Plum

New Zealand’s Best Plum Trees

Growing Plums in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Reduced food waste
• Lower grocery costs
• Fewer food miles and less plastic packaging, decreasing your carbon footprint
• Convenience
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have a large variety of Plum trees and we’ll help you find the right tree for your space. Our fruit trees have been selected to thrive in New Zealand’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Plum trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Plums

1. What is the best plum tree to buy?

The best plum tree for you will depend on your personal preferences, climate, and growing conditions. Here are some of the most popular plum tree varieties to consider:

1. Santa Rosa: This Japanese plum variety is known for its sweet, juicy fruit that is perfect for eating fresh, as well as for making pies and preserves. It is also a relatively self-fertile variety, making it a good choice for those with limited space.
2. Black Doris: This English plum variety is known for its dark purple fruit with a sweet and tart flavor. It is a heavy bearer and is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
3. Burbank: This Japanese plum variety is known for its large, yellow fruit with a sweet and firm flesh. It is a good choice for those who want a plum that is easy to eat and does not require a lot of preparation.
4. Elephant Heart: This European plum variety is known for its large, heart-shaped fruit with a sweet and juicy flesh. It is a good choice for those who want a plum that is perfect for eating fresh.
5. Mirabelle: This European plum variety is known for its small, sweet and tart fruit that is perfect for eating fresh or making jams and jellies. It is also a good pollinator for other plum varieties.

2. What is the best time to plant plum trees?

The best time to plant plum trees is in the late winter or early spring, while the trees are still dormant. This is because the cool temperatures and moist soil conditions will help the trees to establish themselves and grow strong roots.

• Bare-root plum trees are only available while dormant, from late autumn to late winter, and should be planted immediately.
• Containerized plum trees are available year-round, but should still be planted during the dormant season for the best results.

3. How do you plant a plum tree in New Zealand?

Planting a plum tree in New Zealand requires careful planning and proper execution to ensure the tree thrives. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant a plum tree:

1. Choose the Right Variety: Select a plum tree variety that is well-suited to New Zealand's climate and soil conditions. Popular choices include Santa Rosa, Black Doris, Burbank, Elephant Heart, and Mirabelle.
2. Select a Planting Site: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours daily. The soil should be well-drained, slightly acidic, and free from excessive clay or compaction.
3. Purchase a Healthy Tree: Obtain a bare-root or containerized plum tree from a reputable nursery. Ensure the tree is healthy, free from pests and diseases, and has a strong root system.
4. Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole approximately twice the width of the root ball and just deep enough so that the root crown is at the soil level. Loosen the soil around the hole to allow for root expansion.
5. Planting the Tree: Carefully remove the tree from its container or packaging. If using a bare-root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 30 minutes before planting.
6. Positioning the Tree: Gently place the tree in the planting hole, ensuring the root crown is at the soil level. Spread the roots evenly around the hole.
7. Backfilling the Hole: Fill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. Avoid over-compacting the soil.
8. Watering the Tree: Provide the tree with a thorough watering to help establish the roots. Continue watering regularly, especially during the first few years after planting.
9. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark or wood chips, around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
10. Pruning and Training: Prune the tree annually to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage healthy growth.
11. Fertilizing: Fertilize the tree during the spring and fall with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for growth and fruiting.
12. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor the tree for signs of pests and diseases. Take appropriate measures, such as using organic pest control methods, to prevent damage and maintain the tree's health.
13. Patience and Care: Remember that plum trees take several years to mature and bear fruit. Provide consistent care, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning, to ensure the tree reaches its full potential.

By following these steps and providing consistent care, you can successfully plant a plum tree and enjoy its sweet fruits for years to come.

4. What is the easiest plum tree to grow?

The easiest plum tree to grow is the Santa Rosa plum tree. It is a Japanese plum variety that is known for its sweet, juicy fruit that is perfect for eating fresh, as well as for making pies and preserves. It is also a relatively self-fertile variety, making it a good choice for those with limited space.

5. Where is the best place to plant a plum tree?

The best place to plant a plum tree is in a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours daily. The soil should be well-drained, slightly acidic, and free from excessive clay or compaction. Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a planting location for your plum tree:

• Climate: Plum trees generally prefer temperate climates with warm summers and cool winters. However, some varieties, such as the Santa Rosa, can tolerate colder climates.
• Soil: Plum trees thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. They can also tolerate some clay soil, but they will not thrive in heavy or poorly drained soil.
• Space: Plum trees can grow quite large, so it is important to choose a variety that is appropriate for the amount of space you have available. Some varieties, such as the Mirabelle, are more compact than others.
• Pollination: Some plum varieties are self-fertile, while others require a pollinator of a different variety. If you are not sure whether a variety is self-fertile, it is a good idea to check with your local nursery.
• Pest and disease resistance: Some plum varieties are more resistant to pests and diseases than others. If you are concerned about pests and diseases, it is a good idea to choose a variety that is resistant to those that are common in your area.