{"title":"Best Plums for Fresh Eating","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 14 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for eating out of hand. Scored on flavor, texture and how well the fruit holds its quality, drawing on published tastings, extension trials and the historical pomologies.\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":"mount-royal-plum","title":"Mount Royal Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMount Royal plum has been a reliable European plum variety for northern growers. It is an upright to spreading tree with an open center and moderate vigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light blue plums are juicy, semi-freestone, and have sweet flesh. They are excellent for fresh eating, okay for drying, and ripen in late August to early September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMount Royal has survived temperatures as low as -44°F in West Central MN and -42°F in Columbus, MT, proving its hardiness in extreme conditions. UPDATE FALL 2025: We just discovered that Mount Royal has survived and borne a consistent crop in Lodgepole, Montana at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/agresearch.montana.edu\/warc\/research_current\/msu-ext-fruit-research-sites\/lodge_pole.html\"\u003eMSU's Lodgepole Fruit Research Site,\u003c\/a\u003e where it has gotten down to sub -45F temps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Mount Royal plums are grafted onto Native Plum and Prairie Red Plum, both of which are hardy to at least -50F. Native Plum is semi-dwarf in our MT climate\/soils, although we have found that there is some natural variation in size, as these plants are grown from seed. Prairie Red, meanwhile, exhibits less variation in size according to what Dan Sheild has observed at his site in MN.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500896686146,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134015365186,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015397954,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015430722,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015463490,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015496258,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mount-royal-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"pipestone-plum","title":"Pipestone Plum","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePipestone was selected in 1928 and released in 1942 by the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm at Excelsior. Its parentage is Burbank, a Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), crossed with Wolf, a hardy native American plum. It belongs to the Japanese by American hybrid line Minnesota started in 1908, and no European plum is involved. Over 80 years later, people are still growing this hardy, tasty, yellow-fleshed plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor and Fruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWhen we tried Pipestone several years ago, we were taken aback at their size—most coming in slightly under 2\" in diameter. And their flavor was really good: sweet yellow flesh with slightly tart skin. They ripened in early September for us in Missoula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEven when some of the Italian plums in town—which are typically fairly hardy—had suffered tip damage, Pipestone didn’t show any signs of damage. We’ve seen Pipestone growing in places that can hit -38°F, like a cold part of Stevensville in the Bitterroot. There wasn’t any noticeable damage on the tree after it saw those temps on 1\/12\/2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn short, Pipestone is a super-productive, tasty plum that we know has survived down to -38°F. Some even list it as surviving down to -50°F, although we don’t have direct experience with that ourselves—we just haven’t seen any trees planted where it gets that cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpring 2027 Availability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese plums come in several different rootstock\/sizes for Spring 2027. They are either on Native plum, which is likely slightly hardier, and tends to produce a semi-dwarf tree in our dry, alkaline soils and harsh climate. However, key word there is 'tends'. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWe have found that there is some natural variation in the size of Native Plum as a rootstock (and in general as a stand along tree) as these plants are grown from seed. However, the other rootstock we have grafted Pipestone onto is Prairie Red, which is far more uniform according to Dan Sheild, produces a semi-dwarf tree, and is hardy to around -50F.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft.","offer_id":42503442333762,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134355464258,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134355497026,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45134355529794,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45134355562562,"sku":null,"price":94.