early spring before the leaves emerge.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Oume in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Oume timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Oume
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Oume
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Oume dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9, with some cold-hardy varieties surviving in zone 5
Sign up free to see if Oume grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Oume timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree develops root system and main framework branches. Growth is moderate and focused on establishing a strong structure.
Water regularly, stake for support, prune to establish open center form, apply mulch around base, protect from harsh winds
Flowering
2-4 weeksAbundant flower buds develop on previous year's wood. Delicate, fragrant flowers emerge in late winter to early spring in shades of white, pink, or red depending on variety.
Do not prune during flowering, ensure adequate chill hours (600-900 hours below 45°F) were received, protect blooms from late frosts if possible
Leaf Development & Fruit Set
4-6 weeksLeaves emerge after flowers fade. Small green fruits develop from pollinated flowers. Tree focuses energy on growth and fruit expansion.
Begin light pruning to maintain shape, thin fruits if overly abundant (space 2-3 inches apart), apply balanced fertilizer, maintain consistent moisture
Fruit Development
8-12 weeksFruits grow from marble-sized to their final size (1-1.5 inches), gradually changing from green to yellow or green with red blush depending on variety.
Water deeply during dry periods, apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, monitor for pests, avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage over fruit
Harvest & Dormancy
1-3 monthsFruits ripen to full color (late May to July depending on climate and variety). Leaves may show fall color before dropping in late autumn. Tree enters dormancy.
Harvest fruits when fragrant and slightly soft, light pruning after harvest to maintain shape, reduce watering in winter, apply dormant oil spray if needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Prune infested branches, drop cloth collection of fallen fruit, spinosad or neem oil spray during fruit development, parasitic wasps
-
Dormant oil spray in winter, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, pruning of heavily infested branches
-
Remove and destroy infested branches, proper tree care to reduce stress, wrap trunk to prevent egg laying, pheromone traps
-
Remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, fungicide application (copper or sulfur), avoid overhead watering
-
Remove infected fruit and branches, improve air circulation through pruning, fungicide during bloom and fruit stages, sanitation of fallen fruit
Uses
Umeboshi & Preserves
CulinaryOume fruits are traditionally pickled with salt to make umeboshi, a staple in Japanese cuisine valued for flavor and digestive properties. The fruits are also used to make jams, syrups, and beverages. [source]
Fresh & Culinary Preparations
CulinaryFresh oume fruits have a tart, apricot-like flavor used in liqueurs, sauces, and traditional East Asian cooking. The flowers are sometimes candied or used as garnishes. [source]
Traditional Health Use
MedicinalIn Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese practice, umeboshi and oume are believed to aid digestion, boost immunity, and support overall wellness. The fruit contains citric acid and other beneficial compounds. [source]
Spring Flowering Display
OrnamentalOume is prized as an ornamental tree for its abundant, fragrant early spring blossoms that appear before foliage. It is a symbol of strength and beauty in Japanese culture. [source]
Cultural & Artistic Symbolism
CraftOume blossoms are celebrated in Japanese art, poetry, and garden design. The tree appears frequently in traditional paintings and is associated with resilience and renewal. [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 fruits in late May through July when they are fragrant, slightly soft to touch, and have developed full color (typically yellow or yellow-green with possible red blush). Pick fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Fruits do not ripen significantly after picking, so harvest at peak ripeness. For umeboshi (pickled plums), harvest when fruits are fully mature but still slightly firm.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Oume is not truly an apricot or plum despite its English names—it is botanically distinct from both, representing its own valued species within the Prunus genus. The name 'ume' (梅) specifically refers to Prunus mume and carries deep cultural significance in Japan and China spanning thousands of years.
- 🌱 Japanese White Eye birds (mejiro) are attracted to oume blossoms and are traditionally considered symbols of good fortune in Japanese art and gardens where oume trees are planted.
- 🌱 A single oume tree can produce hundreds of fragrant flowers, and a mature tree may yield 50-100 pounds of fruit annually, making it both a spectacular spring display and a productive food source.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Oume planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Oume seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Oume timeline →