Prunus domestica
Fruit & Nuts

Plum

Prunus domestica

Plum · Light: Full sun · Water: Moderate. Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

LightFull sun
WaterModerate
DifficultyModerate
CategoryFruit & Nuts
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Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.

Plum — Growing reference

Scientific namePrunus domestica
First harvest or flowering (days)1095–1825
Measured fromTransplant
Plant spacing (cm)304.8–548.6
Mature height (cm)304.8–548.6
Mature spread (cm)304.8–457.2
USDA hardiness zones4–9
LightFull sun
WaterModerate
Sowing methodTransplant

Growing directions

European plums (Prunus domestica) are often self-fertile, but Japanese plums (P. salicina) generally need a compatible pollinator planted nearby within 50 feet. Prune European types to a central leader and Japanese types to an open center; remove crossing branches each dormant season. Thin fruit clusters to 3–4 inches apart after natural fruit drop to encourage larger size. Pick when fruit achieves full color and yields gently to pressure — overripe plums are soft and ferment quickly.

Source and local conditions

Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

OpenPlantDB · plum

Source & verification

OpenPlantDB · CC0

Open reference source ↗