American Plum Tree

American Plums, or Wild Plums, are small, round sweet summer fruits that ripen red in late-summer and are perfect for fresh eating, making jellies, or even fermenting into wine. This resilient American native offers year-round interest, growing attractive white Springtime blossoms, Summer fruits, and vibrant Fall foliage. The American Plum Tree can reach heights of 15-25 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet. It has broad, ovate leaves with serrated edges and a dark green color, which turn a vibrant yellow in the fall. The fragrant blossoms of the American Plum Tree are particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for supporting local ecosystems. Plant an American Plum Tree to enjoy its beauty and benefits of providing delicious, sweet plums while attracting wildlife to your garden.

Also Known As: American Wild Plum, August Plum, Native Plum, Wild Red Plum, Sand Plum, Hedge Plum, River Plum, Marsh Plum, Sloe Plum, Hog Plum.

Plant Name:	Tree, American Plum
Latin Name:	Prunus americana
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	3 - 5 Years
Plant Height:	15 - 30 Feet
Spread:	15 - 25 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-8
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 15 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. Soak seeds in room-temperature tap water for 48 hours, changing the water every 12 hours to remove any natural chemical inhibitors on the seed coat that prevent germination. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 30-60 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. Soak seeds 24 hours in hot tap water prior to sowing. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 10-15 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	10-15 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	15 feet

Care During the Season:

American Plum Tree will produce an abundant and flavorful harvest year after year with care. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. In early spring, applying a balanced fertilizer can promote strong growth and fruit development. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches, improve airflow, and shape the tree for better fruit production. Thinning the fruit when they are small can improve the size and quality of the remaining plums.

Harvesting:

American Plum, is typically harvested in late summer to early fall, usually between August and September, depending on the local climate. The fruits are ready for harvest when they turn from green to yellow, orange, or deep red and feel slightly soft to the touch. Ripe plums should come off the branch easily with a gentle twist or light shaking of the tree. For the best flavor, allow the fruit to fully ripen on the tree, though slightly underripe plums can be picked and left to ripen at room temperature.