How to Grow White House Plum
White House Plum
Prunus domestica 'White House'
treeWhite House Plum is a Japanese plum variety known for its large, sweet white to pale yellow fruits with a delicate flavor. This deciduous tree is self-fertile and produces abundant crops, making it popular for home orchards and fresh eating. It blooms early in spring with fragrant white flowers.
When should you plant White House Plum 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 White House Plum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant White House Plum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest White House Plum
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White House Plum dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 5b-9a, with best performance in zones 6-8
Sign up free to see if White House Plum grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my White House Plum timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1-2Young tree with minimal branching; focus on developing strong scaffold structure
Water regularly, stake if needed, prune to establish 3-4 main branches at 20-24 inches height; avoid heavy fruit production
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Tree develops fuller canopy and branch structure; shoots grow vigorously
Continue pruning to open center, remove crossing branches, fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer
Flowering
2-3 weeks in springFragrant white flowers appear on 2-year-old wood in early spring before leaves fully emerge
Monitor for late frosts; thin flowers if too dense to prevent overbearing; ensure adequate pollinator activity
Fruiting
6-8 weeks post-floweringSmall green fruits develop and swell; color transitions from green to white-yellow as they mature
Thin fruit when marble-sized to 4-6 inches apart for larger fruits; water consistently; apply mulch to regulate soil moisture
Harvest
2-4 weeksFruits reach full size and sweet flavor; skin becomes pale yellow with slight blush
Pick fruit when slightly soft to touch; mature fruits fall easily from branches; harvest in summer (July-August)
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick infested fruit, apply spinosad or carbaryl at petal fall and 10-14 days later, maintain sanitation by removing fallen fruit
-
Hand-pick early morning, use row covers on young trees, apply neem oil or spinosad, use pheromone traps away from tree
-
Spray strong water spray to dislodge, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, rake fallen leaves for sanitation
-
Remove infected fruit and twigs, apply sulfur or copper fungicides during bloom and fruit stages, ensure good air circulation
-
Prune out infected branches 6 inches below knot, sterilize tools between cuts, apply fungicide in early spring
Uses
Fresh eating and desserts
CulinaryWhite House plums are prized for fresh eating due to their sweet, delicate flavor with lower acidity than many plum varieties. They are excellent sliced into desserts, made into preserves, jams, and can be used in baking. [source]
Beverages and fermentation
CulinaryThe fruits can be fermented into plum wine or used to create syrups and cordials. Their mild flavor makes them suitable for blending with other fruits in juice preparations. [source]
Digestive support and antioxidants
MedicinalPlums contain sorbitol which supports digestive health, and are rich in antioxidants including anthocyanins and phenolic compounds. Traditionally used to address constipation and promote digestive regularity. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeThe fragrant spring blossoms attract bees and other pollinators early in the season when food sources are scarce. Fallen fruit provides food for wildlife including birds and small mammals. [source]
Landscape ornamental
HouseholdBeyond fruit production, the White House Plum is an attractive ornamental tree with beautiful spring flowers and summer foliage, suitable for small to medium yards. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick fruit when pale yellow with slight give to gentle pressure, usually in mid-July to August depending on location. Fruit may be picked slightly firm and ripened indoors for 1-2 days. For storage, keep at 32-38°F in ventilated containers; can last 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Best flavor when eaten fresh within a few days of harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 White House Plum is self-fertile and doesn't require cross-pollination, making it an excellent choice for small spaces and single-tree orchards.
- 🌱 Plums bloom very early in spring—sometimes before leaf emergence—and can be vulnerable to late frosts that damage flower buds, so planting in a location with good air drainage helps avoid frost pockets.
- 🌱 The pale color of White House plums is relatively uncommon among plum varieties, making them visually distinctive and a conversation piece in home orchards.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized White House Plum planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start White House Plum 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 White House Plum timeline →