How to grow Plum (European)
in the US

Growing your own plums is a proper treat, you know. Fresh fruit from your own backyard, it's a feeling that makes you proper chuffed. They can take a bit of effort, medium difficulty like, but the rewards are well worth it, especially if you've got the space for a tree or two on your plot.

Sowing

Plums, from the Rosaceae family, are usually grown from seeds if you're starting them yourself. You're looking at a good two years, maybe even more, before you'll see any fruit, about 730 days from sowing. So it's a bit of a long game, but worth it. Timing really depends on your USDA zone, like I say in the GrowMore CookMore app. Folks in zones 3 and 4 should sow April or May, zones 5, 6, and 7 can start March or April, and warmer zones 8, 9, 10 can sow earlier, even in winter months. Always check your local last frost date before thinking about planting anything out.

Growing on

If you're growing from seed, once your plum seedlings are big enough to handle, carefully transplant them into individual pots. You'll want to grow them on in a sheltered spot, maybe a greenhouse or a cold frame, until they're sturdy. They'll need a good few years to establish before they go into their final spot in the ground. Make sure to give them plenty of room, as these are proper trees, you know. They'll need good support in their early years too, a sturdy stake is a good idea.

Looking after it

Plums need a fair bit of water, especially when they're getting established and when the fruit is forming. A good mulch around the base of the tree helps keep the moisture in and weeds down. Feed them with a balanced fertilizer in spring to give them a boost. Pruning is important too, usually after harvest, to keep the tree healthy and open for good air circulation.

What goes wrong

To be honest, even the best plans can go a bit wrong. Plums can get bothered by aphids, those little green sap-suckers, so keep an eye out and wash 'em off with a jet of water or use some insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew can be a problem too, especially in humid weather; make sure there's good airflow. Apparently, pea weevils and pea moth can cause issues, so watch for any damage on the fruit or leaves.

Harvest

You'll know your plums are ready for picking when they've got good color and feel a bit soft. Give them a gentle twist, they should come away easily. Harvest usually happens from August through to October, depending on your local climate. They're cracking fresh, of course, but if you get a proper glut, they freeze well or make lovely jams. Store them in a cool, dry place, or refrigerate if you need them to last longer.