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pipestone-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"alderman-plum","title":"Alderman Plum","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"156\" data-end=\"723\"\u003eAlderman Plum is a hardy, Asian-American hybrid plum released by the University of Minnesota in 1986 from a cross between the 'Burbank' plum and an unknown parent labeled 'Older.' Alderman has been growing successfully in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, particularly on a site in Stevensville, for over 20 years, having withstood -40F there. To what extent Alderman is able to survive colder temps we are unsure. If people have more data on extreme survivability of cold temps then please let us know! Purvis lists this as a zone 3b, which we would say is accurate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"725\" data-end=\"728\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"730\" data-end=\"756\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Bloom\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"1045\"\u003eAlderman is somewhat spreading, moderately vigorous, and fairly precocious. It produces lots of large white blooms, which is why many list it also as highly ornamental. Mid-to late bloom; pollenizers include Superior, Pipestone, and Toka, as well as Native American and Prairie Red Plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1050\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1052\" data-end=\"1072\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Fruit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1074\" data-end=\"1314\"\u003eFlavor is one of the best of the Asian x American hybrid plums. Fruit is about 2 inches, dark red, with golden, sweet, juicy clingstone flesh. Excellent eating quality and keeps well. Ripens Sept. 1–5 in central MN and late August in Idaho.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 1-2 ft.","offer_id":43865978699842,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":42496823066690,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/alderman-plum-fruit-cut.jpg?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"kuban-delight-plum","title":"Kuban Delight Plum","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"342\" data-end=\"397\"\u003eBackground and Origin (from pomological literature)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"399\" data-end=\"1089\"\u003eKuban Delight (often rendered from Russian as \u003cem data-start=\"449\" data-end=\"479\"\u003eKuban’skaya Rannyaya Delight\u003c\/em\u003e or similar trade translations) is a Russian plum selection associated with breeding work from the Kuban region of southern Russia, an area known for intensive Prunus breeding focused on flavor, early ripening, and productivity. In Russian pomological sources and nursery descriptions, Kuban-region plums are commonly described as dessert-quality selections, frequently involving complex hybrid backgrounds that may include Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) genetics and interspecific material, selected for improved flavor and appearance rather than extreme cold hardiness alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1348\"\u003ePublished Russian descriptions of Kuban Delight consistently emphasize early to mid-season ripening, attractive fruit coloration, and dessert use, placing it in a class of plums bred primarily for fresh eating quality rather than processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1350\" data-end=\"1523\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1350\" data-end=\"1523\"\u003e(Note: Russian sources typically provide qualitative descriptors—flavor class, fruit appearance, and use—rather than standardized quantitative datasets for this cultivar.)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1530\" data-end=\"1549\"\u003eRipening Window\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"1896\"\u003eIn Russian and Eastern European nursery literature, Kuban Delight is described as an early-ripening plum, generally maturing in mid to late summer depending on climate. This aligns with observed ripening in the northern Rocky Mountain region, where fruit reached peak eating quality by August 16th in 2020 under Kalispell, Montana conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"1946\"\u003eFruit Characteristics (from literature)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1948\" data-end=\"2019\"\u003eKuban Delight is described as producing medium to large plums with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2021\" data-end=\"2367\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2021\" data-end=\"2099\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2099\"\u003eBright, attractive skin coloration, often with red to dark red tones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2100\" data-end=\"2241\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2102\" data-end=\"2241\"\u003eYellow flesh, sometimes showing red pigmentation bleeding inward from the skin, a trait commonly noted in high-flavor dessert plums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2367\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2244\" data-end=\"2367\"\u003eFlesh described in Russian sources as juicy, tender, and aromatic, intended primarily for fresh consumption\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2537\"\u003eRussian nursery descriptions frequently classify Kuban Delight as a “dessert plum”, a term reserved for cultivars considered superior in flavor balance and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2575\"\u003eFlavor and Eating Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2618\" data-end=\"2670\"\u003eFirsthand tasting notes (Luke Ruffner Robinson):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2672\" data-end=\"2880\"\u003eWhen Luke first tasted Kuban Delight at peak ripeness on August 16, 2020, at \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eRod McIver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e’s farm in \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eKalispell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, the fruit made a lasting impression:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"2882\" data-end=\"3187\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2884\" data-end=\"3187\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"2884\" data-end=\"3187\"\u003e“The flavor has a good sweetness with an excellent bit of tartness from the skin that is reminiscent of strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry. A very berry-flavored plum that is at once one of the best plums I’ve ever tried. And the flesh is yellow with red that has bled into the flesh from the skin.