Soil — How to Grow
Many plums are self-fertile so only one tree is needed. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; plums can handle less-than-perfect conditions better than apples or pears. Prune in summer (not winter — susceptibility to silver leaf disease increases with winter pruning). Thin fruit in early summer if the tree is carrying a heavy crop to prevent branch breakage. In a good year, expect significant windfalls — make jam, crumble, or sloe gin-adjacent liqueur with excess fruit.
Space plants 350cm apart
Watch Out For
Companion Planting
Grows well with
GarlicVarieties (2)
Regional Growing Guides
Uk
Sow
Nov, Dec
Harvest
Aug, Sep
Smoke — In the Kitchen
Plums are a versatile stone fruit with a balance of sweet and tart flavours that intensify when cooked. Their skin offers a slight bitterness that contrasts nicely with the juicy flesh inside. When grilled, plums soften and caramelise, developing a smoky depth that enhances their natural sweetness without overpowering it. This transformation makes them ideal for adding complexity to sauces, salads, and even as a complement to rich, savoury dishes such as pork, duck, or mature cheeses. Over fire, plums behave beautifully due to their high sugar content and moisture. They hold their shape well when grilled on indirect heat but will break down quickly if exposed to direct flames for too long. Using a moderate temperature allows the sugars to caramelise gently while infusing a subtle smokiness. For best results, halve and pit the plums before grilling, which speeds up cooking and makes them easier to incorporate into recipes. When selecting plums, look for firm fruit with smooth, unblemished skin and a rich colour that matches the variety. Avoid overly soft or shrivelled plums as they may be past their prime. Store plums at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate to extend freshness for a few days. If you plan to grill them soon, choose fruit that is just ripe to ensure the best flavour and texture after cooking.
Prep
Halve and remove stone. A little brown sugar or Chinese five spice works brilliantly with plums.
Cook
Direct medium heat, cut-face-down: 3–4 minutes. Caramelises quickly. Plums on the grill make a knockout sauce for duck breast or pork ribs.
On the Grill
Plums halved and grilled cut-side down over medium heat become intensely jammy and caramelised — extraordinary served with grilled duck breast, pork belly, or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream. Plum wood chips produce a rich, sweet, slightly fruity smoke that pairs brilliantly with pork ribs and game. A genuinely exceptional smoking wood.
