Formosa Plum Tree

Formosa Plum TreeEvery rare tree purchase supports historical orchard preservation Each handpicked tree includes a durable etched metal display tag Formosa Plum Prunus salicina Historical Significance Developed by legendary horticulturist Luther Burbank in the early 1900s, the Formosa Plum was once acclaimed as the best plum in existence. Known for its exceptional taste and vibrant beauty, it produces large, heart shaped fruit with radiant red skin and golden, apricot

Every rare tree purchase supports historical orchard preservation

Each handpicked tree includes a durable etched metal display tag

Formosa Plum – Prunus salicina

Historical Significance

Developed by legendary horticulturist Luther Burbank in the early 1900s, the Formosa Plum was once acclaimed as “the best plum in existence.” Known for its exceptional taste and vibrant beauty, it produces large, heart-shaped fruit with radiant red skin and golden, apricot-tinged flesh. Despite its outstanding qualities, Formosa mysteriously fell out of commercial favor, yet has endured as a beloved heirloom. A 100-year-old tree still thrives in Newcastle, CA, proving the vigor and longevity of this remarkable variety.

Did You Know? Luther Burbank created more than 800 plant varieties—Formosa Plum was one of his personal favorites for taste and yield.

How to Grow

Climate & Location: Best suited to USDA Zones 6–9. Thrives in areas with warm summers and mild winters. Trees bloom slightly later than others, reducing frost risk in spring.

Soil Requirements: Grafted onto Myrobalan plum rootstock, which offers excellent adaptability to heavy clay or poor soils. Tolerates wet conditions and is resistant to root-knot nematodes and some oak-root fungus. Ideal soil is loamy, well-drained, with moderate fertility.

Planting: Choose a sunny site with good air circulation. Plant in early spring or late fall. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Keep the graft union above soil level. Mulch well to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.

Watering: Provide consistent moisture during establishment. Deep water weekly during the growing season. Once mature, trees are moderately drought tolerant but will yield better with regular irrigation.

Pruning: Prune in winter to maintain open structure and strong branch framework. Thin crowded interior growth to allow sunlight and air to reach developing fruit.

Fruit Production

Pollination: Formosa Plum is self-fertile and does not require a pollenizer, but productivity improves when planted near another Japanese-type plum. Pollinated primarily by honeybees and other wild pollinators.

Thinning: Thin fruit after natural drop in late spring to improve fruit size and reduce limb stress. Leave 4–6 inches between remaining plums.

Fertilization: Apply compost or a balanced organic fruit tree fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive vegetative growth.

Harvesting

Formosa Plum ripens in mid to late summer. Pick fruit when it is fully colored, slightly soft to the touch, and easily detaches with a gentle twist. Ripe fruit is incredibly juicy and aromatic with a distinctive hint of apricot. Handle with care to avoid bruising.

After harvest, store plums in a cool, dry place or refrigerate to extend freshness. Best enjoyed fresh, but also excellent in jams, sauces, or desserts.

Conclusion

The Formosa Plum is a resilient and flavorful heirloom with deep roots in American horticultural history. With its vigorous growth, wide adaptability, and unmatched taste, it deserves a place in every backyard orchard. Grown on hardy Myrobalan rootstock and celebrated for over a century, Formosa Plum connects today’s gardeners with the pioneering legacy of Luther Burbank and the orchard traditions of California’s Gold Rush era.

Explore our full collection of plum trees for sale.

Visit our Plum Tree Growing Guide to learn more about cultivation, care, and pruning techniques.

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To learn more about these historical trees, visit the Felix Gillet Institute.