Description

About the Methley Plum Tree

Methley Plum trees are known for their ease of growth, abundance of sweet fruit, and the ornamental beauty of the tree itself. Originating in South Africa, Methley Plum was introduced to the United States in 1922. It is a variety of Japanese Plum, prunus salicina ‘Methley.’

The plums are known for their mild, sweet taste, and red to purple colored skin. The flesh is red and juicy. These plums are clingstone, meaning the pit clings to the flesh of the fruit, and the tree is a heavy bearer, producing a high yield of fruit.

The Methley Plum makes a stunning ornamental tree with its showy, white, fragrant blossoms in the early spring. The tree is beautiful in the summer as the red to purple plums develop against the green foliage. In the winter, the graceful shape of the tree is revealed.

Using the Fruit

An abundance of fruit can be produced by a single tree. Home gardeners and homesteaders will enjoy eating the plums fresh or cooking with them. Plums can be made into jam, canned, or dehydrated into prunes.

Plums are good sources of fiber and high in vitamins A, C, and K. The Methley Plum is high in the antioxidants known as anthocyanins due to its dark red coloring.

Growing Methley Plum Trees

These fruit trees need full sun. They are disease resistant to fungal diseases like rust and are heat tolerant. Once established, they are drought tolerant. The plums will ripen in mid-summer, May to July depending upon climate.

Methley Plums produce suckers, which should be cut back when they first make an appearance. They need a short period of winter dormancy, so are a good variety to grow in warmer climates. The tree has a medium growth rate.

It is self-pollinating, but cross pollinating with other Japanese plum trees will result in greater yield. See below for USDA growing zones.

Buy an easy to grow Methley Plum tree and enjoy this beautiful plant and its delicious fruit!

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 White
Bloom Time Early
Chill Hours 200
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Medium
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest Mid July
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
Zone Range 5 - 9

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

The mature size of this variety depends on the version you choose to plant:
Standard 18 - 20' tall x 18 - 20' wide
Dwarf 8 - 10' tall x 8 - 10' wide

Recommended Spacing

The space needed for this variety to grow depends on the size you plant:
Standard 18 - 20'
Dwarf 8 - 10'

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 5 - 9
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.

Pollination

This variety is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. Plant one of these varieties within 100' for best results.

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

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

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

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Questions & Answers

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