{"title":"Best Plums for Cooking","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 4 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for cooking and roasting. Scored on savory dishes, poaching, roasting, grilling, stewing and chutney, where the fruit has to hold together and hold its flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"italian-plum","title":"Italian Plum","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"372\"\u003eOne of the most reliable European plums in Western Montana, Italian offers excellent flavor. This large, purple-skinned, freestone plum is super flavorful and very sweet when fully ripe. In Missoula, we wait until the frost gets them before harvesting, as it softens and sweetens the fruit. But don't do leave it on the tree for many consecutive evenings of frost because it will then become bland. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"374\" data-end=\"394\"\u003eVersatile Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"505\"\u003eItalian plums can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked, making them a versatile addition to any garden or kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"545\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Growing Zones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"833\"\u003eA vigorous and fairly cold-hardy plum, Italian is perfect for most areas in Western Montana, unless you're in one of the colder areas (i.e. Potomac). It’s recommended for Zone 4 and it survived -25°F in Missoula on 1\/13\/24 without showing any signs of injury. Italian's limit, however, in terms of absolute extreme winter low tolerance is likely to -35°F, possibly -40°F if planted in a good area free of frost pooling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"835\" data-end=\"871\"\u003eSelf-Fertility and Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"1127\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eItalian is partially self-fertile and doesn’t require a pollenizer, though it may fruit more abundantly when planted alongside varieties like President, Stanley, Mirabelle de Bitterroot, or others. It will not cross-pollinate with Asian or American plums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 4-6 ft. - One Year Older (Less Branching than 6-8 ft.) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42751573327938,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping","offer_id":42499268542530,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/italian-plum-on-tree.png?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"stanley-plum","title":"Stanley Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanley is a classic European plum valued for its dependable productivity, versatile fruit, and adaptability across a wide range of climates. It is best known as a high-quality fresh eating plum, but also well  known as a prune plum (perhaps after Italian). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe tried Stanley for the first time from one of Doug Hawes-Davis' trees in Missoula. They are reminiscent of an Italian, although a little bit sweeter. Some growers note that they also make excellent wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile some sources list Stanley as a Zone 5 plum, our experience suggests it is better suited to Zone 4. It has survived significant early fall frosts at our nursery, including temperatures down to −10°F on October 26, 2020, indicating an ability to handle colder conditions than often reported.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn our experience in western Montana, Stanley is a solid Zone 4 plum. However, if you are in an area that regularly sees temperatures below −30°F (and certainly anything colder than -35F), we recommend planting some of the hardier plums we offer instead. These include Asian × American hybrids such as Toka, Pipestone, Underwood, and Kuban Delight, as well as very hardy European plums like Northern Blue, La Crescent, Ptitsin #5, and Mount Royal, all of which can tolerate −40°F and possibly colder when well sited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanley performs best in protected locations, away from frost pockets and strong winds. Sites with nearby structures or pavement that provide additional warmth and shelter tend to be especially favorable if you are in an area that can see -30F or colder (probably wouldn't make it past -35F). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best fruit set, plant Stanley with Italian, Northern Blue, La Crescent, Ptitsin #5, or Mount Royal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Size \u0026amp; Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees are approximately 5–7 ft tall and are grafted onto Lovell full-size rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504938618946,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 more branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504938651714,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger Grade (Fiber Potted): Not for shipping","offer_id":42751572869186,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/stanley-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789021109"},{"product_id":"hanska-plum","title":"Hanska Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHanska is one of the classic Hansen hybrid plums developed specifically for the northern Great Plains. Released in 1908 by Dr. N.E. Hansen with South Dakota State, it belongs to the group of hardy Asian–American hybrid plums bred to combine improved fruit quality with the durability of native American plum genetics. Hansen's own account gives the parentage as a seedling of the wild Northwestern plum (Prunus americana) as the seed parent, pollenized by the apricot plum of China (Prunus simonii), so it is an americana by simonii hybrid rather than a Japanese plum cross. Hanska is commonly discussed alongside related Hansen hybrids such as Kaga and is part of the same broader breeding effort that eventually produced well-known plums like Toka. Its purpose from the outset was reliable performance in cold, continental climates. Here's a cool \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sdpb.org\/rural-life-and-history\/niels-ebbeson-hansen-exploration-for-cultivation\"\u003earticle\u003c\/a\u003e on Hansen and his life's work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the research literature and long-standing variety descriptions, Hanska