In 1946 Frederick H. Howard, of Montebello, developed the Howard Miracle plum tree from a hybrid of greengage plum and Satsuma plum, a red-fleshed variety brought from Japan late 1800's. This cross of parents would represent a miracle since Satsuma is an Asian plum and the true greengage is a European plum. Howard Miracle plums are large, freestone fruit with a delightful, tart, orange-pineapple flavor; distinctive in taste. Howard Miracle plum trees require an Asian plum for pollination. Low chill. For further information on the Howard Miracle plum see below for assistance selecting this bare root plum tree for sale. 

Considerations for Howard Miracle Plum

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Heirloom: Yes

Harvest Period: Midseason

Bloom Period: Early

Pollination Requirement: Self-Fertile

Origin Date: California 1946

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.

Shape when Shipped: Feathered and whips (few side branching)

Size supplied when shipped: 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.

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 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.