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3189\" data-end=\"3439\"\u003eThese observations align closely with how Russian pomology typically characterizes elite dessert plums: high aromatic complexity, balanced acidity, and skin-derived flavor intensity that contributes significantly to the eating experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3446\" data-end=\"3480\"\u003eTree Growth and Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3519\" data-end=\"3594\"\u003eRussian nursery descriptions generally characterize Kuban Delight trees as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3596\" data-end=\"3735\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3596\" data-end=\"3621\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3598\" data-end=\"3621\"\u003eModerately vigorous\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3622\" data-end=\"3650\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3650\"\u003eProductive when mature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3651\" data-end=\"3735\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3653\" data-end=\"3735\"\u003eSuited to intensive orchard systems in regions with adequate heat accumulation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3737\" data-end=\"3943\"\u003eGrower experience in Montana suggests the tree establishes well and fruits reliably once mature, though long-term yield data under extreme cold climates remains observational rather than formally published.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"3991\"\u003eWinter Hardiness and Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4034\" data-end=\"4198\"\u003eWhile Kuban Delight was not originally bred for ultra-cold continental climates, real-world grower experience in northwestern Montana provides valuable insight:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4200\" data-end=\"4626\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4200\" data-end=\"4325\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4202\" data-end=\"4325\"\u003eAt Rod McIver’s orchard in Kalispell, Kuban Delight has consistently survived harsh winters without chronic damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4326\" data-end=\"4539\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4328\" data-end=\"4539\"\u003eAlthough Kalispell is somewhat milder than other parts of Montana, the tree showed zero observable winter injury during the January 13, 2024 cold event, when temperatures reached approximately −35°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4540\" data-end=\"4626\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4542\" data-end=\"4626\"\u003eNo cambial damage, bud loss, or structural injury was observed following that event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4540\" data-end=\"4626\"\u003eSolid zone 3b plum, with potentially minor damage in 3a. Possibly even harder to zone 2b with more winter damage, although this is guessing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4628\" data-end=\"4796\"\u003eThis suggests that Kuban Delight may possess greater cold tolerance than expected for a dessert-focused plum, particularly when well established and properly sited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4803\" data-end=\"4814\"\u003eSummary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4816\" data-end=\"4896\"\u003eKuban Delight is best understood as a high-flavor Russian dessert plum with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4898\" data-end=\"5221\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4898\" data-end=\"4968\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4900\" data-end=\"4968\"\u003eDocumented fresh-eating quality emphasized in Russian literature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4969\" data-end=\"5029\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4971\" data-end=\"5029\"\u003eEarly to mid-August ripening in northern U.S. climates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5030\" data-end=\"5097\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5032\" data-end=\"5097\"\u003eExceptional flavor complexity, confirmed by firsthand tasting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5098\" data-end=\"5221\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5100\" data-end=\"5221\"\u003eBetter-than-expected winter performance under Montana conditions, including survival of near −35°F without injury. Solid zone 3b plum, with potentially minor damage in 3a. Possibly even hardier into zone 2 (-40F or colder) with more winter damage, although this is guessing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5223\" data-end=\"5504\"\u003eWhile formal cold-hardiness trials comparable to Siberian or Ussurian plums are lacking, real-world orchard performance suggests Kuban Delight deserves serious consideration by cold-climate growers seeking elite flavor first, without sacrificing basic winter survivability.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500278288450,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/kuban-delight-plum-cut.jpg?v=1789020420"},{"product_id":"la-crescent-plum","title":"La Crescent Plum","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"19\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"36\" data-end=\"268\"\u003eLa Crescent is a Japanese × American hybrid plum released by the University of Minnesota in the early 1920s. Its reported parentage is Prunus salicina ‘Shiro’ × Prunus americana ‘Howard Yellow’.  