Description

Developed by USDA in Georgia, the Ruby Sweet Plum tree is a Japanese hybrid plum, with a red, almost ruby, skin and juicy red flesh. Ruby Sweet is a huge improvement over old Stanley plums in flavor and disease resistance. In the spring white blossoms are very fragrant, forming juicy plums that ripen in early July.

Enjoy an abundant harvest of Ruby Sweet Plums. The beautiful ruby red fruit is perfect for baking and is also often eaten fresh, canned, or preserved.

This variety is heat tolerant and does well across the South. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Ruby Sweet requires a Japanese plum pollinator nearby to set 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 400 - 500
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Medium
Hardiness Zone Range 6 - 8
Pollination Pollinator Required
Ripens/Harvest July
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Sweet
Years to Bear 3 - 6

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 6 - 8
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 requires another one for adequate pollination.

Cross-pollination by a different variety is key to its growing and bearing success. Plant one of these varieties within 100' for best pollination.

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.

Tags

We've 'tagged' this item with specific keywords that help you find other products that share features or characteristics with this one. Select a tag below to view all the items that have that particular trait.

Questions & Answers

Have a question? Ask owners.Have a question about this? Ask people who own it.
Start typing and see existing answers.
18 Questions
Why did you choose this?

Heat tolerant (for Zone 8A), pollinator for Methley

For my zo e

I really like plums and just thinking about the furniture

Matched my chill hours !

What fertilizer do I need when planting these?

we recommend using our Stark® Tre-Pep® Fertilizer This concentrated 22-24-12 tree and plant food is the best way to ensure successful growth for nearly every plant in your yard or garden. Trees bear sooner, and plants are more lush when you start them off right.

How big is the plum?

A good inch and a half or more at its middle. A nice-sized plum with terrific flavor!

Ruby sweet plums require a pollinator.   Can a 2nd ruby sweet plum tree do the job ?

Unfortunately no two of the same varieties can not pollinate, you need another variety that will bloom at the same time such as Methley, Ozark and Morris.

What is nutritional benefits of that plum?

Plums offer a variety of nutritional benefits, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Here are some of the key benefits:

Rich in Vitamins: Plums are an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which supports the immune system, skin health, and wound healing. They also provide vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health.

High in Fiber: Plums contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes bowel regularity, and can help lower cholesterol levels.

Antioxidants: Plums are packed with antioxidants, including phenols, which protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Low in Calories: Plums are low in calories, making them a great snack option for those looking to manage their weight without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Blood Sugar Control: The fiber in plums can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugars, which can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

Bone Health: Plums contain minerals like potassium and vitamin K, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones.

Hydration: Plums have a high water content, which helps keep the body hydrated and supports overall health.

Gut Health: The fiber in plums, especially when consumed as prunes (dried plums), can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestive health.

Including plums in your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being, offering a range of essential nutrients in a delicious and versatile fruit.

What size these trees are?

Tree sizes are listed in the drop down menu of the prduct page. This is currently only available in a Standard size.

Dwarf Asian plumb trees ?

Looks like currently the only Asian pea rin dwarf sizing is the Starking® Hardy Giant™ Asian Pear Tree

Will the Shiro plum cross pollinate well with the Sweet Ruby Plum?

Yes, the Shiro will pollinate this variety.

Does a ruby sweet pollinate with a Chickasaw plum tree?

Unfortunately, we do not recommend replying on a wild plum for proper pollination. We recommend planting with either a Methley, Alderman or Santa Rosa plum.

Does the Damson Plum work as a pollinator?

Hi Jessica, Ruby Sweet requires a Japanese plum pollinator nearby to set fruit. The Damson plum is a European plum so unfortunately it won't work.

can I grow a Ruby Sweet Plum in an XL pot?

You can grow almost anything in a container! This excellent article will answer your questions and provide good advice. Please see "Growing Fruit Trees in Containers"

www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-trees-in-containers-pt1

Customer Reviews

14 Ratings
3.5out of 5 stars
14 Ratings

Rated 5 stars by 57% of reviewers

Rated 4 stars by 7% of reviewers

Rated 3 stars by 0% of reviewers

Rated 2 stars by 0% of reviewers

Rated 1 star by 36% of reviewers

1-10 of 14 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 24, 2025
Doing great...................................................................
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 20, 2025
Good plum tree
Nice pollinator tree for our other plum tree. It arrived healthy, transplanted in mid summer here in Oregon, have kept it watered every few days & it's healthy & leafed out well. We highly recommend Stark Bros for nursery trees. We look forward to lots of plums!
Rated 5 out of 5
Dec 27, 2024
It is currently wintertime in Boone, Colorado and won't know if it has survived till springtime time. Will let you know at that time. Did loose one tree (Moorpark Apricot) to a passing deer.

Ate it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Feb 24, 2023
Ruby sweet plum 1 year
We planted this Ruby Sweet Plum a year ago and it is already flowering. Fantastic
Rated 5 out of 5
Oct 25, 2022
Tree was high quality, off to a great start. Growing really well.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 30, 2022
Wonderful little tree is getting new leaves and trying to grow into it's destiny. Good packaging, quick delivery. I am watering often during the dry times of this summer to help it get going and keep going.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 1, 2022
Love Starkbros
This company stands behind their product and is always available when I have questions. Great experience!!! I would say the trees look very healthy when they arrive and grow fast when planted properly.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 26, 2022
Great heat, and drought tolerant tree
This year in Texas we have been going through one of the worst droughts but this tree has made it through. It has even grown through this drought and I’m very impressed with this tree.
Rated 4 out of 5
Aug 26, 2022
Patient plum.
I have it it a container right now. Waiting for cooler weather to put it in its proper place.
Doing great, except for Japanese beetles I had to fight off every day. Looking forward to the delicious plums in the years to come.
Rated 1 out of 5
Jul 9, 2024
Chief Executive Officer Broker
unfortunately it was scrawny and did not live. The other trees sent earlier in the season did fantastically. I have bought from your company for over 50 years. This is the first time I have had a disappointment.