USDA Certified Organic

Kirke's Blue was named by Joseph Kirke, a nurseryman from London who first propagated it in the 1830s.  Kirke's Blue (or Kirke's) is a late-season dessert plum known for its large, dark purple-blue fruit with a blue bloom. The flesh is greenish-yellow, juicy, and firm, with a rich, sweet flavor. It's a popular choice for fresh eating and is also suitable for drying.  A relatively small tree great for the home garden. For further information on the Kirke's Blue plum please see below for assistance selecting this bare root plum tree for sale. * limited availability 2026 

Considerations for Kirke's Blue Plum

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Heirloom: Yes

Harvest Period: Late

Low Chill: Yes

Bloom Period: Late

Pollination Requirement: Requires another variety

Origin Date: England 1800's

Storage: A few weeks

Rootstock: Mariana (semi-dwarf)

Years to Bear: 2-5 years

Recommended Spacing: 12-16 ft.

Mature Size: 12-16 ft.

Water Requirements: 12-15 gallons per week May through Sept.

[TABS]

Size of tree

Our trees range in height from 4-8 ft. in our field and trimmed to 4 to 5 ft. when shipped. Our young two year trees are most often feathered (side limbs). The trees diameter (caliper) is often 1/2 to 3/4 inch; *As noted by University of California Scientists and other qualified professionals the most successful trees often have caliper from 1/2" to 5/8" and usually establish faster than smaller and larger planting stock. .

Pruning tip

Basic idea for Pruning: Most fruit trees should be pruned in frost-free periods mid to late winter. (apricots best after bud break) Remove most vertical branches and shorten side branches. Fruiting wood is best on horizontal to 45 degree limbs. Learn more...

Shipping information

Shipping Note: Our fruit trees and berries are delivered to you bareroot during their winter dormancy from January through May depending on USDA zone. Trees are shipped with your invoice and helpful planting directions. There is no minimum quantity required but shipping rate for an individual tree is expensive since UPS/Fed Ex charge a dimensional weight and an additional handling fee to ship a tree. You'll find it's cost effective to consider a handful of trees,vines or our helpful Tree Starter Kits.

[/TABS]