We have grown Shiro, which is one of the hardier Asian plums (although likely only to about -30F), but since Howard Yellow is a seedling of native american plum, this is where La Crescent gets its hardiness.\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"270\" data-end=\"295\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"529\"\u003eLa Crescent was introduced by the University of Minnesota (commonly dated to 1923) and is also sometimes sold under names like Golden La Crescent \/ Golden Minnesota. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"557\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"859\"\u003eLa Crescent is a thin-skinned yellow plum that can develop a pink blush, with tender, juicy yellow flesh and a sweet, aromatic flavor that is often compared to apricot-like notes. Bob Purvis pointed this out to Luke the first time he visited Bob's orchard in Homedale, ID back in 2022. It’s primarily used for fresh eating and preserving\/canning. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"889\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"890\" data-end=\"1106\"\u003eIt’s growth habit is upright to spreading and vigorous. As a practical backyard spacing range, plan about 15 ft apart for trees on Native American rootstock (12 ft for tighter spacing\/more pruning), and 18 ft. for trees on Krymsk 86 (15 ft. for tighter spacing).\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1125\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1377\"\u003eLa Crescent needs a pollenizer. You can use Native American plum, Prairie Red Plum, or another Japanese x American hybrid that overlaps bloom (Toka, Pipestone, Underwood, or others).\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1379\" data-end=\"1399\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1400\" data-end=\"1791\"\u003eWe do not have a whole lot of first hand data on La Crescent because this is one of the newer plums we have grown, although knowing that when Bob Purvis lists the hardiness of plums he grows, which is from whom we got cuttings of La Crescent, he goes off of the same USDA zone scale of temperatures, but if he lists something as Zone 3a, which is the case for La Crescent, then he implies here that the plum is hardy to -40F. And given we have grown plenty of other Asian x American hybrids that do well down to these temps, i.e. Pipestone and Underwood surviving -38F in Stevensville, MT without any winter injury, I think \"hardy down to -40F\" for La Crescent tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":43865971261506,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500337500226,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/la-crescent-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"longjohn-plum","title":"Longjohn Plum","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"3351\" data-start=\"3337\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3479\" data-start=\"3352\"\u003eA newer plum for us, Longjohn is a European-type plum developed at Geneva, New York, and introduced in 1993. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3506\" data-start=\"3481\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3817\" data-start=\"3507\"\u003eAccording to the most detailed cultivar record we found, Longjohn’s parentage is Iroquois × CA4A33L; it originated in Geneva, New York and was introduced by NYSAES breeders including R.L. Anderson and John P. Watson. It was named in honor of plum breeder John P. Watson. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3845\" data-start=\"3819\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4171\" data-start=\"3846\"\u003eLongjohn is a large, long\/teardrop-shaped blue plum with amber flesh, freestone, and high eating quality in the “European plum” style. We've only ever eaten it fresh but it is also commonly used for jam, baking, canning, freezing, jelly, sauce, and it’s noted as suitable for packing\/shipping. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"4201\" data-start=\"4173\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4469\" data-start=\"4202\"\u003eThe tree is vigorous, upright\/spreading, somewhat willowy, precocious, and productive. Spacing should follow rootstock; as a practical range: ~12–16 ft on semi-dwarf plum rootstocks, ~16–20 ft on vigorous\/standard. We only have Krymsk 86 as a rootstock, for which you can go 15 ft. spacing with some pruning, up to 18 ft. with less pruning (and if you're working in deeper soils), or even possibly tighter than 15 (down to 12 ft.) for tighter and more managed growing systems.\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"4488\" data-start=\"4471\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4681\" data-start=\"4489\"\u003eIt’s described as partially self-fruitful, but heavier crops occur with a pollenizer; suggested partners we offer include Stanley, Italian, Northern Blue, Mount Royal, Mirabelle de Bitterroot, and Yakima.\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"4703\" data-start=\"4683\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5286\" data-start=\"4704\"\u003eMany sellers market European plums in the general “around Zone 5” band, but that’s not the same as a documented absolute minimum temperature for this specific cultivar. Bob Purvis lists it as hardy to -35F, which would put it on similar footing as Italian plum and other Europeans. Zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 1-2 ft.","offer_id":43865999114306,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":42500854808642,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/longjohn-plum-cut.jpg?v=1789020604"},{"product_id":"toka-plum","title":"Toka Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka is the classic “bubblegum plum,” a cold-climate hybrid plum known for its unusually aromatic, candy-sweet flavor and its value as a strong pollenizer in hardy plum plantings. It’s one of