Description
About the Italian Plum Tree
The Italian Plum Tree (Prunus domestica ‘Italian’) is world-renowned for its reliability and productivity, producing heavy crops of dark purple, medium-sized freestone plums. These sweet, high-sugar fruits are commonly dried to make prunes and are also known as Italian Prune, Italian Prune Plum, or Fellenberg Plum.
This popular European plum variety is a long-time favorite in home orchards across the U.S. and thrives in a wide range of climates. The tree blooms in spring with showy pinkish-white flowers, adding ornamental value before the delicious fruit ripens in late summer to early fall (typically August or September).
Each plum has smooth, deep purple skin with a soft blue bloom. Inside, the semi-firm golden-yellow flesh delivers a rich sweetness balanced by a subtle lemony tang—distinctly more complex than most common plums.
Using the Fruit
Italian Plums are freestone, making them easy to pit and perfect for both fresh eating and culinary use. Their firm texture holds up beautifully when cooked or baked.
These plums are a staple in German and Eastern European recipes, ideal for:
- Plum cakes, dumplings, and tarts
- Homemade jams, preserves, and juices
- Drying into prunes
- Roasting with pork or lamb
- Desserts like plum sorbet or poached plums
The yellow flesh turns a rich, rosy hue when cooked, making for both beautiful and flavorful dishes. Italian plums are also a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Growing Italian Plum Trees
Italian Plum trees are vigorous, cold-hardy, and self-pollinating, making them easy to grow—even for beginners. With proper care, they typically begin bearing fruit within 3 to 6 years after planting.
- Best grown in full sun
- Suitable for USDA Zones 4–9
- Annual pruning recommended for optimal fruit production
- Moderate size makes them manageable for most backyards
Whether you’re planting one or a small grove, this tree rewards growers with exceptional fruit and seasonal beauty.
Buy an easy-to-grow Italian Plum tree to enjoy delicious, sweet plums fresh from your own yard!
Survival Guaranteed!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | Pink, White |
| Bloom Time | Late |
| Chill Hours | 700 - 1000 |
| Fruit Color | Purple |
| Fruit Size | Large |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 9 |
| Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
| Ripens/Harvest | August |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Texture | Firm |
| Years to Bear | 3 - 6 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow plum trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
It died. My husband threw out the dead tree so I couldn’t get a replacement
Since its out of stock, we do not have the size in which we would offer. Once the item becomes available that information will be available at the top of page under "choose an option
I hope so as that is the reason we got it. So far no black knot and it is planted next yo a Stanley olum that is covered in black knot.
This is a curious question to me, as we have never noticed any trouble with buts on our fig tree. I notice that the picture accompanying this question shows plums; they are different altogether. We use Neem spray, and my husband also sprays our pit fruit trees with a copper spray several times during the winter, right after they lose their leaves, and again before they bud out, to help prevent leaf curl, which also see causes their bark to crack and ooze sap.
They require about 1 gallon of water every 7-10 days unless ther eis an inch of rainfall in those 7-10 days.
depend on what is it. Please refere to our growing guide disease and pest https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/how-to-grow/fruit-trees/plum-trees/pest-and-disease-control
Late bloomers, Italian plum trees do not flower until late spring.
No I am sorry we do not.
We appreciate you reaching out to us. We do not have a guaranteed ETA on when more will become available. We are very sorry for this inconvenience and completely understand your disappointment. Rest assured, that if you sign up for a notification, you'll be one of the first to be notified when it becomes available again.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us, remember that we're here for you. Have a great day!
Unfortunately you can only place an porder for what is in stock and available at this time for the current fall shipping period.
Customer Reviews
A family favorite.
Wanted an Italian Variety. Was waiting for this one for a few years
I have an old standard italian plum and have enjoyed it for years
Grew up with this type of plum . Easy to grow and very versatile.