Methley Plum

Methley Plum is an early-bearing, low-chill Japanese plum that produces juicy reddish-purple fruit with sweet red flesh. It is self-fruitful, making it a useful choice where space permits only one plum, although another compatible Japanese plum can improve production. The tree blooms very early, so late freezes can still reduce a crop. Give it full sun, well-drained soil, and annual pruning to maintain an open canopy; confirm the rootstock before publishing a precise mature size. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Prunus salicina 'Methley'
• Sun: Full sun
• USDA zones: 5–9
• Mature size: Rootstock-dependent; commonly 12–20 ft tall × Rootstock-dependent; commonly 12–20 ft wide
• Chill requirement: Low chill; commonly listed around 250 hours
• Pollination: Self-fruitful, though another compatible Japanese plum may improve production
• Bloom: Very early spring; flowers can be vulnerable to late freezes
• Harvest: Early summer
• Fruit: Small to medium reddish-purple plums with juicy, sweet red flesh; good fresh or preserved
• Water: Moderate, consistent moisture with good drainage
• Growth habit: Rounded, spreading deciduous grafted fruit tree
• Pruning and training: Train to an open center or modified leader; prune lightly and thin heavy fruit set
• Uses: Home orchard, edible landscape, fresh eating, jam and jelly
• Wildlife value: Early flowers support pollinators; fruit attracts birds and wildlife

Plant size, harvest timing and performance vary with climate, rootstock where applicable, soil, pruning and care.