Methley Plum Tree

Fast, Easy Fruit as Soon as First Year If you're looking for an easy combination of fresh, delicious fruit and good looks, look no further: The Methley Plum Tree is a must-have. The pretty blooms and attractive shape are enough reason to grow this tree, but as an added bonus, it also gives you the reward of delicious and healthful fruit! Known for its stunning springtime display, the Methley's flowers begin as clusters of dark red-pink buds that burst into masses of light pink blossoms. Plus, the Methley produces a heavy crop of fruit in the summer with harvest expected in late June and July in most zones. These trees bear a sweet, purple-red fruit that tastes wonderful fresh and is also delicious in preserves and jams. The best part? You don't need a large farm to grow Methley Plum Trees. The Methley is a compact tree with an easy-to-harvest height of 10 to 20 feet, making it ideal for tight spaces and petite properties. And it self-pollinates so you can plant just one (though several trees mean more fruit). Even better is its strong start: Because we've grafted and grown your Methley Plum from proven rootstock, it's largely disease resistant and tolerant of drought and soil conditions, so it needs very little care. The Methley Plum Tree is a smart, stunning choice for beginners or experts - order yours now! Planting & Care 1. Planting: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun (about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day). Prepare your hole by digging it three times as wide as the root ball and just as deeply. Gently comb the root ball freeing up any compacted roots and place the tree. Backfill the hole partially, pressing down gently as you go along and water to settle the soil. Once the hole has been completely filled, add a layer of organic mulch around the tree to help conserve water. Do not let the mulch touch the trunk of the tree as this can promote rot and fungus. 2. Watering: Water your tree generously weekly, about twice a week for the first growing season to help promote the growth. If you're not sure when to water, simply check the surrounding soil about 3 inches down for dryness. 3. Fertilizing: Young trees that are three years or younger will benefit from about a half cup of balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer formula applied once in around mid-April and again in early June. More established trees will require one annual application of the same balanced formula mid-April. 4. Pruning: Young trees are typically pruned in the late winter to early spring seasons before buds begin to break. More established trees will benefit from a midsummer pruning. 5. Harvesting: Apply gentle pressure with your fingers to determine ripeness. Softer skin on the fruit means it’s ready to be picked.