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Santa Rosa Plum

Prunus salicina

Santa Rosa Plum
Source: Unsplash

Local Verdict

"The classic backyard plum. Sweet, tart, and juicy. Needs a pollinator for best crops."

Difficulty
Growth RateFast
LifespanModerate

Overview

Developed by Luther Burbank in Santa Rosa, CA, this plum loves our climate. It produces reddish-purple fruit with amber flesh that is the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

It blooms early in spring with clouds of white flowers. It is partially self-fertile but bears heavier crops with another Japanese plum nearby.

Growing Conditions

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Soil Type

Well-drained loam

Elevation

Up to 3,500 ft

Care Cheat Sheet

  • 01.

    Thin Fruit: Thin aggressively in spring to prevent branches from breaking under weight.

  • 02.

    Prune Open: Keep the center of the tree open (vase shape) for sun penetration.

  • 03.

    Watch for Borers: Keep trunk healthy; stressed trees attract boring insects.

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