{"title":"Zone 3 Plum Trees","description":"\u003cp class=\"mft-zone-btn\" style=\"margin:0 0 16px\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\" title=\"Our zones follow the MFTC Modified Zone Hardiness Scale. Comparing them to USDA averages will give you a discrepancy, so look up where these trees will be planted.\" style=\"display:inline-block;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:4px;background:#3e6b33;color:#fff;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3\"\u003eMFTC Zones, Not USDA Averages: Look Up Your Address →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFifteen plums for zone 3, listed A to Z. The ones rated only to 3b, the warmer half of the zone (-35°F to -30°F), have a 3b tag on them. Everything else is hardy through all of zone 3, down to -40°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore About Zone 3 Plums\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eHardy through all of zone 3: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-ice-plum\"\u003eBlack Ice\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gracious-plum\"\u003eGracious\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hanska-plum\"\u003eHanska\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta\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 and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRated to 3b, the warmer half: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bensons-gem-plum\"\u003eBenson's Gem\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/deluge-plum\"\u003eDeluge\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kuban-delight-plum\"\u003eKuban Delight\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eMirabelle de Bitterroot\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e. Save these for a 3b site. If you're in the colder half (3a), skip the ones with the 3b tag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItalian sets some fruit alone and more with a partner. The rest need a second variety blooming at the same time. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/plum-pollination-map\"\u003eplum pollination map\u003c\/a\u003e shows which ones bloom together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLate bloomers, which give you better odds in a frost pocket: La Crescent, Pipestone and Superior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther zones: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/zone-2-plum-trees\"\u003eZone 2 Plums\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/zone-3-fruit-trees\"\u003eEverything for Zone 3\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions We Get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat does zone 3 mean on your scale?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn our MFTC scale, zone 3 means the coldest night you should plan for (the 1-in-30-year low) falls between -40°F and -30°F. Zone 3a runs -40°F to -35°F and zone 3b runs -35°F to -30°F. That is colder than a USDA zone 3, which is built on the average yearly low, so run your address through our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e instead of going off a USDA map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I plant the 3b plums in zone 3a?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don't recommend it. A 3b rating means it has come through -35°F, not the -40°F a cold zone 3a winter can bring. Not sure which half you're in? Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e will tell you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need two plum trees?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItalian will set some fruit alone, but every plum here does better with a partner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bensons-gem-plum","title":"Benson's Gem Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Benson's Gem Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, 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 3b to 8. 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 700 hours (500 to 1,000). 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#bensons-gem-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), early spring here. Plant a different hybrid or native plum nearby, such as Toka or a Native American plum. Its plum group has not been confirmed, so noting its bloom date next to Toka and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e would help. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka 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\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 15 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\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. Prunus americana: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. American plum, the most dwarfing root in this group; 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 (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, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft or 3-4 ft or 4-6 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 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis is one of our first selections—an old, rare, and unique plum seedling found on Bruce Benson’s farm. The mother tree was given to Bruce (who is now in his 80s) by a woman in her 80s over 35 years ago. She grew the tree from seed, and when we asked Bruce what the fruit tasted like, he said, “It will burst with juiciness and get all over your shirt. Excellent flavor.” When we tried it, we couldn’t have agreed more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe plum is indeed very juicy and has a strong berry flavor. It offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness—truly a standout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese plums are hardy to at least -35°F, if not hardier. They are grafted onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/a\u003e and Native plum, which are both hardy down to at least -40°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Benson's Gem Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Benson's Gem Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Benson's Gem Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Plant a different hybrid or native plum nearby, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e. Its plum group has not been confirmed, so noting its bloom date next to Toka and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e would help. Partners we carry include Toka Plum, Native American Plum (Bundle of 3), \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Benson's Gem Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Benson's Gem Plum hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°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 Benson's Gem 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 1,000. 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#bensons-gem-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Benson's Gem Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Benson's Gem 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 Prunus americana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Benson's Gem Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Benson's Gem Plum are fresh eating (7\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Benson's Gem Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Benson's Gem Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Benson's Gem 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: 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft or 3-4 ft or 4-6 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 Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45124805525570,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":45124805558338,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prunus americana Full Size: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45124805591106,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prunus americana Full Size: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45124805623874,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bensons-gem-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789019191"},{"product_id":"italian-plum","title":"Italian Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Italian Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European plum), and it ripens about Sep 9 to Sep 29 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 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -25°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 1,000). Well documented. Independent sources agree. 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#italian-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\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Italian sets fruit alone but crops better with another European plum such as Stanley or Mount Royal. It will not cross with Asian or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plums\u003c\/a\u003e. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \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\/early-italian-plum\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/longjohn-plum\"\u003eLongjohn Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 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 Sep 9 to Sep 29 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\u003eLovell: full size, about 12 to 20 ft tall unpruned. Doesn't like wet feet or high-lime soil. \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\u003eDrying (10\/10), pies and baking (9\/10), cooking and roasting (9\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), canning and freezing (8\/10), fresh eating (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, 4-6 ft. - One Year Older 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 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"372\"\u003eOne of the most reliable European plums in Western Montana, Italian offers excellent flavor. This large, purple-skinned, freestone plum is super flavorful and very sweet when fully ripe. In Missoula, we wait until the frost gets them before harvesting, as it softens and sweetens the fruit. But don't do leave it on the tree for many consecutive evenings of frost because it will then become bland. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"374\" data-end=\"394\"\u003eVersatile Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"505\"\u003eItalian plums can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked, making them a versatile addition to any garden or kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"545\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Growing Zones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"833\"\u003eA vigorous and fairly cold-hardy plum, Italian is perfect for most areas in Western Montana, unless you're in one of the colder areas (i.e. Potomac). It’s recommended for Zone 4 and it survived -25°F in Missoula on 1\/13\/24 without showing any signs of injury. Italian's limit, however, in terms of absolute extreme winter low tolerance is likely to -35°F, possibly -40°F if planted in a good area free of frost pooling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"835\" data-end=\"871\"\u003eSelf-Fertility and Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"1127\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eItalian is partially self-fertile and doesn’t require a pollenizer, though it may fruit more abundantly when planted alongside varieties like President, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eMirabelle de Bitterroot\u003c\/a\u003e, or others. It will not cross-pollinate with Asian or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plums\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Italian Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Italian Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Italian Plum is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Italian sets fruit alone but crops better with 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. It will not cross with Asian or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plums\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include Stanley Plum, Mount Royal Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/early-italian-plum\"\u003eEarly Italian Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Italian Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Italian Plum hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -25°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 Italian 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 1,000. That figure is well documented: independent sources agree. Nurseries list 700 to 1,000 hours, most often 800. It blooms late, which helps it dodge spring frost. 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#italian-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Italian Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 9 to Sep 29 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 Italian Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Italian Plum onto Lovell (full size), which makes a tree roughly 12 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Italian Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Italian Plum are drying (10\/10), pies and baking (9\/10), cooking and roasting (9\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Italian Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Italian 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":"Lovell Full Size: 4-6 ft. - One Year Older (Less Branching than 6-8 ft.) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42751573327938,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping","offer_id":42499268542530,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/italian-plum-on-tree.png?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-bundle-of-2","title":"Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European 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 3b to 8. 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 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#mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-bundle-of-2\"\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. Self-fertility is unknown for this local selection, so plant another European plum such as Stanley, Italian or Mount Royal nearby. Japanese and hybrid plums (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ptitsin-5-plum\"\u003ePtitsin #5\u003c\/a\u003e and the like) cannot pollenize it. 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\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), brandy and liqueurs (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), sauce and butter (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, 3-5 ft. or 5-7 ft. (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping). 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\u003ch3 data-start=\"4612\" data-end=\"4626\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4627\" data-end=\"4948\"\u003eIf anyone has ever been to Europe and tried Mirabelle plums there, then the genetics of these plums are the most comparable, but specifically for cold-climate growers. The mother plants were discovered growing wild by Luke in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. He propagated them and named them Mirabelle de Bitterroot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4950\" data-end=\"4970\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4971\" data-end=\"5121\"\u003eThe plums are roughly the same size as the French Mirabelles and have a very similar sweet, jammy flavor, with some subtle notes of apricot and honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5123\" data-end=\"5143\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5144\" data-end=\"5351\"\u003eThese plums are hardy down to -35°F, if not even hardier. The mother trees of these roots have survived for over 60 years, enduring intense fall frosts, mid-winter lows, and the generally tough Montana cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Self-fertility is unknown for this local selection, so plant another European plum such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stanley-plum\"\u003eStanley\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mount-royal-plum\"\u003eMount Royal\u003c\/a\u003e nearby. Japanese and hybrid plums (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ptitsin-5-plum\"\u003ePtitsin #5\u003c\/a\u003e and the like) cannot pollenize it. Partners we carry include Stanley Plum, Mount Royal Plum, Italian Plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°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 Mirabelle de Bitterroot 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. 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#mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum are jams and jellies (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), brandy and liqueurs (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Mirabelle de Bitterroot 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: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. or 5-7 ft. (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping). 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":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500879777858,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5-7 ft. (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42500879843394,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020605"},{"product_id":"pipestone-plum","title":"Pipestone Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pipestone 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 5 of 7, mid-late for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Aug 29 to Sep 10 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. 