Traditionally the French plum was dried and kept over a long period of time when refrigerators did not exist and winter meant months with few fruits or vegetables. Prunes were almost as precious as salt and were used to bargain wages during the 15th century. The French Prune tree was introduced to the States by Pierre and Louis Pellier, brothers who went to California for the Gold Rush, started a nursery business near San Jose in 1856 with plum cuttings they brought from France. Today the French prune plum tree are sought by connoisseurs around the world. The French prune is very sweet, rich flavor with tender, fine-textured flesh. Medium-sized prune plum of red to violet purple skin over amber flesh. Delicious for eating fresh, baking, chutneys, and drying. Long-lived and self-fertile. For further information on the French prune plum see below for assistance selecting this bare root plum tree for sale.  ***Please note: this is a 1-year tree (younger and smaller than our typical 2- year trees). This 1-year tree is about 2-3 feet tall when shipped and 1/4" in caliper. 

Considerations for French Prune 

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Heirloom: Yes

Harvest Period: Late

Bloom Period: Late

Pollination Requirement: Self-Fertile

Origin Date: California 1850`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.

Size of tree

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.