Plum should be ready to harvest this month. Check for size and colour.
Growing Calendar
This month: Sep
Log to journalReady to harvest now
- •Check size and ripeness
- •Harvest regularly
- •Store or use fresh
Watch Out For
Silver leaf disease causes a silvery sheen on leaves and can kill branches. Only prune in dry weather from May to August, never in winter
Plum moth larvae tunnel into the fruit. Pheromone traps from May and picking up windfalls promptly both help control it
Heavy crops can snap branches under their own weight. Thin fruit and support heavily laden branches rather than letting them tear
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems: no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Plum in the UK
Do plum trees need a pollination partner?
Many, including 'Victoria', are self-fertile and will crop alone. Some varieties do need a partner, so check the specific variety before assuming.
Why did my plum tree drop fruit early?
Some natural fruit drop in June is normal, the tree shedding what it can't support. Heavier drop can mean the tree was under-watered while fruit was swelling, or that it's simply carrying more fruit than it can properly ripen.
Why shouldn't I prune plum trees in winter?
Winter pruning wounds are the main entry point for silver leaf disease, which can kill branches or the whole tree. Prune only in dry weather between May and August instead.
How long until a plum tree fruits?
Often the quickest of the common UK tree fruits to start cropping: as little as 2–3 years on a semi-dwarf rootstock.
Written from real growing experience, not just research. Read the story behind Pelham Gardens.
Member guides
There's more to growing Plum than this guide covers.
A Garden Journal to log what worked, a personalised sowing planner in My Garden, and monthly reminders timed to the calendar.
