Plum Sultan is a Japanese plum with deep-red, juicy, flavorful fruit that ripens in late summer. It’s a reliable, early-to-mid-season heavy cropper that benefits from pollinator varieties like Burbank or Santa Rosa but is suitable for dessert and culinary use. To cultivate it, plant in a sunny, well-drained spot, water regularly, and prune for a manageable tree size.
The Plum Sultan is a Japanese plum known for its appealing fruit and reliable performance. It produces medium to large, deep-red plums with mottled red skins and sweet, juicy red flesh that has a good flavor. The tree is characterized by a moderate growth habit, often described as a low, spreading, or compact tree, making it suitable for various garden sizes. The tree bears white blossoms in spring and is a heavy and reliable cropper, producing good yields from an early age.
Sunlight: Plant in a position that receives full sun.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil; while it can tolerate some wetness, avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot.
Planting: Plant in the dormant season, from late autumn to winter, after soaking the roots in a plant tonic to reduce transplant shock.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods.
Fertilizing: Incorporate compost or manure into the soil at planting time and use balanced fruit tree fertilizers.
Pollination: Sultan is partially self-fertile, but a compatible pollinator plum, such as Santa Rosa, Burbank, or Elephant Heart, will increase fruit yield.
Pruning: Prune to maintain a manageable size and shape, especially for the compact tree.
Pest & Disease Control: Monitor for pests and diseases and use organic treatments if necessary to ensure tree health.
Harvesting: Fruit ripens in late summer, around January or February, and can be used for fresh eating, jams, and other culinary purposes.