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#pipestone-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 5 of 7 (mid-late), early spring here. Pipestone needs a different hybrid plum nearby. Toka, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e or South Dakota work well. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. 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 10 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 29 to Sep 10 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\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 (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), sauce and butter (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, 3-5 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 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003enative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e. 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-plum\"\u003eItalian plums\u003c\/a\u003e 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 \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, and is hardy to around -50F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Pipestone Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Pipestone Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Pipestone Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Pipestone needs a different hybrid plum nearby. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota\u003c\/a\u003e work well. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. 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 Pipestone Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Pipestone Plum hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -38°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 Pipestone 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#pipestone-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Pipestone Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 29 to Sep 10 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 Pipestone Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Pipestone 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 Pipestone Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Pipestone Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Pipestone Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Pipestone 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: 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: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42503442333762,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"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":"black-ice-plum","title":"Black Ice Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Ice 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 4 of 7, mid for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Aug 18 to Aug 30 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). Our notes have it taking -38°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 (250 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#black-ice-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), early spring here. Black Ice needs a pollenizer. Plant Toka nearby. 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 15 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 18 to Aug 30 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. Prunus americana: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. American plum, the most dwarfing root in this group; 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 (7\/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, 3-4 ft or 4-6 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=\"0\" data-end=\"12\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"14\" data-end=\"357\"\u003eBlack Ice is a hybrid plum that has proven itself in some of Montana’s harsher spots, including sites that have dropped to around –40°F. At Rod McIver’s place, which hit –38°F on January 12, 2024, his Black Ice trees came through with only minor tip damage—which is a pretty remarkable performance for a dessert-quality plum in that kind of cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"359\" data-end=\"381\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Breeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"529\"\u003eBlack Ice was developed by Dr. Brian Smith at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and released in the mid-2000s (around 2005–2006).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"593\"\u003eAccording to info on its release, this complex plum hybrid was built to solve a specific problem:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"594\" data-end=\"718\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"596\" data-end=\"718\"\u003ecreate a “California-type” large, sweet Japanese-style plum that could still handle Upper Midwest \/ Zone 3 winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"720\" data-end=\"921\"\u003eGenetically, it combines Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) with hardy native Prunus (variously described as cherry plum or Western sandcherry), which is where it gets its excellent cold tolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1220\"\u003eTree Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1224\" data-end=\"1306\"\u003eGrowth habit: Spreading, somewhat low and wide rather than tall and upright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1309\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003eBearing: Precocious—comes into bearing early, often much sooner than older plum standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1498\"\u003eProductivity: Very productive when properly thinned; tends to set heavy crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1613\"\u003eFrost tolerance: Above-average bud and wood hardiness for a dessert plum, designed for cold-winter climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1615\" data-end=\"1647\"\u003eFruit Description \u0026amp; Ripening\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1651\" data-end=\"1798\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit: \u003c\/strong\u003eLarge, round to slightly oval, with dark purple-black skin and firm, sweet flesh—often described as “California-type” in quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1950\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture \u0026amp; flavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Firm but juicy, with rich, sweet dessert flavor. Often used primarily for fresh eating, but also suitable for preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"2103\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRipening:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early for a plum of this quality—around early August in many cold-climate locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2105\" data-end=\"2148\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Performance in Montana\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2150\" data-end=\"2316\"\u003eOn paper, Black Ice is marketed as hardy to about USDA Zone 3, which means survival in an area that sees -35°F on average across a 30 year spread. So the minimum extreme winter low that the tree can see is theoretically lower. Herein lies the issues, though with going off of the USDA hardiness map, which is that what the absolute extreme is that the tree can observe based on this 30 year average extreme is anyone's guess. We’re listing it at zone 3 (-40°F). The coldest we’ve actually seen it take is -38F, with minor winter injury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2318\" data-end=\"2331\"\u003eIn the field:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2704\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2472\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2472\"\u003eIt has been grown reliably in parts of Montana that see –35°F to –38°F as their extreme mid-winter cold, especially in favored microclimates with good air drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2473\" data-end=\"2704\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2475\" data-end=\"2704\"\u003eAt Rod McIver’s site, where the temperature dropped to –38°F on January 12, 2024, his Black Ice trees came through with only minor tip damage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2473\" data-end=\"2704\"\u003eMontana Growers east of the divide who see temps sub –38°F should be cautious when growing Black Ice. This would likely only be areas in near Billings (Joliet, Bridger, Belfry, Red Lodge, Park City) and even the \u003cem\u003ewarmer microclimates\u003c\/em\u003e in those areas at that.