Burgundy Plum

Plant Type: deciduous fruit tree
Plant Height: 12–15 feet (semi-dwarf)
Spread: 10–12 feet
Flower Color: white
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Burgundy Plum (Prunus salicina ‘Burgundy’): Low-Chill, Sweet, and Juicy Plum for Desert Gardens

Burgundy Plum is a Japanese plum variety prized for its mild, sweet flavor, small pit, and long harvest season. Well-suited for warm climates with low chill hours, this variety is ideal for Arizona gardens, producing heavy crops of deep red to purple fruit with red flesh.

Key Features of Burgundy Plum

• Low-Chill Requirement: Needs only about 250 chill hours, making it excellent for desert climates.
• Delicious Fruit: Dark reddish-purple skin with sweet, mild, juicy red flesh and a very small pit.
• Extended Harvest: Ripens in mid-to-late summer and can hang on the tree for weeks without losing flavor.
• Compact Growth: Naturally smaller size makes it a great fit for backyard orchards.

Growing and Care Tips

Burgundy Plum performs best with full sun, good air circulation, and proper irrigation.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-draining soil; amend heavy clay for better drainage.
Water: Deep water every 7–10 days during growing season; increase during fruiting.
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer in spring and midsummer.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain shape, improve airflow, and encourage fruiting wood.

Landscaping Uses

• Edible Landscapes: Combines ornamental blossoms with productive summer harvests.
• Backyard Orchards: Excellent alongside other low-chill plums, peaches, or nectarines.
• Pollinator Gardens: Spring blossoms attract bees and beneficial insects.
• Small Gardens: Manageable size makes it suitable for smaller yards.

Summary

Burgundy Plum is a reliable, low-chill fruit tree that produces abundant, sweet, and flavorful plums while thriving in hot, dry climates. With its compact size, extended harvest window, and ornamental blossoms, it’s an outstanding choice for Arizona homeowners.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Burgundy Plum

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun with good airflow.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile loam.
Spacing: Plant 10–12 feet apart for orchard rows.
Planting Depth: Keep graft union 2–3 inches above soil level.
Support: Stake young trees for the first 1–2 years.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply after planting.
• Frequency: Every 5–7 days for the first 2–3 months.
• Watering Amount: Enough to moisten soil 12–18 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 1 year of consistent watering and healthy new seasonal growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 7–10 days; increase during fruit set.
• Winter: Water every 3–4 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 2–3 emitters evenly spaced around the drip line.
Flow Rate: 2 gallons per hour.
Number of Emitters: Two for young trees; three to four for mature trees.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase during fruit development and hot weather; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Burgundy Plum:

• Soil Check: Keep soil evenly moist during bloom and fruiting, but avoid waterlogging.
• Avoid Drought Stress: Dry conditions during fruit set can cause fruit drop or poor sizing.
• Mulch: Apply a 2–3 inch organic mulch layer to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch away from trunk base.