Methley is unusual within our range of plums and gages because it is the only Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) we offer - all our other trees are European plum varieties (Prunus domestica).
Japanese plums are much more widely grown around the world (including Europe, but not the UK) and therefore available in supermarkets year-round, so you have probably come across Methley or similar varieties.
Like many Japanese plums, Methley has a dark red flesh. The flavour is milder than most European plums.
**All prices include delivery. We offer a discount on orders of multiple bare-root trees for delivery at the same time - this will be shown at the checkout.
Delivery period: Pot-grown trees can be delivered from September onwards. Bare-root trees can be delivered from mid-November onwards. Within those periods you can specify your preferred month of delivery during the checkout process. It is best to order as soon as you can to ensure items are reserved for you.
*Mature heights: Height shown is the approximate height of the tree when mature (after 5-10 years), not the height when supplied. See photos of trees as supplied. Actual mature heights may vary considerably dependent on your local conditions and training and pruning regime.
Stock availability: Items showing as 'sold out' will probably be available again next season. If you would like to reserve in advance use our enquiry form - this does not commit you to anything.
Methley is self-fertile and does not need a pollination partner, although fruiting may be improved if there is a compatible tree of a different variety nearby.
Important: advice about pollination
Like most Japanese plums, Methley is potentially a heavy cropper. However, it flowers very early (well before European varieties) and in the uncertain conditions of a UK spring, this can put the blossom at risk from frosts or bad weather. For this reason it is best grown in a sheltered location with a warm south-facing aspect. The blossom is more abundant than with European varieties, and this adds some ornamental interest.
Japanese plums do not cross-pollinate with European plums, however this should not be a problem because Methley is a self-fertile variety.
Methley ripens in mid-July in southern England.
Planting instructions.
Pruning instructions.
Developed by Californian fruit enthusiast Luther Burbank in the late 19th century.
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