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2706\" data-end=\"2786\"\u003eFor most growers in Western Montana, Black Ice is one of the better candidates if you want a true dessert-type plum (not just a wild \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plum\u003c\/a\u003e) and you still regularly see –30°F or colder in a bad winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2920\" data-end=\"2935\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2937\" data-end=\"3006\"\u003eBlack Ice is not self-fruitful. It needs a compatible pollenizer:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3008\" data-end=\"3146\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3008\" data-end=\"3052\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3052\"\u003eRecommended pollenizers we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hanska-plum\"\u003eHanska\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e, and others\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3053\" data-end=\"3146\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3146\"\u003eOther compatible hybrid or American plums can also work, as long as bloom times overlap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3053\" data-end=\"3146\"\u003ePollination chart coming soon if it isn't already on the site\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Black Ice itself. Photos of Black Ice are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Plums hanging from a tree with green leaves” by JOGphotos, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/plums-hanging-from-a-tree-with-green-leaves-ns68ls3Jb4k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUnsplash\u003c\/a\u003e, under the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUnsplash License\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Black Ice Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Black Ice Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Black Ice Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Black Ice needs a pollenizer. Plant \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e nearby. 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 Black Ice Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Black Ice Plum hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -38°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 Black Ice Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 250 and 900. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. One nursery lists 250 hours, but its Japanese plum and sand cherry ancestry point higher. We estimate about 600. 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#black-ice-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Black Ice Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 18 to Aug 30 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 Black Ice Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Black Ice 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrunus americana\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Black Ice Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Black Ice Plum are fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Black Ice Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Black Ice 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: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45124836130882,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Prunus americana Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45124836163650,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45124836196418,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/dark-purple-plums-on-tree.jpg?v=1791615081"},{"product_id":"gracious-plum","title":"Gracious Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gracious 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 4 of 7, mid for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Aug 29 to Sep 10 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). Our notes have it taking -38°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#gracious-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), early spring here. Gracious needs a different hybrid plum close by. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e or Toka are good partners. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. 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 15 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 29 to Sep 10 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\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 (6\/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, 3-5 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 data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"810\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"810\"\u003eGracious Plum is a hardy Asian–American hybrid plum. It belongs in the category of hybrid plums bred and selected to combine improved fruit quality with reliable survival in very cold, continental climates where many standard plums struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"810\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"810\"\u003eGracious Plum (originally labeled Mandan 41-15) was selected in 1957 at the Northern Great Plains Field Station in Mandan, North Dakota as part of cold-climate plum breeding work. It is an open-pollinated seedling of ‘Emerald’, making Emerald the confirmed seed parent; based on surrounding plantings and fruit characteristics, the pollen parent is believed to be ‘Red Wing’, though this was never formally controlled. Emerald itself comes from a cross of ‘Burbank’ (Japanese plum) × ‘Brittlewood’ (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plum\u003c\/a\u003e), while Red Wing traces back to ‘Burbank’ × American plum ‘Wolf’, giving Gracious a deep blend of Japanese plum fruit quality layered over multiple generations of American plum hardiness. This complex lineage reflects the breeding goal behind Gracious: combining dessert-quality fruit with the resilience needed for northern Great Plains and similar cold continental climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"812\" data-end=\"838\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"839\" data-end=\"1192\"\u003eBased on how these hardy Asian–American hybrid plums are typically used in cold regions, Gracious is well suited for fresh eating when fully ripe and is also a strong choice for preserves, sauces, and other processing. As we get more direct fruit evaluations and ripening observations in Montana, we can refine flavor notes and best-use recommendations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1222\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1515\"\u003eAs a hardy Asian–American hybrid plum, Gracious is expected to grow as a medium-sized tree with a manageable canopy when pruned annually, especially when grafted onto native american plum rootstock, which is what we are offering for Spring 2027. A practical orchard spacing is typically in the 12–15 ft range, with wider spacing where airflow is a priority or where trees are expected to be vigorous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1517\" data-end=\"1537\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1538\" data-end=\"1836\"\u003eGracious is regarded as a cold-hardy selection appropriate for northern climates. Exact minimum survival temperatures and the most accurate zone ratings are not known yet in Montana, but given that \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e have all survived -38F in Stevensville, MT, Gracious would likely be part of this ilk. We’re listing it as a zone 3 plum (-40°F), and it’ll do best in a good location (out of frost pooling\/depression, up on a bench, good airflow, etc.).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1838\" data-end=\"1855\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"2104\"\u003eMost Asian–American hybrid plums benefit from cross-pollination with another compatible hybrid plum blooming at the same time. For best fruit set, plan on a second plum cultivar nearby unless you have confirmed self-fertility from a trusted source. Pollenizers for Gracious include Alderman, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-ice-plum\"\u003eBlack Ice\u003c\/a\u003e, Pipestone, Underwood, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e, (and others) as well \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e (often referred to as a universal pollenizer for the hybrid plums). Native and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red plums\u003c\/a\u003e can also work as a pollenizer for Superior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Gracious Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Gracious Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Gracious Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Gracious needs a different hybrid plum close by. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e are good partners. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. 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 Gracious Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Gracious Plum hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -38°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 Gracious 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#gracious-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Gracious Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 29 to Sep 10 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 Gracious Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Gracious 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 Gracious Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Gracious Plum are fresh eating (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Gracious Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Gracious 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: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42499184066626,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"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":45131976245314,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/gracious-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"hanska-plum","title":"Hanska Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hanska Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, 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 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 600 hours (500 to 800). 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#hanska-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), early spring here. Hanska needs a different hybrid plum nearby, such as Toka or South Dakota. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga\u003c\/a\u003e has the same parentage, so do not rely on it as the only partner. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka 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, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 15 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\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. Plant 12 to 16 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\u003eCooking and roasting (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10), canning and freezing (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, 5-7 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\u003eHanska is one of the classic Hansen hybrid plums developed specifically for the northern Great Plains. Released in 1908 by Dr. N.E. Hansen with South Dakota State, it belongs to the group of hardy Asian–American hybrid plums bred to combine improved fruit quality with the durability of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003enative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e genetics. Hansen's own account gives the parentage as a seedling of the wild Northwestern plum (Prunus americana) as the seed parent, pollenized by the apricot plum of China (Prunus simonii), so it is an americana by simonii hybrid rather than a Japanese plum cross. Hanska is commonly discussed alongside related Hansen hybrids such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga\u003c\/a\u003e and is part of the same broader breeding effort that eventually produced well-known plums like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e. Its purpose from the outset was reliable performance in cold, continental climates. Here's a cool \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sdpb.org\/rural-life-and-history\/niels-ebbeson-hansen-exploration-for-cultivation\"\u003earticle\u003c\/a\u003e on Hansen and his life's work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the research literature and long-standing variety descriptions, Hanska produces medium-sized fruit with red skin and yellow flesh. The fruit is aromatic and firm, with flavor that improves as it fully ripens. It is considered an all-purpose plum, usable for fresh eating when ripe and especially well suited to cooking, preserves, sauces, and other processing where its flavor holds up well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHanska is hardy to -40F, which is cited by Bob Purvis, and this matches our field observations in Western Montana, in which Hanska withstood -38F in Stevenville, on Jan. 12th 2024. Hanska will therefore do well  in the vast majority of Western Montana, apart from the coldest valleys, such as Potomac, which can get down to -50F. Hanska well  not do as well east of the divide where temps can drop below -40F in the winter, but should do survive in Billings and the surrounding warmer valleys, as well as areas that are up on a bench in eastern MT and out of frost pooling. In well-sited plantings with good cold-air drainage and proper fall hardening, it may even perform into colder microclimates than -40F, but there is no published evidence to support assigning a specific lower extreme temperature beyond a Zone 3 placement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHanska grows as a vigorous hybrid plum tree rather than a dwarf. Trees develop a strong framework and should be given adequate room to mature. A practical spacing is about 12–16 feet between trees, with wider spacing (15–18 feet) improving airflow, access, and long-term ease of management. Regular pruning helps maintain structure and productivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHanska benefits from cross-pollination and should be planted with at least one other compatible hybrid plum that blooms at a similar time. As with most Asian–American hybrid plums, pollination improves fruit set and consistency compared to planting a single tree in isolation. Plant with Toka, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e, or other asian-american hybrids. Native American plum and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e can also work. Will not cross with European plums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Hanska Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Hanska Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Hanska Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Hanska needs a different hybrid plum nearby, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga\u003c\/a\u003e has the same parentage, so do not rely on it as the only partner. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. Partners we carry include Toka Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, South Dakota Plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Hanska Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Hanska 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 Hanska Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 800. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Not measured. Toka, Hansen's plum from the same species cross, is listed at 500 to 600 hours, so we estimate about 600. 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#hanska-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Hanska Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Hanska Plum onto Native Plum (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant 12 to 16 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Hanska Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Hanska Plum are cooking and roasting (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Hanska Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Hanska Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Hanska 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: 5-7 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":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499185344578,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hanska-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"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":"south-dakota-plum","title":"South Dakota Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e South Dakota Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, 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 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 800 hours (600 to 1,200). 