Plum

Prunus species

Rosaceae (Rose)

Japanese and hybrid plums do well in much of Texas. Most need a second variety nearby for pollination.

EdiblePerennial

Plum (Prunus species) illustration — Texas Roots plant database, by Jordan Polasek

Sun

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Soil

Well-drained

pH

6.0–6.5

Hardiness

Deciduous tree

Height

10–20 ft

Spacing

15–20 ft

Days to harvest

3–5 yr to bear

What it is

Plum (Prunus species) is in the Rosaceae (Rose) family. Japanese and hybrid plums do well in much of Texas. Most need a second variety nearby for pollination.

How to grow it

It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–6.5. Space plants about 15–20 ft apart. Expect roughly 3–5 yr to bear. Deciduous tree.

How it's used

Plum is used: fresh, jam, dried.

🔎 How to identify it

Oval toothed leaves
White spring flowers
Smooth-skinned stone fruit

Edibility

PartsFlesh (not pit)

UsesFresh, jam, dried

CautionPits contain cyanogenic compounds.

🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.

Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.