How to Grow Plum in New Zealand
Plant bare-root in winter (June to August) while dormant. Japanese plums like Black Doris and Santa Rosa crop earlier and suit most districts, while European types want more winter chill. Many need a second variety nearby for pollination, so check before buying.
When to plant plum in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | June, July, August |
| Auckland | June, July, August |
| Waikato & BoP | June, July, August |
| Wellington | June, July, August |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June, July, August |
| Canterbury | June, July, August |
| Otago & Southland | June, July, August |
| Central Otago | June, July, August |
Best plum varieties for NZ
- Black Doris — The classic New Zealand dark red bottling and dessert plum, heavy cropper. (Waimea Nurseries, garden centres)
- Santa Rosa — Popular early Japanese plum, sweet and juicy, partly self-fertile. (Waimea Nurseries)
- Billington — Reliable red-fleshed New Zealand plum, good fresh and cooked. (Oderings, garden centres)
- Greengage — Sweet rich-flavoured European plum, best in cooler districts. (Waimea Nurseries)
How to grow plum
- Space plants about 400cm apart.
- Sow seed around 30cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 365 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 1 days.
Companion planting
Grow plum near: Nasturtium, Garlic, Chives, Marigold, Comfrey.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Birds, Brown rot, Leafroller. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Plum plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant plum in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in June, July, August. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy plum seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Waimea Nurseries, garden centres, Oderings.