Plum & Prune

Garden Help > Fruits & Nuts

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How to grow: UC Backyard Orchard, Plum and Prune

Pest management: Plum and Prune, also see Plum Bud Gall Mite Fact Sheet

Calendar: Plums: Calendar of Operations for Home Gardeners

The Basics

When to plant: January–March

Harvest window: June–October, depending on variety

Fertilization: Nitrogen in spring and fall, additional applications based on tree age, health, and soil quality

Annual care overview:

• Dormant Pruning (January–February) to encourage vigor; Summer pruning (post-harvest) to control vigor.
• Fruit thinning to ensure fruit is roughly 4-6 inches apart.
• Monitor and control for common pests & diseases, such as aphids, scale, brown rot, and shot hole fungus.

Some Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County^*

APRIUMS AND PLUOTS (Plum-apricot interspecific crosses)
Pluots (75% plum parentage and 25% apricot parentage): Dapple Dandy, Flavor Supreme, Flavor Queen and Flavor King

Apriums (75% apricot parentage and 25% plum parentage): no recommendatinos yet

PLUMS AND PRUNES
Japanese and Hybrid Types:
Burgundy, Elephant Heart, Emerald Beaut, Golden Nectar, Howard’s Miracle, Inca, Laroda and Santa Rosa

European Types:
Damson, D'Agen French Prune, Bavay's Green Gage, Coe’s Golden Gage,Golden Transparent Gage, Imperial Prune, Italian Prune and Reine Claude Conducta

^* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.