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#south-dakota-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), early spring here. South Dakota's long bloom makes it a great pollenizer for hybrid plums, but it needs a different plum itself, such as Toka or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\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\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 15 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\u003eNative Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. Plant 10 to 14 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\u003eJams and jellies (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), feeding wildlife (7\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10), ornamental value (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, 2-4 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\u003eSouth Dakota plum is an extremely cold-hardy \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plum\u003c\/a\u003e selection valued for its toughness, dependable fruiting, and long history of use across the northern Great Plains. It produces small to medium plums with classic American plum character — highly aromatic, sweet-tart when fully ripe, and especially well suited for preserves, sauces, and fresh eating at peak ripeness. The tree is widely grown in cold continental climates where European and Japanese plums often fail and is also valued as a strong pollenizer for other hardy plums and Asian–American hybrid plums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum belongs to the American plum species (Prunus americana), a native North American fruit species known for extreme cold tolerance, adaptability, and reliability in harsh environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum is best understood as a named regional selection within the American plum species, originating from extremely cold regions of the northern Great Plains. It was selected from hardy native or seedling American plum populations growing in South Dakota for improved fruit quality and reliable production under severe winter conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican plum itself is native to central and eastern North America and historically played a major role in early prairie horticulture. Native populations were widely used by Indigenous peoples and later selected by settlers and experiment stations for fruit production, shelterbelts, and hardy orchard plantings. Because American plums show significant variation when grown from seed, superior individuals were historically identified and propagated locally. South Dakota plum represents one of these hardy regional selections preserved through cultivation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe selection reflects a broader Great Plains tradition of fruit improvement focused on winter survival, adaptability, and dependable cropping rather than large commercial fruit size. American plum genetics also played an important role in early northern fruit breeding work, including programs in South Dakota, Minnesota, and the Canadian prairie provinces that sought to develop plums capable of surviving extreme continental winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum produces small to medium round fruit with red to reddish skin and yellow flesh. The fruit has a strong sweet-tart flavor typical of American plums, with noticeable acidity balanced by sugars when fully ripe. Flavor is often highly aromatic and intense compared with many commercial plums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is well suited for fresh eating when fully tree-ripened but is especially valued for preserves, jelly, sauce, fruit leather, and processing because the strong flavor carries well through cooking. Yields can be heavy under good growing conditions. Fruit typically ripens in late summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum grows as a small tree or large multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching about 10–20 feet tall with a spreading habit. Like other American plums, it may produce root suckers and can form colonies or hedgerows if unmanaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees produce abundant white blossoms in early spring, often before leaf emergence, followed by summer fruit. The plant is vigorous and well adapted to wind exposure, drought, and variable soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor managed single-tree form, spacing of about 10–14 feet between trees is typical.\u003cbr\u003eIf grown in a more natural or thicket-form system, spacing of 16–20 feet or more allows for spreading growth and suckering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum is not self-fertile and requires cross-pollination from another compatible plum with overlapping bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an American plum type, it is compatible with other American plums and many cold-hardy Asian–American hybrid plums commonly grown in northern climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReliable pollenizers include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative American plum and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red plum\u003c\/a\u003e, which share compatible genetics and bloom timing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsian–American hybrid plums such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-ice-plum\"\u003eBlack Ice\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hanska-plum\"\u003eHanska\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e. These hardy hybrid plums commonly overlap bloom with American plum types in cold climates and are widely planted together for reliable fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanting at least two genetically distinct hardy plums within bee flight distance provides the most consistent pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum was selected from extremely cold Great Plains conditions and is highly adapted to severe continental winters. Can survive temps into the -40s. Maybe not below -45F, though. As a selection of American plum, it is suited to very cold climates and performs reliably in northern orchard regions where winter survival is critical. We're listing it conservatively at zone 3 (-40°F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican plum types are valued not only for fruit production but also for ecological benefits including pollinator support, wildlife habitat, and ornamental spring bloom. The blooms are amazing in Montana in the Spring. Especially in Eastern Montana. Head out down 310 south of Billings in the Fromberg\/Bridger\/Belfry area towards the end of May and you'll see all the native american plums along the irrigation ditches in bloom. An incredible sight. Trees show strong adaptability to challenging conditions but may sucker and spread over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum represents a traditional hardy prairie fruit selection emphasizing winter survival, strong productivity, and adaptability rather than large commercial fruit size, making it well suited to cold-climate orchard systems and homestead plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about South Dakota Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes South Dakota Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. South Dakota Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. South Dakota's long bloom makes it a great pollenizer for hybrid plums, but it needs a different plum itself, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\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 South Dakota Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate South Dakota 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 South Dakota Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,200. 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#south-dakota-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does South Dakota Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft South Dakota Plum onto Native Plum (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 10 to 15 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant 10 to 14 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is South Dakota Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for South Dakota Plum are jams and jellies (8\/10), pollenizing other trees (7\/10), feeding wildlife (7\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat South Dakota Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect South Dakota Plum with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does South Dakota 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: 2-4 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":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42504643510338,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/south-dakota-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021077"},{"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":"superior-plum","title":"Superior Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Superior 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 5 of 7, mid-late for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Sep 7 to Sep 19 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 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -38°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 (500 to 800). From published figures. 