the most talked-about dessert-quality plums for colder regions because it brings standout flavor while still fitting into northern orchard systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka was released in 1911 through the cold-climate breeding work associated with N.E. Hansen and the South Dakota program. It is a hybrid between the rugged native American plum and the highly aromatic Chinese “apricot plum” species Prunus simonii, bred specifically to combine hardiness with distinctive flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka fruits are typically small to medium and ripen in late summer, with a reputation for an intensely sweet, perfumed flavor that many growers describe as bubblegum-like. At peak ripeness it’s excellent for fresh eating, and it also performs well in jam, sauce, and preserves where that concentrated aroma carries through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka is described as forming a vase-shaped tree with a medium growth rate. Like many hardy hybrid plums, it can be quite productive when well pollinated, and good structure and occasional thinning help keep crops consistent and limbs healthy over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe currently offer Toka on Native Plum and Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf rootstock. On both of these semi-dwarf plum-type root system, a practical spacing is generally about 12–16 ft between trees depending on soil vigor, irrigation, and how much you plan to manage canopy size through pruning. The overall size of the trees will be less uniform for the native plum rootstocks, which is why we are also offering Prairie Red, which tend to be more uniform and max out closer to 15 ft. at maturity. Use wider spacing when you want simpler long-term maintenance and better airflow, and tighter spacing only when you are committed to regular size control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka is widely used as a pollenizer in hardy plum plantings and is commonly recommended as a partner that improves fruit set in other plums. Toka is effectively a universal pollenizer for all of the Asian x american hardy hybrid plums that we offer including Black Ice, Pipestone, Underwood, Superior, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka is a solid Zone 3 plum. It has survived and done well with minimal winter injury at Montana State's Lodgepole location, which has seen -40F temps. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA key reason Toka has stayed famous for more than a century is that it combines real dessert appeal with utility: it’s repeatedly highlighted as a standout-flavor plum and also as a pollenizer workhorse in hardy plum orchards. On disease, Cummins Nursery reports strong resistance to black knot for Toka.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45140619067458,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-5 ft.","offer_id":45140619100226,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45140619132994,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45140619165762,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42505253978178,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/toka-plum-on-tree.png?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"underwood-plum","title":"Underwood Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood is a classic cold-climate hybrid plum known for dependable survival in relatively harsh winters and for producing attractive, flavorful fruit that works well for both fresh eating and processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood is a University of Minnesota introduction from the early 1920s. According to the bilingual plum reference hosted at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberfruit.info\/flipbook\/flipplum\/files\/basic-html\/page86.html\"\u003eCyberfruit\u003c\/a\u003e, it was introduced in 1921 by the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm (Excelsior, Minnesota) and is described as a hybrid-type plum derived from Shiro × Wyant. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberfruit.info\/flipbook\/flipplum\/files\/basic-html\/page86.html\" title=\"Page 86 - Our Plums - Les Pruniers de chez nous.pdf\"\u003ecyberfruit.info\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood sits in the “Japanese–American hybrid” category that many northern-region plum programs leaned on to combine improved fruit quality with the ruggedness of native North American plum species. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/extension.usu.edu\/yardandgarden\/research\/plums-in-the-home-garden\" title=\"How to Grow Plums in Your Home Garden | USU\"\u003eUtah State University Extension\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood fruit is large for a hardy hybrid plum, with dark red skin and yellow flesh. The fruit is juicy, melting, and tender, ripening around mid-August in Missoula, and it also holds well in cold storage.\u003cbr\u003eIn practice, Underwood can be enjoyed fresh when fully ripe, but it also (apparently) works well in sauce, jam, fruit leather, baking, and fermentation, although we have only ever eaten it fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood grows as a medium-sized plum tree rather than a true dwarf. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese Underwood plum trees come in several different rootstock\/sizes for Spring 2027. They are either on Native plum, which is likely slightly hardier, and tends to produce a semi-dwarf tree in our dry, alkaline soils and harsh climate. However, key word there is 'tends'. