How to Grow Plum

Updated June 2026

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Plum is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plum is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the plum page for exact timing.

Varieties

Methley, Low-chill, self-fertile Japanese plum (Southern nurseries)
Gulf Beauty, UF low-chill plum (Florida nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 13.1 ft between plants.
Sowing: sow about 12 in deep.
Water: roughly 3.2 gal per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Birds and Curculio. In humid regions, Brown rot, Bacterial canker, Silver leaf and Black knot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Plum is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant plum where you garden.

See also: Plum in the plant library →

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →