{"title":"Early-Ripening Plum Trees","description":"\u003cp\u003ePlums that come ripe early to mid August here in Missoula. They're the first stone fruit off the trees after cherries and apricots, and they finish with plenty of season to spare.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore about early plums\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e are hybrid plums rated to zone 3. La Crescent blooms late and resists brown rot. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ptitsin-5-plum\"\u003ePtitsin #5\u003c\/a\u003e from Morden takes zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kuban-delight-plum\"\u003eKuban Delight\u003c\/a\u003e is a Japanese plum, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/deluge-plum\"\u003eDeluge\u003c\/a\u003e is the earliest of all here, around the start of August. Both are rated to zone 3b. Deluge wants a European plum for a pollenizer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant at least two plums, and add a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/late-ripening-plum-trees\"\u003elate plum\u003c\/a\u003e to stretch the season into September. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eripening map\u003c\/a\u003e moves these dates to your town, and the \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003eplum pollination map\u003c\/a\u003e shows what blooms together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the earliest ripening plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeluge, around the start of August here, followed by Kuban Delight and Underwood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat early plum is hardiest?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5, hardy to zone 2. Underwood and La Crescent take zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo early plums need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, all of these need a second plum. Deluge needs a European plum. The hybrids pair with Toka or native American plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"kuban-delight-plum","title":"Kuban Delight Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kuban Delight Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Aug 7 to Aug 13 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 9. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (400 to 900). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#kuban-delight-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), early spring here. Kuban Delight needs a different Asian or hybrid plum blooming at the same time, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ptitsin-5-plum\"\u003ePtitsin #5\u003c\/a\u003e or Toka. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 13 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 7 to Aug 13 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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. We won't rate it any colder than that until we have more data.\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. A solid zone 3b plum.\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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Kuban Delight Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Kuban Delight Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Kuban Delight Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Kuban Delight needs a different Asian or hybrid plum blooming at the same time, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ptitsin-5-plum\"\u003ePtitsin #5\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include Toka Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Kuban Delight Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Kuban Delight Plum hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. It survived -35°F at Rod McIver's farm in Kalispell, MT. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Kuban Delight Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 900. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#kuban-delight-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Kuban Delight Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 7 to Aug 13 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Kuban Delight Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Kuban Delight Plum onto Native Plum (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Kuban Delight Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Kuban Delight Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Kuban Delight Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Kuban Delight Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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 (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e La Crescent Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 6 of 7, late for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Aug 10 to Aug 22 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (500 to 900). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#la-crescent-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 6 of 7 (late), early spring here. La Crescent blooms late, so pick a later-blooming hybrid such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e as its partner. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e will not pollenize it, and it cannot pollenize European plums like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 3 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 10 to Aug 22 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrairie Red: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. Native Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. Plant about 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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 ‘\u003ca href=\"\/products\/shiro-plum\"\u003eShiro\u003c\/a\u003e’ × \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrunus americana\u003c\/a\u003e ‘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, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, or another Japanese x American hybrid that overlaps bloom (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e, 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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about La Crescent Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes La Crescent Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. La Crescent Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. La Crescent blooms late, so pick a later-blooming hybrid such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e as its partner. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e will not pollenize it, and it cannot pollenize European plums like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is La Crescent Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate La Crescent Plum hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does La Crescent Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 900. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. A late bloomer for a hybrid plum, which helps dodge spring frost. Chill is estimated around 700 hours from its parents. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#la-crescent-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does La Crescent Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 10 to Aug 22 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does La Crescent Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft La Crescent Plum onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Native Plum. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is La Crescent Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for La Crescent Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat La Crescent Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect La Crescent Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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":"ptitsin-5-plum","title":"Ptitsin #5 Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ptitsin #5 Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a hybrid or Japanese plum).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (400 to 900). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#ptitsin-5-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), early spring here. Ptitsin #5 needs another Japanese plum such as Brookgold or Brookred, or a Native American plum, nearby. It cannot pollenize European plums like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brookgold-plum\"\u003eBrookgold Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brookred-plum\"\u003eBrookred Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American Plum (Bundle of 3)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 13 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrairie Red: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. Native Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), drying (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-5 ft or 5-7 ft or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e*New variety for us in Montana so all this info is second hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 is an uncommon Japanese-type plum (\u003cem\u003ePrunus salicina\u003c\/em\u003e) that entered North American evaluation through early prairie and university fruit trials rather than commercial orchard channels. It is best known today through limited propagation among specialty nurseries and experimental growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Background\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 appears in North American horticultural records as a numbered selection distributed through the Morden Experiment Station in Manitoba, and it was received for evaluation by the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm in 1943. Like many numbered plums of this era, it was assessed for fruit quality and adaptability rather than released as a named commercial cultivar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit of Ptitsin #5 is small to medium, typically light yellow to yellow-green when ripe, and is freestone, which is unusual and valuable in very cold-hardy plums. Flavor is generally described as sweet with mild acidity, pleasant and balanced rather than sharp. The flesh is aromatic and suitable for fresh eating, while also performing well for preserves, jam, and drying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many ultra-hardy plums that are strictly “processing quality,” Ptitsin #5 is notable for being genuinely enjoyable fresh, especially when fully ripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening Window\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 typically ripens in early to mid-August in Zone 3 climates, making it an early-to-mid season plum. This earlier ripening window helps it mature reliably in regions with shorter summers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees are generally moderate in vigor with a balanced growth habit. They are not excessively large or unruly, making them manageable in small orchards. Standard plum spacing applies, typically 12–16 feet, with wider spacing on more vigorous rootstocks or in lower-input systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 is not reliably self-fertile and benefits from cross-pollination. Best results are achieved by planting it with another compatible hardy plum that blooms at a similar time, including \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kuban-delight-plum\"\u003eKuban Delight\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e, Uderwood, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, as well as Native American and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUPDATE: Our friend Bob Purvis reported to us in May 2026 that, during his visit to Mongolia that spring, Robert Berg’s Ptitsin #5, along with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brookgold-plum\"\u003eBrookgold\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brookred-plum\"\u003eBrookred\u003c\/a\u003e, Ivanovka, Rotova, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-blue-plum\"\u003eNorthern Blue\u003c\/a\u003e, had withstood temperatures as low as -50°F without damage to the blossom buds. \u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ePtitsin #5 should be good for most parts of Montana. If planted in Eastern MT, should do well in Billings and the warmer surrounding valleys. Anywhere else east of the divide could work if the tree is sited properly out of where frost puddles (upslope\/on a bench) and where there is good airflow. Solid zone 2 plum (possibly even hardier).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy We Value This Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePtitsin #5 occupies a rare niche: a plum that is\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003egenuinely hardy, reliably productive, and pleasant to eat fresh, not merely a survival specimen. For growers pushing the limits of plum cultivation in cold climates, it represents one of the better-tested and more dependable options available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Ptitsin #5 Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Ptitsin #5 Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Ptitsin #5 Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Ptitsin #5 needs another Japanese plum such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brookgold-plum\"\u003eBrookgold\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/brookred-plum\"\u003eBrookred\u003c\/a\u003e, or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e, nearby. It cannot pollenize European plums like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include Brookgold Plum, Brookred Plum, Native American Plum (Bundle of 3).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Ptitsin #5 Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Ptitsin #5 Plum hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Ptitsin #5 Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 900. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#ptitsin-5-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Ptitsin #5 Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Ptitsin #5 Plum onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Native Plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Ptitsin #5 Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Ptitsin #5 Plum are fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), drying (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Ptitsin #5 Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Ptitsin #5 Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Ptitsin #5 Plum ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 4-5 ft or 5-7 ft or 6-8 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 4-5 ft.","offer_id":42503606534210,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42503606468674,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134398292034,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ptitsin-5-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"underwood-plum","title":"Underwood Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Underwood Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Aug 8 to Aug 20 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -38°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (500 to 900). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#underwood-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), early spring here. Underwood blooms early and needs a different hybrid plum nearby. Toka, South Dakota or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e are good choices. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 13 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 8 to Aug 20 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. Prairie Red Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-6 ft or 5-7 ft or 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/shiro-plum\"\u003eShiro\u003c\/a\u003e × 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/a\u003e, 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hanska-plum\"\u003eHanska\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gracious-plum\"\u003eGracious\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kuban-delight-plum\"\u003eKuban Delight\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ptitsin-5-plum\"\u003ePtitsin #5\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e, and other Asian–American hybrids. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e 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 3. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Underwood Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Underwood Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Underwood Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Underwood blooms early and needs a different hybrid plum nearby. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota\u003c\/a\u003e or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e are good choices. Partners we carry include Toka Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Underwood Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Underwood Plum hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -38°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Underwood Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 900. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#underwood-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Underwood Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 8 to Aug 20 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Underwood Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Underwood Plum onto Native Plum (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Underwood Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Underwood Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Underwood Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Underwood Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Native 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":"deluge-plum","title":"Deluge Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deluge Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European plum), and it ripens about Aug 1 to Aug 14 in Missoula (picked and dated here).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Local trees have taken -30°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (700 to 1,100). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#deluge-plum\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Plant another European plum such as Stanley or Mount Royal nearby. Its plum group is an educated guess, so noting its bloom date next to Stanley and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e would confirm the right partners. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mount-royal-plum\"\u003eMount Royal Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/early-italian-plum\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003ePlum Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Aug 1 to Aug 14 in Missoula (picked and dated here). Pick while still fairly firm, then follow the ripening directions below. Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrairie Red Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. A seed-grown American plum hybrid from the USDA plant materials center in Bismarck; it suckers. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Missoula Landrace Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeluge is a local Missoula landrace plum. Seedling plums of this type are scattered all over town, and this is the best tasting of those ilk. Discovered by James Sapp and selected by Luke Ruffner Robinson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these seedling plums are old enough to have been standing in Missoula through the 1980s, so they have been through the worst winters this valley has on record: -30°F in December 1983, -28°F in January 1979 and again in December 1990, and -27°F in February 1982, all measured at the Missoula airport. Cold air pools on the valley floor, so the trees in the low spots around town have likely seen a few degrees colder than the airport did. We rate Deluge hardy to zone 3b, to about -35°F. It has proven itself to -30°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Pick and Ripen Deluge (Read This Part)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are really exceptional plums if you handle them right, and just ordinary plums if you don't. Here is what works:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePick them while they are still fairly firm. In Missoula that is the first to second week of August.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave them out at room temperature for about a week, until they are slightly soft.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThen move them to the refrigerator. They should keep for another 2 to 3 weeks in there.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe found this out by accident. James Sapp dropped a batch off for us while we were out of town, and they sat outside for a week. Then a friend stopped by and put them in the fridge. When we got back into town we tried them, and they were wonderful. We would score them 8 out of 10, which on our scale is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe following year, in 2026, we had them right after they were picked, when they were already somewhat soft, without that sitting period. They were not nearly as good. Same trees, same plums. Follow the directions above, because they are really exceptional when you do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Deluge Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Deluge Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Deluge Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant another European plum such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mount-royal-plum\"\u003eMount Royal\u003c\/a\u003e nearby. Its plum group is an educated guess, so noting its bloom date next to Stanley and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e would confirm the right partners. Partners we carry include Stanley Plum, Mount Royal Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Deluge Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Deluge Plum hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Local trees have taken -30°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Deluge Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,100. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. A Missoula landrace European plum. Chill is estimated at about 800 hours, typical for European plums. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#deluge-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Deluge Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 1 to Aug 14 in Missoula, Montana, picked and dated off local trees. Pick them firm and let them sit a week at room temperature before refrigerating. Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Deluge Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Deluge Plum onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Deluge Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Deluge Plum are fresh eating (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Deluge Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Deluge Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Deluge Plum ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45177628786754,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45177628819522,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/deluge-plum-harvest.jpg?v=1789019844"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/early-ripening-plum-trees.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}