How to Grow Plum in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Plum rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$4-8/week in season, one tree produces 20-40 kg of fruit per year.
This guide covers when to plant Plum in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Plum is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Satsuma
Japanese blood plum with dark red flesh. Rich, sweet flavour. Low-chill. Self-fertile. The best warm-climate plum.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Santa Rosa
Classic Japanese plum. Red skin, amber flesh, sweet-tart. Partially self-fertile. Widely adapted.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Greengage
Small green European plum, intensely sweet, honey-like flavour. Needs more chill hours. A gourmet favourite.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Diggers
Mariposa
Large blood plum with deep red skin and flesh. Very sweet. Low to moderate chill. Popular in warmer areas.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Position and Soil
Give Plum full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+ (dwarf varieties), though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Plum into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 400 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Plant bare-root in winter (June-August). Japanese plums (Satsuma, Santa Rosa) need fewer chill hours and suit warmer areas. European plums (Greengage) need more chill and are best south of Sydney. Some are self-fertile. Fruit fly exclusion bags essential in QLD and northern NSW. Prune to an open vase shape. One of the easier stone fruit to grow.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 12 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly, Queensland fruit fly, Birds and Curculio. The main diseases to watch are Brown rot, Bacterial canker, Silver leaf and Black knot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Plum is typically ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Bench until ripe, then fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze halved for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, plum is good eaten fresh in season, made into jam and chutney, baked into cakes and tarts and dried as prunes for year-round use. Nutritionally: good source of vitamins C and K and contains antioxidants and phenolic compounds.
Companion Planting
Plum grows well alongside Nasturtium, Garlic, Chives, Marigold and Comfrey. Keep it away from Walnut. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Plum Growing
Add plum to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Plum in Australia?
Plum is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Plum take to grow?
Plum is generally ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Plum need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Plum in the Plant Library
