How to Grow Ume Tree

Ume Tree

Prunus mume

tree

The ume is a small deciduous tree native to China that produces fragrant flowers in late winter and small, round stone fruits resembling apricots. It is highly valued in East Asian cultures for its blossoms, fruit, and symbolic significance. The tree is cold-hardy, long-lived, and can thrive for centuries with proper care.

Looking for a specific variety?

Nanko Kokusetsu Tanaka Hamasakura Oume Ume-Koshitsuki

When should you plant Ume Tree in your zone?

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Example Ume Tree timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Ume Tree
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Ume Tree
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ume Tree dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times per week during growing season; reduce watering in winter dormancy.

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: 3-5 years before first fruit; peak production at 5-7 years

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Planting depth: Plant bare-root or balled-and-burlapped trees at same depth as nursery container; seeds ¾-1 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Organic compost Peat moss Aged manure Sand for drainage improvement

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5b-9a; best fruit production in zones 6-8

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

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Growth Stages

Dormancy

October-March

Tree is leafless with visible buds in late fall through early spring. Late winter blooming (January-March depending on zone) produces fragrant white, pink, or red flowers in clusters.

Minimal watering needed. Prune in late winter before flowering to shape tree and remove dead wood. This dormant period is ideal for structural pruning.

Flowering & Early Growth

2-4 weeks

Flowers bloom profusely on previous season's wood before leaves emerge. Flowers are highly fragrant and attract pollinators. New foliage begins emerging as flowers fade.

Protect flowers from hard freezes if late frosts are common. Ensure good pollinator access. Begin regular watering as growth resumes.

Vegetative Growth

April-July

Tree develops full foliage with dark green, lance-shaped leaves. New shoots elongate rapidly. The tree grows bushy and compact if well-pruned.

Water regularly and deeply. Fertilize monthly with balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer or use slow-release formula. Monitor for pests and diseases. Thin excessive growth to improve air circulation.

Fruiting & Maturation

June-August

Small green fruits develop where flowers were, gradually enlarging to marble-sized or slightly larger. Fruits mature over summer, turning yellow-green to golden or amber depending on variety, with fragrant aroma.

Thin fruits when marble-sized to 4-6 inches apart for larger, higher-quality fruit. Continue regular watering, especially during dry spells. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; apply potassium-rich fertilizer to promote ripening.

Harvest & Dormancy Preparation

August-October

Fruits reach full maturity with enhanced fragrance. Foliage may show some yellowing in fall. Tree begins to slow growth and prepare for dormancy.

Harvest fruits just before full ripeness for pickling, or at peak ripeness for fresh use. Allow tree to naturally harden off as temperatures cool. Reduce watering gradually. Do not apply fertilizer after August.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Japanese maple Flowering cherry Hostas Azaleas Bamboo Flowering quince Camellia

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Shallow-rooted competition trees Plants requiring acidic soil below pH 5.5

Common Pests

Apply copper fungicide spray in fall after leaf drop and again in early spring before leaf emergence. Remove infected leaves. Ensure good air circulation.
Spray with horticultural oil in late winter. Hand-remove heavily infested branches. Apply insecticidal soap during growing season if needed.
Remove dropped fruit daily. Apply spinosad or neem oil every 10-14 days during fruit development. Place pheromone traps in early season.
Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Prune out infected branches. Do not overhead water. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide during blooming period if fungus was present previous year.

Uses

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Umeboshi & Pickled Ume

Culinary

Ume fruits are traditionally pickled with salt and red shiso leaves to make umeboshi, a Japanese staple with sour, salty flavor used in rice dishes and as a digestive. The fruits can also be made into jam, syrup, or fermented into plum wine (umeshu). [source]

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Digestive & Energy Support

Medicinal

Umeboshi has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support digestion, boost energy, and aid recovery from fatigue or illness. The citric acid content aids nutrient absorption. [source]

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Fragrance & Ornament

Household

Ume flowers are iconic in East Asian culture, celebrated during spring festivals. Fresh or dried branches are displayed in homes and used in floral arrangements for their delicate fragrance. [source]

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Umeshu & Beverages

Craft

Green ume fruits are steeped with sugar and sometimes spirits to create umeshu, a traditional sweet liqueur popular in Japan. The process can take months to years, creating a complex flavor. [source]

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Early Spring Pollinator Resource

Wildlife

Ume flowers bloom very early in the season when few other flowers are available, providing essential early nectar and pollen for honeybees, wild bees, and other pollinators. [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 summer (July-August depending on zone). For umeboshi (pickled ume), pick when still green and firm, usually early to mid-June. For eating fresh, wait until golden-yellow and fragrant. Fruits are not sweet raw and are traditionally pickled, made into jam, or fermented into liqueur.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ume trees can live for several hundred years or more; some specimens in Japan are over 1,500 years old and are considered living national treasures.
🌱 In Japanese culture, ume blossoms (ume no hana) are celebrated almost as much as cherry blossoms, with 'ume matsuri' festivals held throughout late winter and early spring.
🌱 The name 'ume' is distinct from the English word 'plum'—while ume is sometimes called Japanese apricot or Japanese plum, it is botanically closer to apricot than European plums and has unique flavor and culinary traditions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun

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