Collection: Pluot Trees (Plum x Apricot Hybrid)

Exploring the Delightful World of Pluot Trees

Pluots are a modern hybrid fruit combining the sweetness of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) with the juiciness of plum, resulting in a unique and flavorful stone fruit. Known for their rich taste, pluots ripen best at room temperature and can be stored in paper bags to enhance their sweetness. Grown from a pluot tree—also referred to as a plumcot tree—these fruits, like the popular 'Flavor King' variety, are prized in taste tests. For those looking to grow their own, finding the right pluot tree for sale is a great way to enjoy this exceptional fruit at home.

Why Choose a Pluot Tree?

Pluot trees offer a unique and flavorful addition to any garden, thanks to their complex hybrid cross between plums and apricots. Developed by Floyd Zaiger, these pluot trees produce fruit with smooth skin and juicy, sweet flesh, combining the best characteristics of both plums and apricots. With their exceptional sweetness and vibrant flavor, pluots are perfect for enjoying fresh or for adding a touch of gourmet flair to grocery stores. Explore pluot trees for sale and grow your own pluot tree to experience the remarkable taste and ease of cultivation that make pluots a standout choice for fruit enthusiasts.

A Product of Ingenuity: The Pluot's Genetic Journey

The Pluot owes its existence to the ingenious hand-pollination techniques of Floyd Zaiger, a self-taught geneticist and highly respected plant breeder at Zaiger Genetics. Zaiger's process involved intricate cross-breeding between plum trees, including varieties like the Japanese plum, and apricots. Through advanced pollination methods and selective breeding spanning several generations, Zaiger achieved a breakthrough – the Pluot, a hybrid fruit comprised of 75% plum (notably the Santa Rosa plum) and 25% apricot.

This successful cross-breeding has its roots in the earlier work of Luther Burbank, who experimented with plum-apricot hybrids. However, it was Zaiger who perfected the process and created the modern Pluot. The result is a fruit that harmoniously combines the juicy sweetness of plums with the subtle tartness of apricots. This innovation from Zaiger Genetics has given rise to a variety of Pluot cultivars, each distinguished by its unique flavors and appearances. Among these, the 'Dinosaur Egg' stands out for its distinctive taste and texture, adding to the allure of Pluot trees.

The Allure of the Pluot: Flavorful and Versatile

Smooth-skinned like a plum, the Pluot boasts a robust and durable exterior that houses a luscious plum flavor with a hint of apricot. What sets it apart is its chin-dripping juiciness, reminiscent of a fully ripe plum, without the challenges posed by the tough skin and astringent center found in its parent plum tree. Farmers' markets are witness to the Pluot's popularity, with dark purple-skinned varieties often favored for their delectable sweetness.

Beyond their delectable taste, Pluot trees offer an aesthetic appeal that adds to their charm. Their branches gracefully arch, adorned with lush green foliage. In the spring, these trees transform into a spectacle of white or pink blossoms, showcasing delicate beauty. By summer, the trees bear vibrant, juicy fruits that blend plum and apricot hues, a visual testament to their hybrid origin.

Varieties Galore: A Pluot for Every Palate

The world of Pluots unfolds with a diverse array of varieties, each offering a unique flavor experience. Some notable selections include the Dapple Dandy, Flavor King, Flavor Grenade, Flavor Queen, Flavor Supreme, and more. These Pluot cultivars cater to a range of taste preferences, ensuring that there's a Pluot for every palate.

Pluot Tree Climate and Chill Hours

Plumcot trees, a complex hybrid developed by Floyd Zaiger, thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9, making them suitable for a range of climates across the United States. These trees require 300 to 500 chill hours during winter to ensure proper flowering and fruit production. Understanding and meeting this chill hours requirement is crucial for achieving the optimal sweetness and juicy flavor of Pluots, which blend the best characteristics of plums and apricots. Ensure your Pluot trees receive the right amount of chill hours to grow successfully and yield delicious fruit each season.

Growing and Caring for Pluot Trees

For those eager to cultivate their own Pluot trees, it's essential to understand their growth habits and care requirements. Pluot trees are typically semi-dwarf, grafted onto Citation rootstock, except for varieties like Splash, which can reach about 15'-25' unpruned on standard Myro-29C. Semi-dwarf trees will reach 3/4 of standard height, approximately 8'-14'. These trees, when properly cared for, are expected to bear fruit in their 4th or 5th year. Pluots, as cross-pollinated hybrids of plums and apricots, typically need around 300 to 500 chill hours during winter to promote proper flowering and fruit set in the spring.

For more in-depth information about growing and caring for Pluot trees, our blog post, "The World of Pluots: A Guide for Gardeners and Market Farmers," provides valuable insights and tips. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a market farmer, this guide equips you with the knowledge needed to nurture your Pluot trees and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Pest and Disease Management

To ensure the health of your plumcot trees, it's important to manage common pests and diseases that may affect your complex hybrid fruit. Regularly inspect your plumcot tree for signs of pests or diseases that could impact the sweetness and firmness of the flesh. Effective pest management includes monitoring for aphids, spider mites, and fungal issues, while promoting proper pollination and maintaining a healthy environment. By addressing these concerns, you can enjoy the exceptional flavor and juicy sweetness of your plumcot and pluot harvests, whether grown in a nursery or your own garden.

Why Buy Pluot Tree From Us?

When you choose to buy a plumcot tree from us, you're selecting a top-quality complex hybrid developed with the finest characteristics of plums and apricots. Our trees, known for their smooth skin and juicy flesh, are nurtured in our dedicated nursery to ensure exceptional sweetness and flavor. Our plumcot trees, developed using insights into Floyd Zaiger’s breeding techniques, are designed to grow beautifully and produce delicious fruit. They’re ideal for home gardens and grocery stores across the United States, especially when you consider that proper pollination and care are essential for optimal fruit development. Explore our selection today and request your plumcot tree to start growing your own sweet, juicy fruit, picked at peak ripeness!

Enjoy our selections including the Dapple Dandy, Flavor King, Flavor Grenade, Flavor Queen, Flavor Supreme and More!

For more information about growing and care of Pluot Trees, see our blog pots:  The World of Pluots: A Guide for Gardeners and Market Farmers