Tropical
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulWaitAugWaitSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Plum is not usually recommended for this broad climate without a protected position or specialist variety.
Grow to Eat
When to plant Plum in Australia
A practical climate-by-climate planting calendar plus detailed starting, care, problem and safety guidance.
StartPlant a bare-root treeLightFull sunTimingFruit in 2–4 yearsDifficultyModerate
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Australian planting calendar
Best months by climate
Highlighted months are the usual planting window. A local nursery, seed packet and current weather forecast should take priority over a broad climate calendar.
Subtropical
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for June, July, August.
Warm temperate
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepPlantOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for June, July, August, September.
Cool temperate
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepPlantOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for June, July, August, September.
Mediterranean
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for June, July, August.
Semi-arid
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for June, July, August.
Arid
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for June, July, August.
Start well
Plant plum with confidence
Soak dry roots briefly, spread them over a small mound and keep the original soil mark level with the surrounding ground.
- Sowing or planting depth
- Plant at the existing crown or root-ball level unless the label specifies otherwise.
- Germination or establishment
- Not normally started from seed in this guide; establishment speed depends on plant size, season and root condition.
- Spacing
- 3–5 m
- Soil
- Deep, free-draining soil with room for a permanent root system; usually ph 6.0–7.0; check the species.
Feeding
Support steady growth
Feed across the root zone in the species' active season rather than piling fertiliser near the trunk.
Water
Keep moisture balanced
Deep-water the root zone while establishing and during fruit development.
Maintenance
What to do as it grows
Train a clear framework while young and prune at the season recommended for the exact stone-fruit species.
Harvest or display
Know when it is ready
Fruit in 2–4 years. Readiness varies with variety and weather; use colour, firmness, size and the supplier's maturity notes rather than the calendar alone.
Problems and companions
Keep your patch healthy
Common watch-outs
Fruit fly, brown rot, leaf curl and birds can reduce crops. Hygiene, timely netting and variety-specific winter care are important.
Useful neighbours
Flowering herbs and low groundcovers may support pollinators. Keep vigorous plants and lawn away from the young tree's root zone.
People and pets
Safety note
No Patch-specific toxicity warning is recorded. That does not prove the plant is safe—check the exact species with a veterinarian or poisons service if children or pets may eat it.
Moving plants
Biosecurity note
Fruit, plants and soil can be restricted between Australian states and pest-control zones. Check current interstate quarantine rules before moving them.
Transparent guidance
How to use this guide
Patch gives a broad Australian starting point, not a guarantee for every variety or garden. Read the Patch methodology and sources, check the latest Bureau of Meteorology climate information, and confirm interstate restrictions through Australian Interstate Quarantine.
Last reviewed 3 September 2026