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe have found that there is some natural variation in the size of Native Plum as a rootstock (and in general as a stand along tree) as these plants are grown from seed. However, the other rootstock we have grafted Underwood onto is Prairie Red, which is far more uniform according to Dan Sheild, produces a semi-dwarf tree (roughly 15 ft. at maturity or slightly larger in deeper soils), and is hardy to around -50F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with many hardy hybrid plums, good air drainage matters because hybrid plums bloom early (right after peaches) and can be more “spring-frost limited” than “midwinter-cold limited” on marginal sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderwood is not a “plant-one-tree-and-forget-it” plum in most climates. It needs a compatible hybrid plum nearby for consistent fruit set. Pollenizers for Underwood include Alderman, Pipestone, Hanska, and Gracious, Toka, Kuban Delight, Ptitsin #5, La Crescent, Superior, and other Asian–American hybrids. Native American plum and Prairie Red can work as pollenizers for these hybrid types as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have observed Underwood surviving -38F in Stevensville, MT from a 1\/13\/24 polar front without showing any signs of winter injury. St. Lawrence lists Underwood as hardy to -50F with occasional winter injury. Because we cannot verify this claim in our experience, we are conservatively saying Underwood is hardy to -40F. Hardy to zone 3a. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42508244353090,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42508244320322,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (1 Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45143186440258,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (1 Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45143186473026,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/underwood-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021308"},{"product_id":"yakima-plum","title":"Yakima Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYakima is one of the most cold hardy of the European plums. The are the most massive plums we've seen growing in Montana. It occupies a valuable niche for northern orchards: a true European plum with dessert-quality fruit that has been successfully grown in regions where many standard European plums struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and history\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe precise origin and parentage of Yakima are not documented in verifiable primary sources. While Yakima appears in multiple nursery catalogs and grower references, no authoritative breeding record or confirmed parentage has been published.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYakima produces notably large plums for a European type. The skin is a mahogany red to pinkish-violet with flesh ranging from yellow to amber. The fruit is  freestone, firm, sweet, and very good quality. It is well suited to fresh eating and also performs well for traditional European plum uses such as drying and preserving. Yakima can ripen over an extended window of roughly two to three weeks, which allows for staggered harvest rather than a single compressed picking period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYakima grows with an upright, vigorous habit typical of European plums. With standard pruning practices, it can be trained into either an open-center or modified central leader form, prioritizing light penetration and renewal of fruiting wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Yakima on Krymsk 86. Krymsk 86 is considered a semi-dwarf to semi-vigorous stone fruit rootstock. A practical spacing range for this rootstock is approximately 15 feet between trees, depending on pruning intensity, desired canopy size, and site vigor. Wider spacing supports airflow and ease of maintenance; tighter spacing requires more active canopy management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYakima is not reliably self-fertile and requires cross-pollination from another European plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer several European plums that can serve as potential pollenizers, including: Italian, Early Italian, Stanley, Mount Royal, and Northern Blue. Asian x American hybrid plums will not work as pollenizers for Yakima, not will native plum or prairie red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYakima is fairly cold hardy, and is very hardy to a European plum. It survived our friend James Sapp's -29F in Missoula without any winter injury. Purvis notes that it is hardy to -40F and lists it as a zone 3. Whether Yakima can survive in the colder valleys west of the divide in MT we do not have the data, but any area that sees below -40F would have to plant with caution, i.e. certainly avoid depressions\/frost pooling areas, make sure there is adequate airflow, and possibly even plant near structures for thermal buffering. Hardy to zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYakima stands out because it delivers genuinely large, freestone European plums in climates where such fruit is often difficult to achieve. The extended ripening period reported by growers is an especially useful trait for home orchards and small-scale plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo cultivar-specific disease resistance has been documented for Yakima in verifiable sources. As with most European plums, long-term health depends primarily on site selection, spacing, airflow, pruning, and orchard sanitation rather than inherent resistance traits.