Methley

Plum

Size

Medium

Shape

Round

Flavor

Mild, sweet, and juicy

Texture

Firm flesh; red-purple skin with red-streaked, amber flesh; high anthocyanin content

Ripening window

Late May - early July (varies by source; as early as June in the South)

Best uses

Fresh eating, jam, canning, drying

Pollination

Self-fertile - no pollinator needed, but cross-pollination with Beauty, Santa Rosa, Ozark Premier, Ruby Sweet, Starking Delicious, or Morris improves crop size

Tree size

18-20 ft (smaller on semi-dwarfing rootstock)

Notes

Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) originating in Natal, South Africa; introduced to the US in 1922. Chill requirement only ~200 hours - excellent fit for zone 8a. Disease-resistant (including rust), heat- and drought-tolerant once established.