When To Pick Plums5

Knowing when to pick plums5 for perfect ripeness is the key to enjoying their best flavor. Picking them at the right moment makes all the difference between a tart disappointment and a sweet, juicy treat.

This guide will walk you through the simple signs of ripeness. We’ll cover color, feel, and timing so you can harvest with confidence. Let’s get started with the most reliable indicators.

This heading is your main target. The signs listed below work together to tell you when your fruit is ready.

The Color Test: Look Beyond the Skin

Color is your first big clue. For most plum varieties, you need to look at the base color underneath the surface blush.

Ignore the reddish or purple blush. This can develop early.
Check the background color. It should shift from green to a deep yellow, gold, or creamy hue.
Some green varieties, like ‘Greengage,’ will become a translucent yellow-green when ripe.
A dull finish often indicates ripeness, while a shiny skin usually means it’s not quite ready.

The Touch Test: Gentle Pressure is Key

How the plum feels in your hand is a critical test. You must be gentle to avoid bruising.

Hold the plum gently in your whole palm. Don’t squeeze with your fingertips.
Apply a light, even pressure. A ripe plum will yield slightly, feeling soft but not mushy.
If it feels rock hard, it needs more time on the tree.
If it feels super soft or the skin is wrinkled, it is overripe and may be best for immediate use.

The Taste Test: The Final Proof

When in doubt, taste one! This is the most reliable method if your tree has a lot of fruit.

Pick a single plum that looks promising based on color.
If it tastes sweet and flavorful, the others at a similar stage are likely ready.
If it’s starchy or sour, wait a few more days and test again.

Timing and Seasonal Cues

Plums generally ripen from midsummer to early fall, depending on your climate and variety. Keep an eye on the calendar.

Note your variety’s typical harvest window. A local nursery can provide this info.
Watch for the first “drop.” When a few healthy plums fall from the tree on their own, it’s a strong signal that harvest time is near.
Birds starting to peek at your fruit is another natures cue that ripeness is approaching.

The Stem Twist Method: How to Harvest Properly

Picking the fruit correctly prevents damage to both the plum and the tree’s fruiting spurs for next year.

Cup the ripe plum gently in your hand.
Lift and twist it upwards with a slight rolling motion.
A perfectly ripe plum will detach easily with the stem still attached to the fruit.
If you have to tug hard, it’s not ready. Leave it for another day or two.
Place harvested plums carefully into a shallow basket or tray. Don’t pile them deep, as their own weight can cause bruising.

Why You Shouldn’t Pull or Yank

Pulling can tear the bark and damage the small branch spur that produces fruit. This can hurt next years crop. Always use the twist technique.

Post-Harvest Handling: Ripening Off the Tree

Plums are one of the few fruits that can ripen well after picking. If you need to harvest slightly early to beat pests or weather, you can finish the process indoors.

For firm plums, leave them at room temperature on a counter, out of direct sun.
To speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple. These fruits release ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent.
Check them daily. Once they yield to gentle pressure and smell sweet, they’re ready to eat or refrigerate.
Never store unripe plums in the fridge, as the cold halts the ripening process and can lead to mealy texture.

Storing Your Perfectly Ripe Plums

Proper storage extends your enjoyment. The method depends on the plum’s ripeness.

Ripe & Ready to Eat: Store in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They’ll keep for 3-5 days.
For Longer Storage: Perfectly ripe plums can be pitted, sliced, and frozen on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags.
Always avoid washing plums until right before you eat them. Excess moisture on the skin promotes mold and spoilage in storage.

Troubleshooting Common Harvest Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s what to do.

Plums Are Splitting on the Tree

This is often caused by irregular watering, especially a heavy rain after a dry period. The fruit absorbs water too fast and the skin cracks. Try to maintain consistent soil moisture with mulch and regular watering during dry spells.

Fruit is Dropping Before Ripening

A few drops are normal. A significant June drop is the tree’s way of thinning a heavy set. If mature fruit drops, it could be due to pest damage, extreme heat stress, or lack of water.

Plums Taste Bland or Mealy

This can happen if they were picked to early and then chilled, or if the tree got to much water late in the season. Letting them fully ripen on the tree is the best prevention.

FAQ: Your Plum Picking Questions Answered

How can you tell if a plum is sweet before picking it?
Look for the deep background color and slight give. A sweet smell at the stem end is also a good indicator. The taste test is the ultimate check.

What time of day is best for picking plums?
Pick in the cool of the morning when the fruit is firmest. Avoid picking in the heat of the afternoon, as the plums will be softer and more easily bruised.

Can you ripen a plum after it’s picked?
Yes, absolutely. Plums ripen well off the tree. Leave firm plums at room temperature, or use a paper bag with a banana to speed up the process.

Why are my plums so sour?
They were likely picked to early. Plum develop their sugar content fully in the last few days of ripening on the tree. Patience is key.

How long does it take for plums to ripen after picking?
At room temperature, it usually takes 1 to 3 days. Check them daily by gently pressing near the stem end.

Do different plum varieties have different ripening signs?
Yes, while the principles are the same, the specific color change varies. Know your variety. A ‘Santa Rosa’ will turn deep purple, while a ‘Shiro’ will become a bright, clear yellow.

Mastering the art of picking plums at their peak is rewarding. By using the combination of color, touch, and taste, you’ll harvest fruit with the best possible flavor for eating fresh, baking, or preserving. Your patience will be rewarded with the perfect, juicy bite every single time.