The Howard Miracle Plum (Prunus salicina) is a highly sought-after fruit variety, cherished for its exceptional flavor. Its reputation as a “miracle” plum comes from its remarkable taste profile, making it a popular choice for home growers.
Unique Characteristics of Howard Miracle Plum
The Howard Miracle Plum has yellow skin often blushed with soft reds and pinks. Its freestone flesh, ranging from light amber to white, is convenient for fresh eating. This variety is known for its complex flavor profile, blending tropical notes of pineapple, orange, grapefruit, and nectarine. It also has a high sugar content and hints of honey, balancing sweetness with a zesty tartness.
The tree has a vigorous, spreading growth habit, reaching 10 to 15 feet in height and spread. Delicate white blossoms appear in March, offering an ornamental display. This mid-season producer typically yields 30 pounds or more of fruit within two to three years of planting, usually ripening in August. Due to its delicate nature, the fruit is not well-suited for commercial shipping, making it a rare find in grocery stores.
Cultivating Howard Miracle Plum
Cultivating the Howard Miracle Plum requires selecting an appropriate site. These trees need full sun exposure, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, and good air circulation. Well-drained, fertile soil, ideally amended with rich compost, is preferred, as plums thrive in moderately moist conditions. If drainage is a concern, a raised planting bed can be beneficial.
The Howard Miracle Plum is suitable for USDA Zones 5 through 9, tolerating cold temperatures down to approximately minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a low chill hour requirement of about 400 hours, making it adaptable to various climates. This variety is not self-fertile and requires a cross-pollinator to produce fruit. Recommended Japanese plum partners include Santa Rosa, Hollywood, or other Satsuma plum varieties. When planting, dig a hole as deep as the tree’s soil line and twice as wide, ensuring proper depth and initial watering.
Ongoing Care for Howard Miracle Plum
Consistent watering is crucial for Howard Miracle Plum trees, especially during dry periods and as fruit develops. Young trees and those in dry conditions benefit from mulching around the root system to retain soil moisture. While specific fertilization guidelines vary, a balanced approach supports healthy growth and fruit production. Plum trees generally benefit from regular fertilization once established, typically in late winter or early spring, with type and frequency varying based on soil tests.
Pruning is a regular part of plum tree maintenance, shaping the tree and enhancing fruit production. Dormant pruning in late winter establishes the tree’s structure and encourages new growth. Summer pruning manages tree size and improves light penetration to developing fruit, contributing to fruit quality. Thinning heavy fruit crops, aiming for about one fruit every six inches, can also increase individual plum size.
While generally resilient, plum trees can face issues like bacterial canker (sunken wounds with amber liquid) and pests such as aphids or plum curculio. Promptly removing infected material and encouraging natural predators helps manage these concerns.
Harvesting and Enjoying Howard Plums
Determining ripeness for Howard Miracle Plums involves observing their color and firmness. The skin transitions from pale yellow to a distinctive yellow with crimson and pink blushes as they mature. The fruit should separate easily from the tree with a gentle twist when ready for harvest. While some sources suggest picking Japanese plums as they begin to soften, Howard Miracle plums are often harvested firm-ripe for better handling due to their delicate nature.
The primary harvest season for Howard Miracle Plums is typically mid-August, though this can vary by region. Once harvested, these plums are best enjoyed fresh due to their exceptional flavor. They can be stored for a week or two, but utilizing or preserving them soon after picking is recommended for optimal taste and texture. Beyond fresh eating, their unique tropical and citrus notes make them excellent for culinary uses such as glazes for roasted meats, sauces for savory dishes, or as an addition to fruit and cheese platters.