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#superior-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 5 of 7 (mid-late), early spring here. Superior pollenizes most hybrid plums but not \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e, and it needs a partner itself such as Toka or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\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 9 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 Sep 7 to Sep 19 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\u003eNative Plum: semi-dwarf, about 10 to 15 ft tall unpruned. Suckers, so mow or pull suckers. Prairie 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. Plant 12 to 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 (9\/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, 3-5 ft or 5-6 ft or 5-7 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\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’ × ‘\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga\u003c\/a\u003e’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Burbank’ is a Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), while Kaga’ is itself an interspecific hybrid derived from \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrunus americana\u003c\/a\u003e × 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red Plum\u003c\/a\u003e 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alderman-plum\"\u003eAlderman\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-ice-plum\"\u003eBlack Ice\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pipestone-plum\"\u003ePipestone\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/underwood-plum\"\u003eUnderwood\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gracious-plum\"\u003eGracious\u003c\/a\u003e, as well \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e (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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Superior Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Superior Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Superior Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Superior pollenizes most hybrid plums but not \u003ca href=\"\/products\/la-crescent-plum\"\u003eLa Crescent\u003c\/a\u003e, and it needs a partner itself such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\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 Superior Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Superior Plum hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -38°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 Superior Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 800. That comes from published figures for this variety. Nursery figures run 500 to 800 hours, so it fits most cold-winter areas. Toka is a good pollenizer for it. 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#superior-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Superior Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 19 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 Superior Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Superior 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\u003c\/a\u003e. Plant 12 to 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Superior Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Superior Plum are fresh eating (9\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Superior Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Superior 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: 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":"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"},{"product_id":"kaga-plum","title":"Kaga Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kaga Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 from other growers' reports (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Sep 11 to Sep 23 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 600 hours (500 to 800). 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#kaga-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), early spring here. Kaga is a strong pollenizer for other hybrid plums but still needs a different one nearby, such as Toka or South Dakota. Avoid pairing it only with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hanska-plum\"\u003eHanska\u003c\/a\u003e, which has the same parentage. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka 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, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 15 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 Sep 11 to Sep 23 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 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. Plant 12 to 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\u003eJams and jellies (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 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. 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\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing Kaga, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKaga is one of N.E. Hansen's old South Dakota hybrid plums. Bob Purvis calls it an \"excellent pollenizer for other hybrid plums,\" and that's the main reason to plant it, though the fruit is good for preserves too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHansen bred Kaga at the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station from the same parents as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hanska-plum\"\u003eHanska\u003c\/a\u003e: a wild northwestern \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eAmerican plum\u003c\/a\u003e (Prunus americana) crossed with Prunus simonii, the apricot plum of China. Hansen gave the introduction year as 1909, and Hedrick's The Plums of New York (1911) says 1910. According to Hansen, the name is Sioux for \"pitch a tent.\" He wrote that Kaga and Hanska were \"much alike in fruit and rapidity of growth,\" but \"many prefer the Kaga as a better annual bearer than Hanska.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBob Purvis describes the fruit as \"small to medium, bluish-black, very meaty, best used in preserves,\" ripening in early September in east-central Minnesota. Hansen described Hanska as bright red with a heavy blue bloom and said Kaga's fruit was much like it, so the color may vary with who's describing it. This is a plum for jam, sauce and cooking more than for eating out of hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurvis calls the tree small with a compact growth habit. Ours are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red plum\u003c\/a\u003e semi-dwarf rootstock, which is more uniform than native plum and tends to top out around 15 feet here. Plan on 12 to 15 feet between trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKaga needs a pollenizer itself, and it's a good one for other hybrid plums. Hansen wrote that plums \"do best in mixed orchards of several varieties.\" \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota\u003c\/a\u003e, Native American Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-ice-plum\"\u003eBlack Ice\u003c\/a\u003e all work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe haven't found a documented survival temperature for Kaga itself. W.T. Macoun listed it among the promising Hansen hybrids for southern Manitoba, and Purvis fruits it in east-central Minnesota. Its sister Hanska, from the same cross, came through -38F in Stevensville on January 12, 2024. We've listed Kaga at zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eRepresentative illustration, not Kaga itself: Hanska, Kaga's sister seedling from the same cross. Hansen said Kaga's fruit was much like it. Illustration: “Hanska” by Elsie Lower Pomeroy, USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection, Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/hdl.handle.net\/10113\/POM00004907\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ePOM00004907\u003c\/a\u003e). Public domain. Cropped from the original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Kaga itself. Photos of Kaga are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “A close up of some fruit” by Anna Evans, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-close-up-of-some-fruit-B2R4jFnRT7E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUnsplash\u003c\/a\u003e, under the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUnsplash License\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Kaga Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Kaga Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Kaga Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Kaga is a strong pollenizer for other hybrid plums but still needs a different one nearby, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota\u003c\/a\u003e. Avoid pairing it only with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hanska-plum\"\u003eHanska\u003c\/a\u003e, which has the same parentage. