Plum Santa Rosa

Description: Santa Rosa Plum trees produce medium to large-sized fruit with a reddish-purple skin and firm, sweet, yellow flesh. The fruit is renowned for its excellent flavor and juiciness, making it ideal for fresh eating, canning, and baking. The tree itself is deciduous, featuring ovate to lanceolate green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. In spring, it bears showy, fragrant white flowers, adding ornamental value to the landscape.

Size: Santa Rosa Plum trees typically reach a height of 12 to 20 feet (3.7 to 6 meters) with a spread of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters). However, the size of the tree can vary depending on factors such as growing conditions, rootstock, and pruning. Proper pruning can help manage the size and shape of the tree to fit the available space in your garden or orchard.

Best Growing Zones: Santa Rosa Plum trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. They prefer regions with cold winters and warm summers, as they require a certain number of chilling hours (hours below 45°F or 7.2°C) during dormancy to produce fruit. However, they may also do well in slightly warmer climates if they receive sufficient chilling hours.

Soil Requirements: 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.

Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance are essential for the health and productivity of Santa Rosa 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.