Consistency is key when taking care of plum trees. They fare best in well-drained soil with 6-8 hours a day of direct sunlight and temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees. The sun is vital in early summer as this keys future bud development. Water new trees regularly; after the roots are established, water less often but do so deeply. In cool and windy regions, plant the trees facing west or south to minimize the weather’s effect.

Plum trees have many possible pests and diseases you must watch for. These include aphids, brown rot, plum moths, shot hole disease and black knot. Early detection and possible pre-emptive treatments give you the best chance of combating them. Regularly removing fallen leaves and debris also defends against infestation.

To successfully germinate, plum tree seeds must stratify for up to 12 weeks. One method is to ground-plant the seeds 2-4 inches deep in the late fall and let chill over the winter. Mark the spot so you can find them come spring. Another method is to wrap the seeds in a damp paper towel, place them in a sealed plastic bag, put the bag in the refrigerator and monitor it until the seeds sprout. You can then move the seeds to the ground or a container.

You can plant stratified pits or sprouted seeds in the ground after the final frost of spring. To prep the soil, dig a hole 12 inches deep one month before you intend to plant and add organic fertilizer. The seeds should still be planted 2-4 inches deep whether in a pot or large container. When planting multiple trees, leave 10-20 feet between each so they have room to develop. Be sure to check whether the tree variety is self-fruiting or requires cross-pollination.

For the best production, fertilize plum trees in early spring before they bloom and again in early summer after they flower. You can use a balanced fertilizer or organic matter like compost and manure; bone meal is another excellent natural fertilizer if your trees need more phosphorus. Test the soil before each fertilization and check for signs of what nutrients may be deficient.

As temperatures cool, water your plum trees deeply to give them moisture reserves. Then add a thick layer of mulch around the base (without touching the trunk) to retain this moisture and insulate against the cold. Painting the trunk with a 50/50 mix of white latex paint and water will help reflect sun to prevent scalding. In the early spring, have a fleece cover handy to protect early blooms against late-season frost.

Pruning improves tree health and promotes shaping that makes it easier to harvest. Remove any dead, diseased and crossing branches in the late winter or early spring before buds develop. You may also prune after the summer harvest to thin crowded areas and spur new fruit growth the following year.

Start harvesting plums when they have changed to their ripe color, feel soft and taste sweet. You should be able to gently twist the plums off the stem; place a tarp or sheet to catch falling plums. They will keep for 3-4 days at room temperature and up to four weeks refrigerated.