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 1-2 ft.","offer_id":43865998786626,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":42511540617282,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/yakima-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"superior-plum","title":"Superior Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior Plum is a cold-hardy hybrid plum developed specifically to bring improved fruit quality into colder regions where pure Japanese plums often struggle. Remains one of the better-known Japanese–American hybrids for northern plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior Plum was bred by University of Minnesota in 1933 from a cross of ‘Burbank’ × ‘Kaga’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Burbank’ is a Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), while Kaga’ is itself an interspecific hybrid derived from Prunus americana × Prunus simonii.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes Superior a complex hybrid combining Japanese plum genetics with American plum and Simon plum ancestry. The breeding goal was to capture the fruit quality of Japanese plums while incorporating the cold tolerance and resilience of American plum material. Because of this background, Superior is often broadly described as a Japanese × American hybrid, but its exact pedigree is more accurately represented as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBurbank × (americana × simonii).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior has been planted in colder regions for decades as part of early efforts to expand reliable plum production beyond traditional Japanese plum climates. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior produces red-skinned plums with yellow flesh. The fruit is sweet and suitable for fresh eating, while also working well for preserves, baking, jams, and other kitchen uses. It is generally grown as a dual-purpose plum: enjoyable fresh when fully ripe and practical for processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Superior on Native Plum and Prairie Red Plum semi-dwarf rootstock. Although these are both seedling rootstocks, Superior should be expected to mature as a moderately sized tree rather than a full standard tree. Native plum can be more dwarfing at times (given their seedling nature), but from our initial test results, Prairie Red seems to be a more consistently sized semi-dwarf, reaching about 15 ft tall at maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA planting spacing range is about 12–15 feet between trees, depending on pruning intensity and desired canopy size. Wider spacing supports airflow and light penetration; tighter spacing requires more active canopy management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior Plum is not self-fertile and requires another plum nearby to act as a pollenizer for reliable fruit set. Plant with other hybrid plums that we offer, including Alderman, Black Ice, Pipestone, Underwood, Gracious, as well Toka (often referred to as a universal pollenizer for the hybrid plums). Native and Prairie Red plums can also work as a pollenizer for Superior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften listed as a hardy plum, exact minimum survival temperatures and the most accurate zone ratings are not known yet in Montana, but given that Underwood, Alderman, and Pipestone have all survived -38F in Stevensville, MT, Superior would likely be part of this ilk. Likely a solid zone 3b plum at the minimum, and even possibly 3a with protection\/in a good location (out of frost pooling\/depression, up on a bunch, good airflow, etc.).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior’s value lies in its breeding: it represents an early and successful attempt to merge Japanese plum fruit quality with American plum toughness. This mixed ancestry is what allows it to function in colder regions where many Japanese plums fail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are unsure of Superior's disease resistance in Montana, given we have only been growing it for a few years. As with most plums, long-term success depends primarily on site selection, spacing, pruning for airflow, and orchard sanitation to manage common stone-fruit diseases such as bacterial canker and brown rot.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (1 yr. older)","offer_id":45135359148098,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-6 ft. (1 yr. older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42505024176194,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45135359180866,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45135359213634,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/superior-plum-harvest-in-hand.jpg?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"santa-rosa-plum","title":"Santa Rosa Plum","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eWe started growing this after learning about it several years ago from a good friend who is from Santa Rosa. We tried growing it after learning it was hardy to zone 5. I wouldn’t plant Santa Rosa nor any of our other Asian plums (except Taylor Apple Pear) any lower than zone 5. They do happen to like our hot summers and grow well, but the only thing is (as is the case we’ve found with all Asian plums in zone 5) they must be wrapped in burlap if you see the forecast call for below 0 temps before Dec. 1st (as is the case with other fruits like most of the sweet cherries and most peaches). Super tasty are these plums! Plant with Elephant Heart, Duarte, or Shiro for pollination. Zone 5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTrees are 5-7 ft. tall and grafted onto Lovell semi-dwarf 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":42504539832386,"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":42504539865154,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. 1 yr. older (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504539897922,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/santa-rosa-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021038"},{"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. 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