Methley Plum Tree

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Regular price $168.00 Sale price$198.00you save $30.00

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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Methley Plum Tree is a popular Japanese plum variety known for producing sweet, juicy red-purple plums early in the season. Its smooth skin and soft, flavorful flesh make it excellent for fresh eating and preserves. With beautiful spring blossoms and reliable summer harvests, the Methley Plum Tree is a favorite for home orchards in warm and moderate climates.

  • Botanical name: Prunus salicina ‘Methley’
  • Bloom time: Early spring
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Full sun

WATER:
Water deeply 1–2 times per week during establishment. After establishment, provide consistent deep watering during flowering and fruit development. Keep soil evenly moist but avoid soggy conditions.

LEVEL OF CARE: MODERATE
Requires annual pruning and consistent watering for best fruit production

PET-FRIENDLY?:
Fruit is generally safe, but avoid pets chewing leaves, stems, or pits

Note: Methley Plum Tree is considered partially self-fertile and may produce a larger harvest when planted near another Japanese plum variety for cross-pollination.

Fruit production may be lighter during the first year while the tree establishes. Heavier harvests typically begin in the second or third growing season.

*We cannot guarantee the Methley Plum Tree you receive will already be bearing fruit. This depends on the season and the overall growth pattern.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Methley Plum Tree is a popular Japanese plum variety known for producing sweet, juicy red-purple plums early in the season. With reddish skin and soft, flavorful flesh, Methley plums are excellent for fresh eating and preserves. This self-fertile, low-chill plum tree is especially well suited for warm climates and home orchards seeking reliable summer fruit production.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate; reaches a mature height of 10–15 ft and a mature width of 10–15 ft.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply once or twice per week during the first growing season. After establishment, provide consistent deep watering during flowering and fruit development. Maintain evenly moist soil, especially during hot weather, but avoid soggy conditions. Plant in full sun for optimal fruit production and sweetness. At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune annually in late winter while dormant. Remove crossing or crowded branches and maintain an open canopy to improve airflow and fruit quality.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce fruit production.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Methley is hardy in its growing zones. Mulch around the base to protect roots in colder areas and help retain soil moisture.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container. Gently loosen roots before backfilling with native soil. Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk. Continue regular watering during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 5-9

Methley Plum performs best in regions with mild winters and warm summers. It requires a relatively low number of winter chill hours compared to many other plum varieties, making it a dependable choice in southern climates. Full sun, good airflow, and well-draining soil are essential for strong growth and fruit production. In cooler regions within its zone range, protecting blossoms from late spring frost can help preserve yields.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Methley Plum Tree typically grows 10–15 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide at maturity. With annual pruning, it can be maintained at a smaller size for easier harvesting.

It has a moderate growth rate, usually growing 1–2 feet per year under ideal conditions.

Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and good airflow. It performs best in warm climates with mild winters.

Methley Plum requires approximately 250–300 chill hours (hours between 32°F and 45°F in winter), making it a strong choice for low-chill and southern growing regions.

Methley is considered partially self-fertile and can produce fruit on its own. However, planting another Japanese plum variety nearby can increase fruit size and yield.

This variety typically ripens in May to July, depending on your local climate. Often earlier than many other plum varieties.

Methley plums are known for their sweet, juicy flavor with soft red flesh and smooth skin, making them excellent for fresh eating.

Fruit production may be light in the first year while the tree establishes. Heavier harvests usually begin in the second or third growing season.

Prune annually in late winter while dormant. Maintain an open canopy to improve sunlight penetration and airflow, which supports better fruit quality.

Methley is valued for its low chill requirement, early harvest, and sweet flavor, making it a dependable option for warm-climate home orchards.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

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We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

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We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.