Plums – a popular fruit tree for the garden
Plum trees are a popular choice in gardens across Sweden and much of Europe. There are many different varieties that produce round or oval fruits in a wide range of colours – blue, red, yellow, purple or green – all with juicy, sweet flesh. A plum tree usually grows to a height of 2–6 metres and adorns the garden in early spring with masses of small white flowers that release a lovely fragrance and attract bees and bumblebees. From as early as July through to September (depending on the variety), the fruits ripen and can be enjoyed sun-warmed straight from the tree.
Plums belong to the group of stone fruits, meaning each fruit contains a large stone at its centre. They have been cultivated by humans for thousands of years and are believed to originate from Asia. Plums are highly valued for their excellent flavour and versatility. They can be eaten fresh or used in the kitchen for jams, juices, marmalades and compotes, as well as in baking and desserts. Plums can also be dried to make prunes. For many gardeners, harvesting home-grown plums is a special pleasure – a fruit tree that offers both beautiful spring blossom and a generous late-summer harvest.
Growing plums – planting and care
Planting and location
Plum trees thrive best in a sunny, warm and sheltered location. Avoid low-lying areas where frost tends to settle, as plums flower early and the blossoms can be damaged by late spring frosts. Plant the tree in spring or autumn when the soil is moist. Dig a generous planting hole (for example around 50 cm deep and 1–1.5 metres wide) and improve the soil with compost or well-rotted farmyard manure to give the tree a good start.
The soil should be well-drained, as plum trees do not tolerate standing water. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in organic matter or gravel to improve drainage. Insert a sturdy stake and place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the graft union sits just above soil level. Backfill with soil, firm it gently and water thoroughly. If planting several plum trees, space them 3–4 metres apart to allow room for proper development. Remember to protect the lower part of the young trunk from hares, deer and rodents, for example by fitting a tree guard.
Soil and nutrition
Plum trees prefer a well-drained, humus-rich soil with good access to nutrients, without becoming waterlogged. A sandy loam with plenty of organic matter (such as compost or leaf mould) is ideal. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilisation, as too much nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
A good general guideline is to fertilise every spring with organic fertiliser or a complete fertiliser formulated for fruit trees and berry bushes. This supports flowering and fruit development while also strengthening the tree ahead of winter. In late summer, a small amount of autumn fertiliser (rich in potassium) can be applied to help harden the wood and improve winter hardiness.
Newly planted and young plum trees require regular watering, especially during dry periods in the first few years, to allow the roots to establish properly. Mature plum trees tolerate some drought, but an even water supply during summer results in better growth and higher fruit quality.
Pruning
Plum trees do not require heavy pruning, but some shaping and maintenance pruning will keep the tree healthy and manageable. Timing is crucial. Plums, like cherries, belong to the group of “bleeding trees” that produce strong sap flow in spring. Therefore, pruning should only be carried out in late summer, during the so-called JAS months (July, August or September).
At this time, sap flow has decreased and pruning wounds dry more quickly, reducing the risk of diseases entering through the cuts, such as silver leaf disease. A newly planted plum tree may need initial shaping by lightly cutting back the leader and shortening side branches by about one third to create a well-structured crown. Thereafter, pruning is mainly for maintenance: remove dead, damaged or crossing branches that rub against each other, as well as any water shoots (upright shoots growing inside the crown or from the base below the graft union).
You may also thin the centre of the crown occasionally to allow more light and air to penetrate. An open canopy improves fruit quality and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid pruning too heavily, as plum trees often respond with vigorous, unwanted shoot growth. Moderate, regular late-summer pruning produces the best results and a balanced, attractive tree.
Pollination and fruit set
Plum trees flower abundantly in spring and are mainly pollinated by insects such as bees and bumblebees. There are both self-fertile varieties and those that require a pollination partner. Fortunately, many common plum varieties are at least partially self-fertile. Classic varieties such as ‘Victoria’ and the Swedish ‘Opal’ are self-fertile and can produce fruit on their own.
However, yields are often higher and fruits slightly larger if another plum tree flowering at the same time is nearby, allowing cross-pollination. If space allows, planting two different varieties is therefore a good idea. Otherwise, a neighbour’s plum tree may provide sufficient pollen. Creating an insect-friendly garden with early-flowering plants also helps to improve pollination.
After successful pollination, many small fruitlets form. Sometimes the tree sets more fruit than it can support. If the tree is heavily loaded, it is beneficial to thin the fruit in early summer, leaving about 5–10 cm between young plums. Removing excess fruit early allows the remaining plums to grow larger and reduces the risk of branches breaking under heavy weight. Many plum varieties also tend to produce heavy crops every other year, so do not be concerned if yields vary from year to year.
Popular and reliable plum varieties for northern gardens
There is a wide selection of plum varieties available. Below are some that are particularly popular in Sweden and similar climates due to their flavour and reliable performance:
Victoria – A classic English variety with yellow-red, medium-sized fruits and sweet-tart, aromatic flesh. The tree is medium-sized and very productive. ‘Victoria’ is self-fertile and also an excellent pollinator for other varieties. Ripens in late August. Hardy to approximately zones 1–3.
Opal – A Swedish favourite from the 20th century. Produces medium-sized red-purple plums with a blue bloom and yellow, sweet, juicy flesh. Ripens early, often in mid-August, and begins fruiting at a young age. Self-fertile and consistently productive. Hardy to around zones 1–4.
Reine Claude (Greengage) – A group of old French varieties renowned for their exceptionally sweet and aromatic fruits. The plums are usually green or yellow-green, with very juicy flesh. Excellent for fresh eating and preserving. Trees may take a few extra years to start fruiting, but once established they produce abundant harvests. Hardiness typically around zones 1–3.
Jubileum – A modern Swedish variety bred for good flavour and hardiness. Produces large, deep red plums with sweet, juicy flesh of high quality. Self-fertile and relatively easy to grow. Ripens in late summer, often late August to early September. Hardy to zones 1–4.
Czar – An older English variety valued for its robustness and reliability. Suitable even for cooler growing conditions and hardy up to zone 5. Fruits are medium-sized, ripening from reddish to dark blue with a bloom. The yellow flesh is juicy and mildly tart, excellent fresh or for preserving. Ripens early, usually in early August.
Mirabelle – A group of plum varieties producing small, yellow-orange fruits. Known for their sweet, aromatic flavour reminiscent of apricot. Often used for jams, marmalades and liqueurs. Ripens late, in September. Best suited to milder regions (zones 1–2).
Pests and diseases affecting plum trees
Plum trees are generally healthy and easy to grow, but like all fruit trees they can be affected by certain pests and diseases. Good care, proper pruning and early removal of affected material help prevent problems.
Plum moth (Grapholita funebrana) – The larvae bore into young fruits, causing early ripening and rot. Remove and destroy affected fruits and consider pheromone traps after flowering.
Plum sawfly – Larvae develop inside young fruitlets, causing them to shrivel and drop. Collect and remove fallen fruitlets early in the season.
Aphids – Can appear on young shoots in early summer. Usually harmless on mature trees, but can be controlled with water sprays or soapy water if necessary.
Shot hole disease – A fungal disease causing small holes in leaves. Prevent by keeping the crown open and removing fallen leaves in autumn.
Brown rot (Monilia) – Causes fruit rot, especially in dense canopies. Thin fruit, remove infected plums promptly and destroy any mummified fruits.
Silver leaf disease – A serious fungal disease entering through pruning wounds. Prevent by pruning only in late summer. Remove affected branches well below the infected area.
Author: Emma Vogiatzi
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 14 November 2025