Plums and damsons in the garden: planting, pruning, harvesting
Plums and their relatives are among the hardy fruit trees for the home garden. Round plums are juicy and soft, while the oval Zwetschgen common in Germany are firmer – which is why they keep their shape when baked. Mirabelles and greengages belong to the same group.
Planting
- Location: Sunny and sheltered from the wind, on soil that is not too dry
- Pollination: Many varieties crop more reliably with a second suitable variety nearby – ask for a pollinator variety when buying
- Planting time: Bare-root trees in autumn or early spring; container plants almost all year except in frost
Pruning
Plums are pruned more lightly than apple trees. The aim is an open crown: remove branches that grow inwards, cross each other or have died. Many gardeners prune after the harvest in late summer.
Harvest
The fruit is ripe when it comes away easily from the stalk and gives slightly to pressure. The whitish bloom on the skin is natural and protects the fruit.
Storing and using
Plums first ripen at room temperature and then go into the fridge (BZfE (German Federal Centre for Nutrition), "Richtig lagern" (as of 20 Feb 2025)). For larger quantities: cakes, purée, compote or freezing. For canning, see the articles on safe canning.
Sources
- German Federal Centre for Nutrition (BZfE): Richtig lagern, as of 20 Feb 2025, accessed 5 Oct 2026
The sources support individual statements in this article. The organisations named have neither reviewed nor endorsed it.