Plums are a healthy, tasty fruit that will grow in most areas of the United States. The plum tree prefers a fertile, well-drained soil and is susceptible to frost damage if in bloom. Plum trees are also susceptible to mites and fungal diseases, so be prepared to fight against these nuisances if you are interested in growing plums. There are also flowering plum trees, which produce sweet-smelling blooms but not the best fruit for eating.

Consider adding plums to your store, whether in the form of fresh plums, plum juice or plum wine, or other plum products such as dried plums, or prunes. You can even grow your own plum tree. Before adding plums to your product lineup, consider the following:

1. Do you have a market for fresh plums from local or international suppliers?

2. Would you consider adding dried plums or other plum products to your store?

3. Do you live in an area where you could grow your own plum trees?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out fresh products from distributors of plums

There are a variety of plum growers that distribute to all areas of the United States. Be aware of the plum harvesting season for each of the plum producers so you can know when to start marketing your plums.

I recommend: Singer Farms sells wholesale Japanese Plums and European Blue Plums between August and September each year. Adams distributes red plums in addition to a variety of other fresh produce.

Find manufacturers of dried plums and other plum products

Dried plums, or prunes, are an excellent source of fiber and high in antioxidants. They are delicious when eaten alone or incorporated into desserts and other recipes.

I recommend: Sunsweet is probably the most recognized manufacturer of dried plums. It even offers dark chocolate-covered plum bites and a line of PlumSmart plum juice. Mornin’ Glory distributes organic pitted prunes, prune extract and prune juice.

Grow your own plum tree

Plum trees can be found in local nurseries, depending on your location, or online. Rather than starting your venture with plum seeds, you'll likely buy a plum tree from a reputable nursery. Most trees need a combination of fertile soil and plenty of moisture, but can be grown in most climates.

I recommend: Nature Hills Nursery has several types of purple plum, blue plum and green plum tree varieties, including Santa Rose, Damson, Methley and Green Gage-Bavays. Adams County Nursery is another great source for plum trees, featuring various types of European and Japanese plum trees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Order a small quantity of plums or plum products as your first shipment. You want to be sure customers are interested in the product before you invest too much money into it.