The Methley plum is a highly popular, versatile, and reliable Japanese plum variety known for its sweet, juicy, red-fleshed fruit and vigorous, upright growth. 

Plant Care & Characteristics

Light Requirements: Full Sun. 

Water Requirements: Moderate. Requires consistent moisture for healthy growth and fruit production. Ensure the soil is moist several inches down, but allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Do not waterlog. 

Drought Resistance: High. Methley plum trees are highly drought-tolerant and heat-resistant once established.

Soil Type: Well-Drained. These plum trees prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They can tolerate various soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soil, as long as it's well-drained and fertile. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, can improve soil structure and fertility, promoting healthy growth and fruit production.

Disease Resistance:  High; resistant to bacterial canker, bacterial spot, and plum leaf scald. 

Deer Resistance: Low. They are highly attractive to deer, which eat both the fruit and foliage. While the trees are hardy and disease-resistant, young trees require protection, such as fencing or tree tubes, to prevent significant browse damage. 

Pollination: Self-pollinating, but yields increase if planted with another Japanese variety like Santa Rosa.

Harvest: Very early, typically from late May to early July.

Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance are essential for the health and productivity of Methley Plum trees. They require regular watering, especially during periods of drought or fruit development. Pruning is necessary to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as to shape the tree and encourage airflow within the canopy, reducing the risk of disease. Additionally, these trees may benefit from annual applications of balanced fertilizer to support vigorous growth and fruiting.