Laroda Plum Tree

Laroda Plum TreeLaroda plum trees are prized for their medium sized fruit with vibrant purple skin and sweet tart, golden yellow flesh. These plums are juicy and flavorful, making them ideal for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. Laroda is a mid to late season variety that thrives in full sun and well draining soil. The tree requires a pollinator, such as Methley or Santa Rosa, for abundant harvests. With its bold flavor, beautiful appearance, and versatility,

Laroda plum trees are prized for their medium-sized fruit with vibrant purple skin and sweet-tart, golden-yellow flesh. These plums are juicy and flavorful, making them ideal for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. Laroda is a mid-to-late season variety that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. The tree requires a pollinator, such as Methley or Santa Rosa, for abundant harvests. With its bold flavor, beautiful appearance, and versatility, Laroda is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking unique and high-quality plums.

Semi-dwarf on Citation rootstock.

The Laroda Plum Tree stands as a pinnacle of flavor and suitability for warmer climates, offering sweet, juicy plums with a remarkable wine-like essence. Delve into the nuances of growing and nurturing this tree to enjoy a bountiful harvest of exceptional plums.

• Growing Zones: Ideal for zones 6-9.
• Chill Requirements: Needs about 400-500 chill hours for fruiting.
• Bloom Time: Late February to Early March
• Harvesting Dates: Generally harvested from July to August.
• Looks: The Laroda Plum has dark purple skin with red and amber flesh.
• Personality: Known for its excellent flavor, being juicy with an extraordinary wine-like taste.
• Facts of Note: Considered one of the best-tasting Japanese plums. Originated from a Santa Rosa x Gaviota cross, with a firm texture and high sweetness balanced with acidity. Often used for making jams, jellies, and fresh eating.
• Pollinator: Pollinated by Santa Rosa, Nubiana, Late Santa Rosa, or Burgundy plum varieties.
• Ideal Soil Temperatures: Thrives in temperatures around 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C).
• Planting Depths: Plant young trees at the same depth they were growing in the nursery container.
• Germination Periods: Typically grown from grafted trees rather than seeds. Germination isn't applicable.
• Height at Maturity: Grows to a height of around 15-20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 meters).
• Days to Maturity: Starts producing fruit in about 2-3 years, with full maturity achieved in 5-7 years.
• Sun/Shade: Laroda Plums prefer full sun for optimal fruit production.
• Spacing After Thinning: Proper spacing is crucial; maintain a spacing of about 4-6 inches apart for healthy growth.

Best Suited for Warm Climates: 

Thriving in Zones 6-9, the Laroda Plum Tree flourishes in full sun conditions. Its semi-dwarf nature on Citation rootstock makes it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or home gardens.

Chill Hours and Harvest Time: 

Requiring around 400-500 chill hours, this tree blooms and bears fruit from July to August. Its appearance is characterized by dark purple skin enveloping red and amber flesh, offering a delightful visual and flavorful treat.

Extraordinary Flavor Profile: 

Renowned for its exceptional flavor, Laroda plums are considered among the best-tasting Japanese plums. Originating from a cross by Dr. Claron O. Hesse, it boasts a wine-like essence that pairs high sweetness with a balanced acidity, delivering an unparalleled taste.

Origin and Characteristics: 

Developed as a Santa Rosa x Gaviota cross in 1943 and introduced in 1954, Laroda inherits its dark skin from Santa Rosa with amber flesh adorned by red streaks. Its texture leans toward firmness, elevating its suitability for fresh consumption, jams, and jellies.

Cultivation and Growth: 

The tree exhibits tight, upright growth patterns, making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces or home gardens. Its manageable size, coupled with proper pruning techniques, allows for easy maintenance and control, especially when kept below 10 feet through summer pruning.

Pollination Requirements: 

To ensure optimal fruit set, the Laroda Plum Tree requires suitable pollinators such as Santa Rosa, Nubiana, Late Santa Rosa, or Burgundy. Planting these compatible varieties nearby promotes cross-pollination and enhances fruit production.

Versatility in Use: 

Laroda plums are versatile, ideal for both fresh eating and culinary purposes. Their exceptional flavor makes them a delightful choice for jams, jellies, and other culinary creations.

Cultivating a Laroda Plum Tree requires attention to its preferred growing conditions, ensuring full sun exposure and proper pollination. With its exceptional flavor and adaptability to warm climates, this tree stands as an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking delectable, sweet, and juicy plums.

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