Japanese Plum
The Burbank Plum is a striking Japanese-type cultivar introduced in 1897 by Luther Burbank, the legendary 'Wizard of Horticulture,' and represents a landmark achievement in American fruit breeding. This heirloom tree produces medium to large red fruits with a distinctive yellow undertone that resembles nectarines, thriving in hardiness zones 5-9 and reaching 18-20 feet tall at maturity. Expect to wait 3-6 years before your first harvest, but the payoff comes in abundant crops of beautifully blushed fruit with a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
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Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
240in H x 240in W
Perennial
High
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Luther Burbank's crowning achievement in plum breeding, the Burbank Plum earned its place in American horticultural history through superior flavor and striking appearance. The fruit's red blushing over a yellow background creates an almost nectarine-like visual appeal, while the complex balance of sweet and aromatic notes makes it exceptional for both fresh eating and culinary use. This cultivar thrives across a broad hardiness range (zones 5-9) and grows into a substantial tree that becomes increasingly productive with age.
Burbank Plums excel in both fresh consumption and culinary applications. Their balance of sweetness and tanginess makes them ideal for eating fresh off the tree, where the aromatic qualities shine brightest. In the kitchen, they perform beautifully in jams, preserves, and compotes, where the complex flavor profile deepens during cooking. Their medium to large size and firm flesh also make them suitable for baking in pies, crisps, and tarts.
Plant bare-root trees during late winter to early spring, while they remain dormant, or plant container-grown trees anytime during the growing season. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root system without crowding, set the tree so the graft union sits just above soil level, and backfill with native soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Container trees may need gradual acclimation to outdoor light if grown under nursery conditions.
Burbank Plums ripen in mid-July through early August, though exact timing varies by location and growing conditions. Harvest fruits when they yield slightly to gentle pressure and display a deep red blush over their yellow background, color is the most reliable indicator of ripeness. The fruits should feel substantial and heavy for their size. Pick plums by gently twisting and lifting, or use pruning shears to avoid damaging the branch. Mature trees will begin producing significant crops within 3-6 years of planting, and yields increase substantially as the tree ages.
Prune during late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant to establish an open, vase-shaped canopy that allows light penetration and air circulation. Remove any crossing branches, dead wood, or growth that rubs against adjacent limbs. The Burbank Plum responds well to moderate pruning that encourages new growth while maintaining tree structure. Avoid heavy cutting that stresses the tree, and thin fruit in early summer if branches appear overburdened to encourage larger, higher-quality plums.
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“The Burbank Plum stands as Luther Burbank's most celebrated contribution to American pomology. Introduced in 1897 by the American Pomological Society, this Japanese-type plum emerged from Burbank's decades of dedicated plant breeding work in Santa Rosa, California. At a time when American fruit cultivation was dominated by European varieties, Burbank saw the potential in Japanese plums and developed the Burbank Plum to combine the vigor and productivity of Japanese genetics with flavors and characteristics that would appeal to American growers and consumers. This cultivar became a cornerstone variety that helped establish Japanese plums as a serious alternative to European plum types in North America, and its success helped elevate Burbank's reputation as the 'Wizard of Horticulture.'”