Knowing when are plums ready to pick is the secret to enjoying them at their absolute best. Picking them at the perfect moment means you get the ultimate balance of sweetness, juice, and that soft texture we all love. If you pick to early, they’ll be tart and hard. Too late, and they might be mushy or already fallen. This guide will walk you through the simple signs that tell you your plums are ready for harvest.
We’ll cover the visual clues, the feel test, and what to do with fruit that’s almost there. You’ll learn how to handle your plums gently and the best way to store your bounty. Let’s get started.
When Are Plums Ready To Pick
This is the core question. Unlike some fruits, plums often ripen from the inside out. This means they can look ready before they actually are. You need to use a combination of your senses—sight, touch, and taste—to make the final call. Relying on just one method can lead you astray.
The Color Check: It’s More Than Just Purple
Color is your first big hint, but it can be tricky. Different plum varieties turn different colors when ripe.
- Red or Purple Plums: Look for a deep, even color. A greenish tint means it’s not ready. The skin should also lose any dullness and develop a slight dusty-looking bloom (that’s natural and good!).
- Yellow or Green Plums: These won’t turn a dramatic color. Instead, they develop a richer, golden-yellow hue. The green fades completely.
- For All Plums: Check the area that got the most sun. It should be fully colored. Also, look at the ground; a few naturally dropped fruit can be a great indicator that the tree is starting to ready.
The Touch Test: Gentle Pressure is Key
This is the most reliable method after color. A ripe plum will yield to gentle pressure.
- Hold the plum gently in the palm of your hand.
- Use your thumb to apply a very slight squeeze. Don’t pinch with your fingertips, as this bruises the fruit.
- A ripe plum will give slightly, feeling soft but not mushy. If it’s rock hard, it needs more time. If your thumb sinks in easily, it’s overripe.
The Taste Test: The Final Proof
When in doubt, taste one! This is the only way to be 100% sure about sugar content.
- Pick a plum that looks and feels right.
- Wash it and take a bite. It should be juicy, sweet with just a hint of tartness, and the flesh should be tender.
- If it’s starchy, tart, or firm, the rest of the fruit likely needs another week or so on the tree.
Understanding the “Squeeze” Test
Many people are to gentle when they squeeze. You aren’t trying to feel the pit, just the softness of the flesh. Think of the feeling of a ripe avocado or a peach that’s ready to eat. That gentle yield is what your looking for. Practice on a plum you know is ripe from the store to calibrate your touch.
Other Signs Your Plums Are Nearing Harvest
Besides the main tests, these secondary signs can confirm your timing.
- The Stem: A ripe plum should detach from the tree with a gentle twist and lift. If you have to tug hard, it’s not ready. The stem should come away cleanly.
- The Scent: Bring a plum close to your nose. Ripe fruit often has a sweet, fragrant aroma at the stem end.
- Ease of Picking: This goes with the stem test. When they are truly ripe, they practically come off in your hand with minimal effort.
A Note on Ripening After Picking
Plums are climacteric fruits, which means they can ripen off the tree. This is useful!
- If you need to pick early (birds are attacking, a storm is coming), you can harvest plums that are full-sized and just starting to change color.
- Place them in a single layer in a paper bag or a cardboard box at room temperature.
- Adding a banana or apple to the bag speeds up the process because they release ethylene gas.
- Check them daily. Once they yield to gentle pressure, they’re ready to eat or move to the fridge.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Guide
Doing it right protects both the fruit and your tree for future seasons.
- Time it Right: Harvest in the cool of the morning when the fruit is firmest.
- Use the Right Motion: Cup the plum in your hand, twist gently upwards, and roll it off the stem. Don’t pull straight down.
- Handle with Care: Place each plum gently into your harvesting container. Baskets or buckets lined with a soft towel are ideal. Don’t dump them in a pile.
- Check as You Go: Do a quick color and softness check with each plum. If one feels overripe, set it aside to use immediately.
- Leave the Stem: If possible, keep a short bit of stem attached. This helps the plum last longer in storage.
Storing Your Perfectly Picked Plums
Proper storage extends you enjoyment.
- For Immediate Eating (1-3 days): Keep ripe plums at room temperature out of direct sun.
- For Longer Storage (up to a week): Place fully ripe plums in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The cold slows down the ripening process.
- For Almost-Ripe Plums: Leave them on the counter until they pass the feel test, then refrigerate.
- Never: Store plums in a sealed plastic bag while they are still ripening. This traps moisture and can cause mold.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the best timing, you might encounter a few issues.
- Split Skins: Often caused by a lot of rain after a dry period. Harvest split fruit immediately and use it quickly—it’s great for cooking.
- Birds or Wasps: If pests are beating you to the harvest, consider using bird netting over the tree. Just make sure it’s secure.
- Fruit Drops Early: A few drops are normal. A heavy drop can indicate stress (thirst, lack of nutrients) or that the fruit is simply very ripe. Make sure your tree is well-watered during dry spells.
Using Your Plum Harvest
What to do with a big haul? Here’s some ideas beyond eating them fresh.
- Preserves & Jams: Overripe or slightly blemished fruit is perfect for this.
- Freezing: Wash, slice, and remove pits. Lay slices on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to bags. Great for smoothies or baking later.
- Baking: Think plum tarts, cakes, or clafoutis.
- Drying: Make your own prunes by drying plum halves in a dehydrator or low oven.
FAQ: Your Plum Picking Questions Answered
How can you tell if a plum is sweet?
The best way is the taste test. A ripe plum, as judged by color and softness, will almost always be sweet. A strong, fruity smell at the stem end is also a good indicator of sweetness developing.
What time of year are plums ready?
This varies widely by climate and variety. In most temperate regions, plum season runs from late July through early September. Early varieties may be ready in late spring, while later ones fruit into early fall.
Do plums get softer after picking?
Yes, they do. If you pick a plum that is full-sized and has started to change color but is still firm, it will soften at room temperature over a few days. It will also become sweeter.
Should plums be refrigerated?
Only refrigerate plums that are fully ripe. The cold of the fridge halts the ripening process. Putting a hard, unripe plum in the fridge will result in a mealy, flavorless fruit when you take it out later.
Why are my plums so sour?
They were almost certainly picked to early. Plums need a long time on the tree to develop their sugars. Once picked, they get softer but not much sweeter. Always wait for that slight give and full color.
Mastering the art of picking plums at their peak is rewarding. It takes a little patience and practice, but the result—a perfect, juicy, sweet plum—is worth the effort. Use these tips, trust your senses, and you’ll enjoy the best harvest your tree can offer. Remember, the tree is the best guide; when the fruit comes away easily and tastes fantastic, you’ve nailed it.