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e nearby covers the Canadian advice that hybrids need wild plum pollen. Partners we carry include Toka Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahinta-plum\"\u003eKahinta Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, South Dakota Plum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Kaga Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Kaga Plum at zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. There's no documented survival temperature for Kaga itself, so that rating leans on its Manitoba and Minnesota record and on its sister Hanska coming through -38°F in Stevensville. We haven't wintered our own Kaga yet, so we'll update it once we have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Kaga Plum need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 800. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Sister to Hanska, with the same American plum and apricot plum parents. Estimated around 600 chill hours, like its relatives Toka and Superior. 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#kaga-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Kaga Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 11 to Sep 23 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 Kaga Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Kaga 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. Plant 12 to 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Kaga Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Kaga Plum are jams and jellies (7\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), pollenizing other trees (6\/10), sauce and butter (6\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Kaga Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Kaga 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 Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-5 ft.","offer_id":45177785811010,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45177785843778,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bluish-black-plums-on-branch.jpg?v=1791615865"},{"product_id":"kahinta-plum","title":"Kahinta Plum (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kahinta Plum is a plum tree rated hardy to zone 3 from other growers' reports (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a hybrid or Japanese plum), and it ripens about Sep 23 to Oct 5 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#kahinta-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), early spring here. Kahinta pollenizes other hybrids well but needs a partner itself, such as Toka or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\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\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior Plum\u003c\/a\u003e and 15 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 Sep 23 to Oct 5 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 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. Plant 12 to 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 (6\/10), pollenizing other trees (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 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\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing Kahinta, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKahinta is another of N.E. Hansen's South Dakota hybrid plums. It's a dark red plum with yellow-orange flesh, it's good fresh, and like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga\u003c\/a\u003e it's a good pollenizer for other hybrid plums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHansen introduced Kahinta in 1912. It's a cross of Luther Burbank's Japanese plum Apple with Terry, a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003enative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e raised by H.A. Terry of Crescent, Iowa. Hansen said the name is Sioux for \"sweep.\" It's a sister seedling of Waneta and Tawena, and Hansen put the quality of all three as \"approximating that of the peach in excellence.\" He also noted Kahinta was the heaviest plum on the grounds during the very dry season of 1911, at about an ounce each.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHansen described it as an inch and a half across, dark red and roundish, with firm, sweet, yellow flesh. Fedco calls the skin \"brilliant red-purple\" and tart and the flesh \"translucent yellow-orange tart but quite flavorful,\" says it peels easily, and rates it very good for fresh eating or canning. Bob Purvis says it keeps well in the fridge, has been well accepted at farmers' markets in Idaho, and ripens early to mid September there. Hansen called it a freestone, but Fedco and Purvis both say clingstone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurvis and Fedco both describe a spreading tree, and Fedco says it \"bears more reliably than most other varieties in our orchard.\" Ours are on \u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003ePrairie Red plum\u003c\/a\u003e semi-dwarf rootstock, which is more uniform than native plum and tends to top out around 15 feet here. Plan on 12 to 15 feet between trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKahinta needs another plum to set fruit, and Purvis calls it a \"good pollenizer for other hybrid plums.\" \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota\u003c\/a\u003e, Native American Plum, Kaga, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/superior-plum\"\u003eSuperior\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/black-ice-plum\"\u003eBlack Ice\u003c\/a\u003e all work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFedco rates Kahinta zone 3. We haven't found a documented survival temperature yet. We've listed it at zone 3 and will update it once we've wintered our own trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Kahinta itself. Photos of Kahinta are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Prunus domestica fruits 001” by StMH, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Prunus_domestica_fruits_001.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Kahinta Plum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Kahinta Plum need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Kahinta Plum needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Kahinta pollenizes other hybrids well but needs a partner itself, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toka-plum\"\u003eToka\u003c\/a\u003e or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/native-american-plum-bundle-of-2\"\u003eNative American plum\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include Toka Plum, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kaga-plum\"\u003eKaga Plum\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/south-dakota-plum\"\u003eSouth Dakota Plum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Kahinta Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Kahinta Plum at zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. That comes from Fedco's zone 3 rating, not a documented survival temperature or our own winters. We'll update it once we've wintered our own trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Kahinta 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#kahinta-plum\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Kahinta Plum ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 23 to Oct 5 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 Kahinta Plum get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Kahinta 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. Plant 12 to 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Kahinta Plum good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Kahinta Plum are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), pollenizing other trees (6\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on Hansen, Fedco and Purvis rather than our own harvests. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Kahinta Plum?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Kahinta 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 Plum Semi-Dwarf: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45177790758978,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/dark-red-plums-yellow-flesh.jpg?v=1791615748"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/collections\/gracious-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1792787180","url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/zone-3-plum-trees.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}