produces medium-sized fruit with red skin and yellow flesh. The fruit is aromatic and firm, with flavor that improves as it fully ripens. It is considered an all-purpose plum, usable for fresh eating when ripe and especially well suited to cooking, preserves, sauces, and other processing where its flavor holds up well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHanska is hardy to -40F, which is cited by Bob Purvis, and this matches our field observations in Western Montana, in which Hanska withstood -38F in Stevenville, on Jan. 12th 2024. Hanska will therefore do well  in the vast majority of Western Montana, apart from the coldest valleys, such as Potomac, which can get down to -50F. Hanska well  not do as well east of the divide where temps can drop below -40F in the winter, but should do survive in Billings and the surrounding warmer valleys, as well as areas that are up on a bench in eastern MT and out of frost pooling. In well-sited plantings with good cold-air drainage and proper fall hardening, it may even perform into colder microclimates than -40F, but there is no published evidence to support assigning a specific lower extreme temperature beyond a Zone 3 placement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHanska grows as a vigorous hybrid plum tree rather than a dwarf. Trees develop a strong framework and should be given adequate room to mature. A practical spacing is about 12–16 feet between trees, with wider spacing (15–18 feet) improving airflow, access, and long-term ease of management. Regular pruning helps maintain structure and productivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHanska benefits from cross-pollination and should be planted with at least one other compatible hybrid plum that blooms at a similar time. As with most Asian–American hybrid plums, pollination improves fruit set and consistency compared to planting a single tree in isolation. Plant with Toka, Pipestone, Alderman, Underwood, or other asian-american hybrids. Native American plum and Prairie Red Plum can also work. Will not cross with European plums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499185344578,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hanska-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"early-italian-plum","title":"Early Italian Plum","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"463\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum is a European prune-type plum grown for its dependable crops of sweet, freestone, dark-skinned fruit that excels for fresh eating and drying. It’s widely regarded as one of the better-performing European plums for cool-summer regions and shorter seasons, and it’s often recommended where growers want a “classic prune plum” that ripens earlier than standard Italian types.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"478\"\u003eHistory\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"479\" data-end=\"846\"\u003eEarly Italian is commonly listed as “Early Italian (Richards) Prune,” a selection introduced in the early 20th century. Commercial nursery and extension references describe it as closely related to Italian prune-type plums, but ripening earlier (often about 2 weeks ahead), helping it finish in cooler climates and higher elevations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"874\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"1158\"\u003eFruit is medium to medium-large, oval, with dark blue\/purple skin and greenish-yellow flesh, and tastes almost identical to Italian plum. It is freestone when fully ripe, with firm texture and excellent flavor—well suited to fresh eating, baking, canning, and especially drying into prunes. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1188\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1523\"\u003eTrees are typically upright to upright-spreading and vigorous, with a productive, long-lived spur-bearing habit typical of European plums. For full-size trees, which is the case here since these are grafted onto Lovell rootstock, a practical spacing is about 15–18 feet between trees (wider if you want easier equipment access; tighter only with consistent pruning).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1525\" data-end=\"1545\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1729\"\u003eWhat it can survive down to depends on dormancy status, site exposure, and whether the tree has fully hardened off. With that said, we have observed Italian Plum (not Early Italian, though we would expect similar performance) withstand −30°F in the Missoula Valley without any winter injury. Some growers have reported even greater cold hardiness, despite many online sources listing Italian plums as less hardy. It is likely capable of surviving −35°F under favorable conditions, though −40°F would probably be a stretch. It will do well  in many valleys in Western Montana (Missoula, Bitterroot, Mission, Flathead, Clarks Fork, etc.) and even some areas west of the divide include Billings and some of the warmer surrounding valleys. Will not do well in the colder parts of MT (mostly east of the divide), with lots of exposure to wind and polar fronts. Therefore, Italian (and likely Early Italian) is a solid zone 4 and may even be a stretch zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3279\" data-end=\"3318\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Bearing Reliability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3319\" data-end=\"3578\"\u003eEarly Italian is commonly described as self-fruitful or partially self-fruitful, but it typically produces heavier and more consistent crops with another European plum nearby (for example, Stanley or Italian prune-types). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3319\" data-end=\"3578\"\u003eGrower Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3598\" data-end=\"3743\"\u003eOur friend Dan Getman at Getmans’ Orchard and Vineyard on Flathead Lake calls Early Italian his best-performing and most reliably bearing plum variety.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5+ ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539619582018,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539619614786,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/early-italian-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019845"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-plums-for-cooking.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}